Sen. Teresa Ruiz

Maddy summaryS 2243 requires every public college and university in New Jersey to create a menstrual equity task force within six months of the law's effective date. The task force, appointed by each institution's president and including diverse campus stakeholders (students, faculty, housing, health centers, etc.), must develop a detailed plan for free menstrual product access within six months. The plan must cover product needs, distribution locations, costs, and a 12-month implementation timeline. Institutions must implement the approved plan within one year, ensuring equal access to menstrual products while reducing stigma. The bill defines "menstrual equity" as removing barriers to care and addressing stigma around menstruation.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1631 adds height and weight to the list of protected characteristics under the state's Law Against Discrimination. It makes it illegal for employers, public accommodations (like restaurants and stores), and housing providers to discriminate based on these factors. The bill amends existing law to include "height or weight" alongside categories like race, disability, and gender identity in all relevant sections. Enforcement will continue through the Division on Civil Rights, which handles complaints about discrimination.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent "Civil Air Patrol Fund" within New Jersey's Department of Military Affairs, requiring an annual $100,000 appropriation from the state General Fund. The fund supports the New Jersey Civil Air Patrol Wing by financing specific programs like cadet STEM/aviation training, search and rescue preparation, disaster relief equipment (including a Redbird flight simulator), and volunteer training. Unspent funds carry forward annually, and the fund may also accept federal grants and public donations. It directly affects the Civil Air Patrol's operational capacity for emergency services and youth development in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1461) modifies New Jersey's statewide academic credit transfer agreements for public colleges and establishes a New Jersey Transfer Ombudsman within the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. It requires public institutions to create a unified transfer agreement ensuring seamless credit transfers for general education courses, associate degrees (including those earned through NJ PLACE apprenticeship programs), and dual/concurrent enrollment credits between all public colleges. The agreement must include standardized policies for credit application, an appeals process for disputes, and data collection to monitor compliance. The new Ombudsman will oversee implementation, resolve transfer issues, and ensure the agreement supports student academic success. This directly affects students transferring between New Jersey's public community colleges and four-year institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retailers to sell children's Halloween costumes (defined as costumes marketed for use by those under 18) with reflective material attached or included in the package. The law applies to costumes sold on or after November 15 following enactment, with penalties of up to $500 for first offenses and $1,000 for repeat violations. It aims to improve visibility for trick-or-treaters at night, aligning with Consumer Product Safety Commission recommendations to reduce accidents caused by low visibility. The requirement directly affects retailers selling children's costumes, not parents or costume makers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Taxation to create and maintain a free, online training program specifically for small and micro-businesses. The program will teach how to file and pay state taxes, including corporation business tax, gross income tax, and sales tax. It must be available on the Division's website and updated as tax laws change. The bill directly affects small and micro-business owners who need guidance on complying with New Jersey's tax filing requirements.

Maddy summaryS 3408 extends Medicaid coverage for eligible pregnant women in New Jersey to 365 days, beginning on the last day of pregnancy, replacing the current 60-day postpartum period. This change directly affects pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid, ensuring continuous health coverage for a full year after childbirth without requiring reapplication. The bill codifies this extended coverage period into state law, making it permanent rather than relying on temporary administrative policies. This provision aims to support maternal health by maintaining uninterrupted access to medical care during the critical postpartum period.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students at New Jersey public and nonpublic schools, colleges, and licensed institutions to request that their preferred name appear on diplomas instead of their legal name, without requiring legal documentation for a name or gender change. Schools may deny requests only if the preferred name misrepresents identity, avoids legal obligations, harms the institution, or is inappropriate. For former students needing updated records after a legal name change, schools must reissue documents like diplomas or transcripts upon receipt of acceptable proof (e.g., driver's license, court order), charging only a nominal fee. The bill applies to all institutions offering academic degrees and takes effect shortly after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Office of Community Schools within New Jersey's Department of Education to support public schools, charter schools, and renaissance schools in implementing community-based educational models. The office will provide training, grants, and technical assistance to schools adopting these models, which integrate educational, health, and family services to address student needs. It allocates $10 million total ($2 million from the state budget and $8 million from federal funds) to establish the office and fund its activities. The office must publish a statewide list of participating schools and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryS 3382 increases the maximum bond amount the state can issue to cover its share of school facility projects in SDA districts (high-need districts) and other school districts. The new limits set $2.9 billion for SDA districts and $1 billion for all other districts (with $50 million reserved for county vocational schools). Voter approval is required before any bonds under these new limits can be issued. This directly affects school districts seeking state funding for building improvements, enabling more resources for facility upgrades while maintaining fiscal oversight.