Sen. Teresa Ruiz

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-run central registry to manage background checks for employees and volunteers in non-school youth organizations (like sports teams, after-school programs, and youth clubs). Organizations must register with the state and pay a fee to access the registry, which requires all staff and volunteers to undergo criminal background checks every two years. Individuals convicted of specific crimes - such as violence against children, certain drug offenses, or crimes against family members - would be disqualified from serving in these roles. The registry allows organizations to check a person's status securely and ensures disqualifying records are updated and shared across participating groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2240) creates a rebuttable presumption requiring pretrial detention for defendants charged with domestic violence involving strangulation. It directly affects individuals accused of domestic violence crimes where strangulation was used, as defined under New Jersey law. The key provision shifts the standard: prosecutors must only seek a detention hearing, and the court must presume detention is necessary unless the defendant successfully rebuts this presumption at a hearing. This changes the burden of proof, making it harder for such defendants to secure release before trial compared to other domestic violence cases. The bill amends existing pretrial detention procedures (P.L.2014, c.31) to specifically address strangulation in domestic violence contexts.

Maddy summaryThis bill, now law as P.L.2025, c.296, establishes a regulated system for psilocybin use in New Jersey to treat behavioral health conditions. It authorizes licensed psilocybin service centers to provide supervised sessions for adults 21+ with conditions like depression or anxiety, requiring trained facilitators and mandatory follow-up therapy sessions. The law creates licensing requirements for service centers, manufacturers, and facilitators, and mandates a state advisory board to oversee implementation. It directly affects New Jersey residents aged 21+ with behavioral health needs seeking this treatment option, while prohibiting access for minors and preventing illegal diversion.

Maddy summaryS 2248 prohibits New Jersey automobile insurers from using an applicant's or policyholder's education level, occupation, or credit score (including credit report details) when determining car insurance rates or assigning rating tiers. The bill directly affects all drivers applying for or renewing private passenger auto insurance in New Jersey by banning these factors from underwriting decisions. Key provisions include requiring insurers to file underwriting rules with the commissioner for approval and prohibiting them from even asking about these factors during applications. If enacted, this would prevent insurers from basing rates on these criteria, which critics argue disproportionately impact low-income and minority drivers.

Maddy summaryS 564 requires all health insurance plans sold in New Jersey - including hospital service contracts, medical service plans, individual policies, group plans, and HMOs - to cover prenatal genetic testing during the first trimester of pregnancy. It specifically mandates coverage for three test types: carrier screening (blood/tissue tests for inherited disorders), nuchal translucency screening, and chorionic villus sampling. The law states coverage must be provided "to the same extent as for any other medical condition," meaning no additional out-of-pocket costs for these tests. This bill directly affects pregnant individuals seeking genetic screening and all health insurers operating in New Jersey, though it remains pending in the Senate Commerce Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryS 1077, the "Incarcerated Women's Protection Act," requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections to implement gender-responsive policies for female inmates. It establishes a Division of Women's Services to address specific needs like trauma treatment, parenting support, and child reunification, while mandating doula services for pregnant incarcerated women and specialized training for staff on gender-responsive practices. The bill also creates a Prison Rape Elimination Act Compliance Unit and a Special Victim's Unit to investigate sexual misconduct allegations. These provisions directly affect all women incarcerated in New Jersey state facilities and their correctional staff. (Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into P.L.2025, c.305.)

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" in New Jersey's General Fund to address gaps in abortion provider availability and enhance clinic security. The fund will directly support three programs: (1) clinical training for health care professionals to expand access, (2) security grants for facilities facing threats like violence or cyberattacks, and (3) loans for reproductive health care facilities. It targets providers in underserved areas, including southern counties with no abortion clinics, as highlighted in a 2023 Rutgers report. The fund will finance these programs using state appropriations and interest earnings, aiming to sustain providers and protect patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2212) requires sellers and landlords to disclose if a cellular telephone transmitter (like a cell tower) is within 100 feet of residential property being sold or rented. It affects homebuyers, renters, sellers, landlords, and municipal clerks. Key provisions include: sellers must provide written notice of transmitter locations at contract signing, allowing buyers to cancel within 5 business days; landlords must include this disclosure prominently in rental agreements; and municipalities must maintain a public list of transmitter locations. Failure to disclose incurs a $500 fine per violation, though sellers/landlords are exempt if the transmitter wasn’t listed by the municipality.

Maddy summaryS 2226 requires children under age 6 entering public preschools, public schools, or Head Start programs for the first time to have a comprehensive eye exam completed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist by January 1 of their initial enrollment year. Schools must collect proof of the exam from parents, and the state will maintain a list of low-cost or free exam resources for families on its website and provide it to schools. A new "Comprehensive Eye Examination Fund" will cover exam costs for uninsured children or those without healthcare coverage. The bill is pending in the Senate Education Committee after being introduced on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey municipalities with career fire departments to deploy personnel for fire suppression and rescue operations in line with NFPA 1710 (2020 edition), a nationally recognized safety standard. It mandates the Commissioner of Community Affairs to create implementing rules and directs municipal governing bodies or fire commissioners to ensure compliance. The policy directly affects paid or part-paid fire departments that respond to at least 50% of initial full-alarm assignments. It aims to standardize safety practices for career firefighters, preventing local relaxation of requirements due to budget or political considerations. The law takes immediate effect upon passage.