Sen. Teresa Ruiz

Maddy summaryS 2273 bans the use of perchloroethylene (PCE) in consumer and commercial products and prohibits all commercial uses of trichloroethylene (TCE) in New Jersey. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt rules within two years that mirror the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 regulations on these chemicals, including any exemptions or phased timelines. Facilities that continue using PCE must implement measures to protect workers from exposure. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 3161 requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury and Department of Human Services to annually report to the Governor and Legislature on funding for two key programs. For NJ FamilyCare (which covers Medicaid and CHIP health coverage for low-income residents), the report must identify available state funds and evaluate care quality, then prioritize the 12 most urgent policy changes needed to fix deficiencies. Similarly, for child care subsidy programs, the report must identify unspent state funds and evaluate service quality, compiling a prioritized list of 12 needed improvements with required funding. The bill mandates these annual reports starting January 1 after enactment, focusing on using existing funds more effectively to improve program quality.

Maddy summaryS 2223 requires New Jersey colleges and universities receiving state student aid funds to adopt specific policies addressing sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. The bill mandates an "affirmative consent" standard - requiring clear, ongoing, voluntary agreement for sexual activity (not just absence of resistance), and prohibits defenses like "I thought they consented" if the accused was intoxicated or failed to verify consent. Institutions must also use the preponderance-of-evidence standard in disciplinary cases, provide trauma-informed training for staff, establish victim-centered protocols for reporting and support, partner with community organizations for services, and implement mandatory prevention programs including orientation sessions. These policies apply to incidents involving students both on and off campus.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands requirements for human trafficking public awareness signage by adding new locations where businesses and public spaces must display it. Specifically, it mandates that gas stations, staffing agencies, law enforcement offices, nail salons, and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission offices must post the signage in visible areas like restrooms and lobbies. The signage must be 8.5x11 inches, in 16-point English and Spanish text, and non-compliance carries $300 for a first offense and $1,000 for repeat violations. The bill targets establishments where trafficking may occur or victims might seek help, aiming to increase public awareness of the national anti-trafficking hotline.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2262) requires health care providers and insurers to obtain a patient’s explicit written consent before sharing medical records related to reproductive health care services - including pregnancy, contraception, or abortion care - with anyone outside the care team, unless specific exceptions apply. Patients must be informed of their right to withhold consent before receiving care or when sharing information about past services. Limited exceptions allow disclosure during medical emergencies, for legal compliance (like court orders), to protect against liability claims, or for investigations into abuse. Violations could trigger $1,000 penalties per incident, but the law explicitly preserves existing HIPAA protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create rules allowing low- and moderate-income residential customers to self-attest to their income for community solar program participation, instead of providing traditional income documentation. It directly affects households qualifying as low- or moderate-income who wish to join community solar programs established under 2018 law (P.L.2018, c.17). The key provision replaces current income verification requirements with a self-attestation method, to be defined by the BPU in new regulations. This change aims to simplify access to community solar benefits for qualifying residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates legal immunity for individuals, hospitals, and nonprofits that donate feminine hygiene products (like tampons and pads) to homeless shelters or other charitable organizations. It protects donors and distributors from lawsuits if the products are "apparently usable" (meeting basic quality standards) when donated, unless harm results from gross negligence or intentional misconduct. The law directly helps women experiencing homelessness or financial hardship by encouraging more donations of essential products without legal fear. It applies to all such donations made in good faith, aiming to address period poverty without altering existing tax exemptions for these items.

Maddy summaryS 2203 requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections (DOC) to provide prenatal and post-partum services to pregnant female inmates under age 60. Upon entry to a correctional facility, all such inmates must be tested for pregnancy, and if confirmed, they would receive mandatory prenatal education, medical evaluations, nutritional counseling, and counseling on pregnancy options (including family planning, birth control, and child placement). The bill also mandates ongoing care for those continuing pregnancies, including obstetrical services, maternity clothing, adjusted housing, and reduced work schedules as medically needed. This bill, introduced in January 2026 and pending committee review, directly affects incarcerated pregnant women in New Jersey state facilities.

Maddy summaryS 2570, "Penny's Law," requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop accessibility guidelines for public beaches within one year. The guidelines must cover physical features like ramps, restrooms, surf chairs, parking, and boardwalks to improve access for people with disabilities. The DEP must consult disability advocacy groups and consider federal accessibility standards during development. Once created, the guidelines will be published online and distributed to all municipalities with public beaches, though the bill does not mandate immediate implementation by local governments. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires limited liability companies (LLCs) and foreign LLCs to disclose specific information when purchasing residential rental properties. When recording a deed for such property, the LLC must attach an affidavit naming its registered agent (including their business address) and, if the agent isn’t a company member, at least one company member’s name. This applies to all residential rental properties owned by LLCs, regardless of the number of dwelling units. The disclosure must be submitted with the deed at the time of recording, enhancing transparency for property transfers involving LLCs.