Sen. Teresa Ruiz

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1067) requires the state's Department of Human Services to conduct a landscape analysis of mental health services accessible to deaf and hard of hearing residents. It mandates that mental health services be provided in a client's primary communication method (like sign language or speech), delivered by professionals certified in that method and trained in culturally appropriate care for the deaf community. The bill also requires the creation of a resource guide listing providers meeting these standards and defines key terms like "culturally affirmative mental health services." It directly affects deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking mental health care across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey municipalities to submit quarterly data on affordable housing and senior citizen housing units to the Department of Community Affairs. The information includes building addresses, management contacts, application status, and online application links. This data will be published on state government websites (Community Affairs, Housing Finance Agency, and Housing Resource Center) and linked from municipal websites. The bill directly affects local governments by mandating data reporting and aims to make housing availability information more accessible to the public. It does not change housing eligibility or funding but creates a centralized public resource.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 17-member Chronic Absenteeism Task Force to study chronic absenteeism in New Jersey public schools. The task force, including the Commissioner of Education and members appointed by legislative leaders and education stakeholders, will analyze causes like barriers to attendance, mental health impacts, and pandemic-related absences. It must issue a final report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year, after which the task force will expire. The bill does not change school policies or funding but creates a structured process to assess and address absenteeism trends.

Maddy summaryThis bill reassigns $350,000 currently allocated to the City of Perth Amboy for "Borinqueneer Park Improvements" to the Borinqueneers Park Education Alliance, a New Jersey nonprofit. The funds remain unchanged within the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations act, with no new funding added. The nonprofit is established to support a memorial honoring the 65th Infantry Regiment (nicknamed "The Borinqueneers"), a segregated Puerto Rican unit awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2016. The change only shifts the recipient of existing funds, directly affecting the nonprofit's ability to advance the memorial project.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all menstrual product packages sold in New Jersey to list every ingredient in descending order of prevalence, displayed clearly for consumers. It applies directly to manufacturers selling tampons, pads, discs, cups, or underwear (both disposable and reusable) in the state. The law mandates this labeling on retail packaging, excluding shipping containers, and establishes civil penalties for noncompliance (up to 1% of annual in-state sales per noncompliant package, capped at $1,000). The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "New Jersey Menopause Coverage Act," requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover medically necessary treatments for perimenopause and menopause. It mandates coverage for specific treatments including hormone therapies, non-hormonal medications, behavioral health services, pelvic floor therapy, bone health treatments, preventative care for related conditions like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, and counseling. Insurers must provide clear information about these covered services to their members. The law applies to all health insurance plans in New Jersey, including individual policies, group plans, and state health benefit programs. It defines "menopause" as the natural end of menstrual cycles after 12 consecutive months without a period, and "perimenopause" as the transitional period leading to menopause.

Maddy summaryS 4337 allows New Jersey adults (18+), emancipated minors, or their authorized representatives (like parents or legal guardians) to create a written directive stating they do not want opioids administered or prescribed. The directive must use a form developed by the New Jersey Department of Health and can be revoked anytime. Health care providers are protected from liability or disciplinary action if they follow the directive in good faith, though opioids may still be prescribed if medically necessary. This bill establishes a simple, accessible system for patient choice regarding opioid use.

Maddy summaryS 4290 allows registered businesses in New Jersey to opt for email notifications instead of paper mail for new regulations and economic incentives affecting their operations. It applies to all business entities (excluding nonprofits and government agencies) required to register with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Businesses can provide an email address during registration or renewal, after which the Division will send updates electronically and stop paper communications. They may later switch back to paper by submitting a request to the Division. The bill requires the Division to coordinate these notifications with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Maddy summaryS 3153 prohibits New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) from using federal benefits - such as Social Security or veterans' payments received by children in foster care - to cover the state's costs for their care. Instead, DCF must use these benefits to pay for the child's unmet needs (like medical or educational expenses) beyond what the state is obligated to cover, or save them in a dedicated account for the child's future. DCF is also required to apply for federal benefits on behalf of eligible children, notify the child, parents, and courts, and provide annual reports on how the funds are managed. This ensures children's federal benefits are preserved for their direct benefit rather than being used to reimburse the state.

Maddy summaryS 4569 appropriates $13.64 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to fund conservation and recreation projects through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The bill allocates $8.35 million for nonprofit organizations to acquire land for open space (across 8 specific projects), $2.13 million for park development (across 2 projects), and $1.48 million for stewardship activities (across 4 projects). Additionally, $1 million establishes a new planning grant program to help nonprofits prepare conservation plans, and $681,000 covers administrative costs. All projects listed in the bill have been pre-approved by the DEP. The funding comes from a dedicated tax revenue stream established by the Preserve New Jersey Act.