Sen. Teresa Ruiz

Maddy summarySJR 97 designates the last week of April each year as "Reentry Week" in New Jersey to raise public awareness about the challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face when returning to their communities. The resolution specifically highlights barriers such as finding housing, employment, healthcare, and family reunification, encouraging state agencies and community organizations to support reentry efforts. It permits the Governor to issue an annual proclamation promoting observance of the week but does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires transportation network company drivers (like those for Uber or Lyft) in New Jersey to complete a state-approved anti-human trafficking training course within 90 days of joining or being reapproved. The training, which can be taken online, covers human trafficking definitions, drivers' role in recognizing and reporting it, and how to report suspected cases. Drivers must certify completion to their company, and companies must track this in driver records while protecting the data from public disclosure under open records laws. The law applies to all drivers of these companies, both new applicants and existing drivers.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the delivery of electronic smoking devices and tobacco products to anyone under 21 years old. It requires that when delivering such products to a residence, the delivery person must obtain the signature of a resident who is at least 21 years old (with an exception for U.S. Postal Service employees acting in their official duties). Violations by retailers result in civil fines starting at $250 for the first offense, increasing to $1,000 for third or subsequent violations, and may lead to license suspension after a second violation. The law directly affects retailers, online sellers, and delivery services that handle these products.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2867 requires the Department of Education (DOE) to create and maintain a free, publicly searchable online registry for tutoring services. The registry will list individuals and organizations (like certified teachers, college students, industry professionals, and relevant nonprofits) offering free tutoring to students, including their contact details, subject expertise, and availability. To join, applicants must undergo criminal background checks (except for currently certified teachers), and organizations must verify their tutors' checks. The DOE must include a disclaimer stating the registry isn't an endorsement of service quality.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey State Police to create a maternity leave policy for troopers who provide proof of pregnancy. It mandates at least eight weeks of continuous paid leave after childbirth, with full pay and benefits that do not count against sick leave balances. The policy also prohibits residency restrictions or integrity checks during this leave period. The Superintendent must post clear details about the policy - including required forms, FAQs, and contact information - on the State Police intranet. The policy applies directly to pregnant State Police troopers and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance carriers and pharmacy benefits managers in New Jersey to apply third-party discounts and payments toward an individual's cost-sharing amounts, including copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs for covered health benefits. It prohibits insurers from using "accumulators" that would prevent these discounts from reducing an individual's cost-sharing responsibility. The bill mandates that carriers must give credit for any cost-sharing amount paid by the enrollee or on their behalf by another party when calculating out-of-pocket costs. It also requires annual certification to the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance to verify compliance with these requirements. The bill takes effect January 1, 2025, and applies to all health benefits plans offered or issued by carriers in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office of New Americans within New Jersey's Department of Human Services to support immigrants, refugees, and their families (referred to as "New Americans"). It formalizes an existing office created in 2019, directing it to administer refugee resettlement services, health screenings, legal aid for low-income New Americans, and workforce development programs. The office will serve as a central hub for data and expertise, providing training to other state agencies on equitable engagement with immigrant communities and ensuring language access services. Crucially, the bill prohibits using collected data for immigration enforcement purposes.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health care providers, such as physicians and registered nurses, to screen pregnant patients for lead exposure if risk factors are identified using federal guidelines from the CDC and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Providers must perform the screening once per pregnancy and, if elevated lead levels are detected, notify the patient in writing, explain the risks, and ensure that children under six in the household are screened. Laboratories must report test results to the Department of Health and local health departments within five business days. All screening records are kept confidential in a central database, with statistical reports available without personal information, and patients may opt out in writing.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey paid and part-paid fire departments to adopt a written policy within 180 days addressing pregnancy-related workplace needs. The policy must cover disclosure of pregnancy, medical certifications for duty limitations, availability of light-duty assignments, and information about leave usage and continued benefits. Departments must follow National Fire Protection Association standards when creating the policy, which must be reviewed annually. It directly affects pregnant firefighters by ensuring clear, standardized workplace accommodations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public water suppliers in New Jersey to immediately notify affected municipalities, school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and colleges when a drinking water violation occurs that triggers a federal Tier 2 public notice. Suppliers must provide specific details including the contaminant, test dates, locations, and levels exceeding safety standards, plus suggested remedies. The notification must be sent via phone and email to the relevant local government and education leaders. This directly affects water providers and ensures schools/communities receive timely, detailed information about water quality issues.