Sen. Bob Singer

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual funding for cancer research in New Jersey by directing $10 million in cigarette and tobacco tax revenues to the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research (NJCCR), up from the current $1 million. It establishes a permanent, non-lapsing "Cancer Research Fund" in the state Treasury, ensuring these funds cannot be diverted to other state budgets. The fund must allocate at least $5 million annually to general cancer research and at least $5 million specifically to pediatric cancer research, with all spending requiring approval by the NJCCR. The State Treasurer manages the fund, and any interest earned is reinvested into the fund for ongoing research support.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits hospitals from relying solely on automated vendor management systems to hire temporary staff during public health emergencies or critical staffing shortages. Instead, hospitals must make a good faith effort to use all available methods to secure workers, including contracting directly with authorized staffing agencies. The Department of Health will monitor compliance through inspections and posted information, and hospitals that fail to follow these rules face penalties. The law does not change existing regulations on vendor credentialing or compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies and other health carriers in New Jersey to reimburse healthcare providers for vaccines at a rate no lower than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cost per dose rate listed on the CDC's official price list. It directly affects health insurance carriers (including companies and health plans) and healthcare providers who administer vaccines. The key provision sets a minimum reimbursement rate based on the CDC's actual per-dose cost effective on the date the vaccine was provided. This ensures providers are paid at least the CDC's contracted price, preventing underpayment for vaccine administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Student-Parent Protection Act," protects parenting students in New Jersey higher education institutions. It prohibits schools from requiring students to withdraw, take leave, or limit studies solely due to parenting, pregnancy, or pregnancy-related issues. Schools must provide reasonable accommodations (like makeup work, flexible scheduling, or excused absences for medical needs) and create written anti-discrimination policies that are posted online and distributed at orientations. The law defines "parenting students" as those enrolled in higher education who are parents or legal guardians of children under 18.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all licensed general and special hospitals in New Jersey to create and implement evidence-based protocols for early sepsis recognition and treatment. The protocols must cover screening, treatment guidelines (with separate adult and pediatric components), infection source identification, antibiotic timing, and exclusion criteria for inappropriate cases. Hospitals must submit protocols to the Department of Health within 120 days of enactment, train staff regularly, and annually report data to track adherence and mortality rates for quality improvement. The law focuses on standardizing care for a life-threatening condition that can cause organ damage or death if untreated.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to create security risk assessment guidance for public and private colleges and universities that receive state funding. The guidance will help institutions evaluate hazards related to campus safety, data security, emergency planning, infrastructure, and mental health access, while also providing a standardized checklist for annual reviews. Institutions must submit completed checklists to the office each year, and these documents will remain confidential but may inform decisions about state grants for safety upgrades. The office will also offer technical assistance to ensure consistent completion of assessments across all affected schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May of each year as "Foster Care Month" in New Jersey to raise awareness about the state's foster care system and honor the professionals and caregivers who support children in care. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic designation to encourage public recognition and community engagement with foster care issues. It requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation calling for appropriate observances during the designated month. The bill focuses on promoting visibility for the approximately 3,100 children in New Jersey's foster care system and acknowledging the work of child welfare professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new security grant program for private colleges and universities in New Jersey that are at high risk of violence, vandalism, or cyber attacks. The $5 million appropriation will fund security measures such as hiring personnel, purchasing protective equipment, and installing surveillance systems at eligible institutions. The Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness will manage the program, prioritizing schools that haven't recently received similar state or federal security funding. Private institutions must apply and explain how they plan to use the grant money for security improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants priority course registration to undergraduate student parents at New Jersey institutions of higher education that already offer priority registration to other student groups. To qualify, a student must be a New Jersey resident and the parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 years of age. The legislation requires schools to notify eligible students before each semester's registration period and to process their registration using the same procedures as other priority groups, such as student-athletes or military veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every higher education institution in New Jersey to appoint at least one employee as a student parent liaison. The liaison would serve as the main contact point for student parents seeking accommodations or leave related to parenting responsibilities. Their role includes informing student parents about available academic support services, success strategies, and other resources designed to meet their unique needs. The contact information for these liaisons must be easily accessible on each institution's website. This law aims to improve access to support services for student parents without changing existing funding or eligibility requirements.