Sen. Angela McKnight

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the civil service classification for State Investigators working in New Jersey's Division of Criminal Justice. Currently, these investigators are in the "unclassified service" (without full civil service protections), but the bill moves them to a "classified title" where they would receive standard civil service benefits like job security and due process. The change applies to all current and future State Investigators in this division, requiring the Civil Service Commission to convert existing positions from unclassified to classified status upon the bill's effective date. This is a procedural adjustment to employment classification, not a policy change affecting the public or law enforcement procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create and distribute a water safety fact sheet to parents and guardians of students in public and nonpublic schools. The fact sheet must cover reducing drowning risks, the importance of swim lessons, proper flotation device use, and monitoring water conditions. Public school districts must annually distribute the fact sheet to parents and maintain an online list of local swim lessons (including free/reduced-cost options), updating it yearly. Nonpublic schools are encouraged but not required to distribute the fact sheet.

Maddy summaryS 2950 gradually reduces the employee threshold for New Jersey's Family Leave Act, lowering the minimum number of workers an employer must have to be covered from 30 to 5 employees over two years. Starting immediately, businesses with 20+ employees must comply, then 10+ employees after one year, and finally 5+ employees after two years. This change extends job protection rights to employees of smaller businesses, ensuring workers can return to their jobs after family leave for reasons like birth, adoption, or caring for a sick family member. Previously, employers with fewer than 30 employees were exempt from these reinstatement requirements.

Maddy summaryACR 165 is a non-binding resolution urging New Jersey school districts to establish concussion management teams. These teams, made up of school-based professionals like nurses, psychologists, and athletic trainers, would support students recovering from concussions and help them safely return to classroom and sports activities. The resolution highlights that while school districts already have mandatory concussion policies, forming these teams would provide immediate, coordinated care during school hours. It directs copies to be sent to the Commissioner of Education and all school districts as a recommendation to enhance student care.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a free early language instruction program for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children under age 5 and their families in New Jersey. It requires the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (in the Department of Human Services) to match eligible children with American Sign Language (ASL) Deaf Language Associates who provide up to 25 hours weekly of instruction and support in settings like homes, childcare, and preschools. Families must provide proof of the child’s hearing loss, age, and New Jersey residency to qualify. The program also includes additional services like case management, interpreter coordination, hearing aid resources, and sensitivity training for healthcare and education providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows operators of New Jersey's Suicide Hopeline to make follow-up phone calls to minors aged 16 or older who call for mental health crisis support and are identified as high risk for suicide, without requiring parental consent. The minor's consent to these follow-up calls is valid as if they were an adult, and the communication remains confidential - meaning it does not need to be reported to parents. Currently, national guidelines for suicide hotlines require parental permission for such follow-up calls, creating a barrier to immediate support. The bill directly affects at-risk youth under 18 who use the Suicide Hopeline, enabling more timely intervention during crises.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1939 requires chain restaurants (with 20+ locations) to meet specific nutritional standards for children's meals sold at a single price. The bill limits meals to 550 calories, 700mg sodium, 15g added sugar, and 10% saturated fat, while mandating at least 0.5 cups of fresh fruits or vegetables or a lean protein option. It also restricts beverages to water, milk, or 100% fruit/vegetable juice without added sweeteners. Restaurants must display the meal's nutritional content prominently on menus or signage. This bill directly affects chain restaurants operating in New Jersey and aims to improve childhood nutrition through concrete dietary requirements.

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 requires New Jersey county prosecutors to collect and report specific data about firearm-related incidents that did not cause bodily injury. Prosecutors must gather details like incident location, date, charges, and whether the firearm was used lawfully, then submit this information quarterly to the Attorney General for three years. After the reporting period ends, the Attorney General must compile and publish a comprehensive report for the Governor and Legislature online. The bill does not change existing laws but creates a new data collection system focused on non-injury firearm incidents.

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.