Sen. Holly Schepisi

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to allow healthcare practitioners (like doctors) to refer patients to pharmacies where they or their immediate family have an existing financial stake - specifically, pharmacies that had approved permits before a prior law took effect. It requires practitioners to provide written disclosure to patients about this financial interest before making such referrals. The change aims to support continuity of care for medication management, such as refills and adherence, by enabling existing practitioner-pharmacy relationships. It does not apply to new pharmacy ownership but focuses on preserving established collaborations.

Maddy summaryS 3841 increases the threshold for a one percent tax on certain real property transfers from $1 million to $1.5 million, with annual adjustments based on inflation. The tax applies to transfers of commercial properties (classified as Class 4A under New Jersey regulations) and controlling interests in entities owning such properties. The threshold will be adjusted each July 1 based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for the New York City and Philadelphia metropolitan areas. This change will affect fewer property transactions by raising the price point at which the tax applies. The Director of the Division of Taxation will determine and publish the adjusted threshold by May 1 each year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey law enforcement officers to complete training on using epinephrine auto-injectors for emergency allergic reactions and to carry a one-dose device while on duty. Police departments must provide each officer with an auto-injector and ensure they are available in all patrol vehicles or medical kits. The law applies to permanent, full-time officers with arrest authority who already undergo mandated police training. It mandates certification of training completion and requires departments to maintain these devices, aligning with health department protocols. The policy directly affects all New Jersey law enforcement agencies and their sworn officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain school employees (including candidates and current staff), school bus drivers, and youth camp workers to undergo child abuse record checks conducted by New Jersey's Department of Children and Families. Individuals must provide written consent and pay for the check, and those with substantiated abuse allegations in the state registry face permanent disqualification from these roles. School employees already hired must complete checks within five years of the law's effective date. The bill updates existing requirements for criminal history checks by adding this child abuse verification step for positions involving youth.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 115) commemorates the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken, including American citizen Edan Alexander (a Tenafly, NJ resident). It symbolically mourns the victims, condemns terrorism, expresses solidarity with both Israelis and Palestinians affected by the conflict, and calls for hostage releases. The resolution has no policy impact but directs copies to Israel’s U.S. ambassador, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, and New Jersey’s congressional delegation. As a commemorative measure, it focuses on recognition and diplomatic messaging rather than legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal defense for individuals who commit crimes while being victims of human trafficking. It allows these victims to assert that their criminal actions were directly caused by the trafficking they experienced, applying to any offense under New Jersey law. The defense is available regardless of whether the underlying trafficking offense against the victim was prosecuted or resulted in a conviction. This change aims to prevent victims from being further punished for crimes committed as a direct result of their trafficking situation. The bill amends multiple sections of New Jersey's criminal code, including human trafficking (C.2C:13-8), related offenses (C.2C:13-9), and prostitution laws (C.2C:34-1).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to survey all antenatal and prenatal care clinics - including those that have closed or reduced services in the past two years - to assess the state of pregnancy care access. The survey will collect data on clinic availability, service gaps, and demographic details about patients (especially low- and moderate-income pregnant women) to identify disparities in care. The DOH must analyze the data to spot trends, develop strategies for improving access and quality, and submit a public report to the legislature within 18 months. The bill does not change existing laws but aims to inform future policy decisions about clinic closures and maternity care resources.

Maddy summaryS 3718 authorizes New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to appoint an antisemitism monitor at any public institution of higher education. The monitor reviews campus policies protecting Jewish students/staff, establishes anonymous reporting procedures for antisemitism incidents, and issues quarterly reports with recommendations to the institution and legislature. Institutions must implement the monitor's recommendations and provide necessary support, with non-compliance risking reduced state funding or loss of student aid eligibility. The bill defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 working definition.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to allow certain health care practitioners to refer patients to pharmacies where they, their immediate family, or both have a significant financial interest - specifically for pharmacies that received permit approval before the effective date of the original law (P.L.1989, c.19). Practitioners must disclose this financial interest to patients in writing and post the disclosure form in their office. It directly affects practitioners who owned or co-owned pharmacies prior to 1989, enabling continued referrals to those pharmacies under strict disclosure rules. The change does not alter existing prohibitions on referrals for other services or create new financial incentives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Transportation Commissioner and Highway Safety Director to update public awareness campaigns annually, including specific information about motorists' duty to slow down or change lanes when approaching pedestrians, bicycles, or personal conveyances (as defined in existing law C.39:4-92.4). It mandates that these campaigns explain the importance of complying with this rule, the risks of not following it, and the associated penalties. The campaigns must also include at least one annual use of variable message signs to inform drivers. The bill amends existing laws to integrate these requirements into routine safety communications.