Current Legislation - Oct. 1, 2012

CHILDREN'S SUDDEN CARDIAC EVENTS REPORTING ACT:  S-1911 (Madden) passed the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and is on second reading in the Senate.  NJEA supported this legislation that would require the reporting of children's sudden cardiac events and establish a statewide database to keep track of such information. The bill would require health care professionals to report sudden cardiac events to the Department of Health and Senior Services.  It would establish the Children's Sudden Cardiac Events Registry in DHSS. NJEA has supported legislation regarding defibrillators in schools and on playgrounds as sudden cardiac events are a major concern among students and athletes.

EMPLOYER NOTIFICATION OF FAMILY LEAVE ACT BENEFITS:  S-2044  (Buono) was released from the Senate Labor Committee today by a vote of 3-1-1.  The bill requires all employers to give their employees information about the benefits of State temporary disability leave benefits, family temporary disability leave benefits, unemployment compensation benefits, and family leave rights.  This information would be required to be distributed to all employees at least twice per year.  The bill also requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to develop and implement a statewide plan to promote public awareness of these programs.  NJEA took no position on the bill, but will support it if it comes to a vote on the floor of the Senate.