News & Releases

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would add severe hyperbilirubinemia, a leading cause of neonatal jaundice, to the list of conditions reported to the birth defects registry under the Department of Health and Senior Services was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today by a vote of 6-0.

“Neonatal jaundice caused by hyperbilirubinemia isn’t necessarily uncommon, but severe cases, if left untreated, can have drastic impact on a child’s developmental health and well-being,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer, the Vice Chair of the Senate Health Committee. “New Jersey needs to monitor trends in this disease to gain a better understanding about the factors which may increase or decrease a child’s chances of being affected. Through surveys and epidemiological research on birth defects, we may hopefully be able to put expectant mothers on the right path to avoid disability for their children.”

TRENTON – The Senate Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee approved legislation today sponsored by Senator Barbara Buono that would require school health courses to include lessons on compulsive gambling as part of the curriculum.

“With the explosion of internet gambling sites, it has never been easier for children to begin gambling and develop an addiction,” said Senator Buono, D-Middlesex and Chair of the Senate Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee. “Our health classes need to teach students about the potential for one to become addicted to gambling and explain how it can be just as harmful as other addictions. It’s a problem that millions of Americans face and we can help our kids recognize the warning signs before it gets out of hand.”

TRENTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill today, S-2522, to forbid employers from discriminating against women in the workplace because they become pregnant or are mothers. It now goes to the full Senate for a vote.

“It’s an outrage to consider that, in this day and age, women actually don’t have protection in the workplace from being harassed or fired for becoming pregnant,” said Senator John H. Adler, Committee Chairman and a prime sponsor of the bill. “Today, we are beginning the fix to that bad situation.”

TRENTON – Three bills, crafted in response to the New Year’s Day gang-related uprising of inmates at Bayside State Prison, were released today by the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee.

“We learned from our hearings that the officers need more effective training in dealing with gangs and that the Corrections Commissioner should be required to investigate disturbances and recommend fixable remedies after there is a serious injury or death at a prison,” said Senator John A. Girgenti, the committee Chairman.