Senator

20 Jun: Media Advisory – Anti-Smoking Measures Scheduled For Vote In Senate Tomorrow

TRENTON – Two measures which would limit New Jerseyans involuntary exposure to second-hand smoke are scheduled for Senate consideration tomorrow, with a media availability with State lawmakers and representatives of NJ GASP (Group Against Smoking Pollution) following the vote.

The first bill, S-1089, sponsored by Senators John Adler, Shirley Turner and Joseph Vitale, would eliminate an exemption in New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act which allows casinos to circumvent the Statewide smoking ban enacted last session. The bill would force casinos and simulcasting facilities to abide by the same smoking restrictions in place for restaurants, bars, and other workplaces in the State.

20 Jun: Codey: Looking Forward To Swift Confirmation Of Rabner And Milgram Nominations

RENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today released the following statement on the nominations of Stuart Rabner for State Supreme Court Chief Justice and Anne Milgram for Attorney General:

“I’m pleased that these nominations are moving forward. We expect that they’ll be approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday. We intend to seek an emergency vote later in the day so that we can confirm their nominations. These are two fine nominees and I look forward to working with them in the future.”

18 Jun: Senate Gives Green Light To Codey/Girgenti Bill Facilitating Homeland Security Efforts Between New Jersey & New York

TRENTON – The full Senate today unanimously approved a measure sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey and Senator John A. Girgenti that would provide New Jersey with the legal mechanism to enter into a mutual aid agreement with other states, such as New York, allowing law enforcement to work together to provide increased security.

“New Jersey and New York are home to some of the most targeted infrastructure in the country, in terms of terrorist interests,” said Sen. Codey (D-Essex). “It’s essential that we have the tools necessary to work together to eliminate and respond to threats and potential dangers.”

18 Jun: Weinberg/Karcher Measure To Require Education On Hpv Clears Full Senate

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Loretta Loretta Weinberg and Ellen Karcher that would require information about human papillomavirus (HPV) be distributed to pediatricians, parents and guardians of students in grades seven through twelve was unanimously approved today by the full Senate.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types. More than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted, and they can infect the genital area of men and women. The virus can cause the growth of abnormal cells in the cervix, which if left untreated, can become cancerous. HPV has been detected in over 90% of cervical cancer cases, Senator Weinberg said.

18 Jun: Vitale Bill To Increase Hospital Infection Reporting And Prevention Advances In Senate

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale which would require hospitals to report to the public certain information regarding infection rates was approved today by the Senate by a vote of 36-0.

“Hospital-borne infections pose a serious threat to senior citizens and patients with compromised immune systems,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chair of the Senate Health Committee. “When considering hospital care, patients and their families should have the best information possible, to make informed medical care decisions which benefit their treatment. By reporting infection rates to the public, we’re putting patient care first, and increasing pressure on those facilities which could do more to prevent infections.”

18 Jun: Rice/ Doria Bill To Help Community College Students Have A Smooth Transfer To A 4-Year School

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Senator Joseph V. Doria Jr. to assist students with transferring their community college credits to a 4-year college or university was approved by the full Senate today.

“The decision to attend a two or four year school of higher education is many times based on affordability,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “Students attending two-year institutions should not have to pay repetitive costs that can occur when transferring to a four-year college. It is imperative to have a seamless transfer system in order to encourage students to continue their educational goals without fear of losing credits for their hard work.”

18 Jun: Madden Promotes Motorcycle Safety

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Fred H. Madden to save the lives of New Jersey motorists by promoting motorcycle safety was approved by the full Senate today.

“Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable in crashes than passenger vehicles and that is why all drivers must take extra care when bikes are on the road,” said Senator Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester. “Across the country there has been an increase in motorcycle riding but unfortunately, that increase has been accompanied by a growing number of motorcycle-related fatalities. With more public awareness we can make our roads safer for everyone.”

18 Jun: Rice Bill To Require The Same Inspectors To Return For Reinspection

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Ronald L. Rice to require the same home inspector to return for a reinspection when violations have been issued, was approved by the full Senate today.

“When it comes to home inspections, safety must always come first,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “The inspector that reported the code violations has the most knowledge of the problem, so by requiring that same inspector to return for the reinspection, we can be sure that the homeowner has properly taken care of the problem. My legislation would allow homeowners to address code violations and have a reinspection completed by the same knowledgeable inspector that sited them.”

18 Jun: Madden/Coniglio Bill To Help Veterans Get Civil Service Jobs Receives Final Legislative Approval

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Fred H. Madden and Joseph Coniglio which would ensure that newly discharged veterans’ receive preference when applying for civil service jobs received unanimous final legislative approval today from the full Senate.

“It amazes me, that these men and women can risk their lives overseas, fighting in the name of our country, and when they get home so much time is wasted by waiting to grant them veterans’ preference status,” said Senator Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester. “This legislation would help ensure that we grant employment preference to eligible veterans so that they may compete for job opportunities prior to being discharged from the military.”

18 Jun: Weinberg/Karcher Measure To Create Asperger’s Syndrome Pilot Initiative Gets Final Legislative Approval

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Loretta Weinberg and Ellen Karcher which would establish the Asperger’s Syndrome Pilot Initiative received unanimous final legislative approval today by the full Senate.

Asperger’s Syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by autistic-like behaviors – such as deficiencies in social and communication skills. Those living with Asperger’s Syndrome tend to be self-absorbed and often display obsessive or repetitive routines. The disease is not usually diagnosed until adulthood, Senator Weinberg said.