Legislative updates on issues that matter to HPAE and you

The following four pieces of legislation have passed both the Senate and Assembly and await Governor Murphy’s signature.

Workplace Democracy Act (A-3686/S-2137): This bill seeks to provide stability and streamline communication provisions that impact public sector unions and their members in light of the Janus v. AFSCME case before the U.S. Supreme Court. We thank the bill’s prime sponsors, Senate President Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Coughlin.

Out-of-Network Consumer Protection (A-2039/S-485): This bill seeks to end the practice of charging consumers exorbitant fees for out-of-network care. We thank the bill’s prime sponsors, Senators Vitale and Weinberg, Assembly Speaker Coughlin, and Assemblyman Schaer.

Earned Sick Leave (A-1827/S-2171): This bill will allow more workers in New Jersey to avoid the decision of deciding between their health and a paycheck. Such a policy will benefit businesses and workers while improving public health. While we are disappointed that per diem healthcare workers were removed from this legislation, we will continue to fight for our members rights for earned sick leave at the bargaining table. We thank the bill’s prime sponsors, Senator Weinberg and Assembly members Lampitt and Mukherji.

Nonprofit Hospital Charitable Assets (A-3615/S-2247): This bill allows for charitable assets to be set aside following the sale of a nonprofit hospital to another nonprofit hospital. In the case of Salem Memorial Hospital this legislation will allow for the return of over $50 million in charitable assets. We thank the bill’s prime sponsors, Senate President Sweeney and Assemblymembers Burzichelli, Muhkerji and Murphy.