Healthcare (Mental Health)

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1356: Requires health benefits plans and carriers to meet certain requirements concerning network adequacy and mental health care.

This New Jersey bill requires health insurance plans and providers to ensure their networks include enough mental health providers so that every covered person can access care. It mandates that 100% of policyholders must have access to either in-person mental health services within 15 miles and 30 days of requesting care, or telehealth services within 30 days if in-person options are unavailable. Insurance plans must cover telehealth mental health services with no higher deductibles, copays, or coinsurance than in-person visits, and reimburse providers at least the Medicaid rate. The law applies to all health insurance plans, including Medicaid managed care organizations, and self-funded plans may choose to comply.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates 100% access to mental health services within 15 miles or telehealth, prohibits higher copays - expands patient access and supports mental health coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health Telehealth

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 428: Establishes student-athlete mental health specialists in school districts and public institutions of higher education; creates student-athlete mental health registry; makes appropriation.

This bill requires New Jersey public school districts to appoint a mental health specialist for student-athletes. The specialist must conduct three mental health screenings per season using approved tools (with parental consent), provide ongoing support for injured athletes, and develop a school mental health policy for coaches and staff. It also mandates the creation of a state registry for aggregated, non-identifiable data collected from screenings. The bill directly affects all public schools with athletic programs and aims to integrate mental health support into student-athlete participation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly makes appropriation for student-athlete mental health services, directly funding a state program under budget/fiscal management.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires mental health specialists for student-athletes, mandates screenings, and develops school mental health policies - directly advancing student well-being and support services in educational institutions.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health specialists, screenings, and policies for student-athletes, directly advancing mental health services in schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Student Health Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3650: Creates behavioral health court pilot program.

This bill (A 3650) creates a behavioral health court pilot program in New Jersey, allowing courts to place eligible defendants in treatment instead of jail. It directly affects individuals convicted of non-violent offenses who need behavioral health services (mental health or substance abuse treatment), meet specific eligibility criteria (e.g., no prior violent convictions, no firearm involvement, and a professional assessment confirming treatment need). Key mechanisms include court-ordered behavioral health special probation (1-3 years), mandatory treatment at licensed facilities, regular progress reporting by providers and probation departments, and consequences for violations (including potential probation revocation). The pilot would operate in at least two counties and five municipalities that apply to participate.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDiverts non-violent offenders to behavioral health treatment instead of jail, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - core criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates court-ordered behavioral health treatment for eligible defendants, expanding access to mental health/substance abuse services instead of incarceration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Firearms Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 417: Requires nursing homes to provide training to staff in behavioral health issues.

This bill requires New Jersey nursing homes to provide annual training for staff on caring for residents with behavioral health needs. Specifically, it mandates that certified nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and other direct-care staff receive training covering sensitivity to behavioral health issues, information about depression and psychiatric disorders, and medication use for these conditions. The training program must be established by the Commissioner of Health (with input from the Commissioner of Human Services) and implemented by nursing homes starting seven months after the bill takes effect. It directly affects nursing home staff and residents with behavioral health conditions by setting new standards for their care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates nursing home staff training on behavioral health, depression, and psychiatric care, directly strengthening mental health services in healthcare settings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Long-Term Care Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1788: Requires DHS to establish two-year Regional Community Behavioral Health Pilot Program.

This bill establishes a two-year pilot program to improve coordination of behavioral health services in New Jersey. It requires the Department of Human Services to identify eligible patients with severe behavioral health disorders using Medicaid data, then contract with community providers to deliver coordinated care. Key mechanisms include mandatory needs assessments, "rapid referrals" for timely access to services, "warm hand-offs" between providers, and hiring service navigators to help patients access treatment. The program directly affects patients with severe mental health or substance use disorders who are identified through Medicaid claims. The pilot will operate across three regions of the state, with managed care organizations administering the program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates behavioral health pilot program with coordinated care, Medicaid data use, rapid referrals, and service navigators to improve access and coordination for severe disorders, directly supporting mental health services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2564: Requires certain candidates for teaching certifications to complete youth mental health education course or online module.

New Jersey bill A2564 requires all teaching certification candidates - both new graduates from approved educator programs and out-of-state teachers - to complete youth mental health education training by the 2027-2028 school year. This includes either a course or a state-developed online module covering youth mental health risks, creating safe classroom environments, and cultural competence. Approved educator programs must update their curricula to include this requirement and submit revisions to the Department of Education. Candidates with comparable training completed within the past five years may apply for an exemption. The bill applies directly to educators seeking or holding teaching certifications in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates youth mental health training for teaching candidates, enhancing educator preparedness and student mental health support in schools.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates youth mental health training for teachers, directly advancing mental health service provision in schools through educator preparedness.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Teachers Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2490: Creates New Jersey Mental Health Residential Reform Treatment Act.

This bill creates a new licensing pathway for non-hospital inpatient mental health facilities in New Jersey that provide mid-to-long-term care (45-120 days) for adolescents (12-21) and adults. It directly affects individuals needing comprehensive mental health treatment beyond short-term hospital stays, as well as mental health professionals and private facility operators seeking to establish such services. Key provisions require facilities to meet strict standards, including accreditation, minimum staffing ratios (with trauma-informed therapists), mandatory staff training, personalized treatment plans, and annual facility inspections. Additionally, the bill mandates a state workforce program to address mental health professional shortages through training grants, loan forgiveness, and salary incentives.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates licensing pathway for mid-to-long-term mental health facilities, expanding access to structured care for adolescents/adults beyond short-term hospital stays.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Hospitals Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 3411: Establishes Social Media Research Center at four-year public institution of higher education.

New Jersey's S 3411 establishes a Social Media Research Center at a public four-year university to study social media's impact on youth mental health. The center will research risks like excessive use linked to depression (e.g., double risk after 3+ hours daily), develop safe social media courses for public schools, and make recommendations to address mental health challenges. It will administer a competitive grant program for external research, modeled on NIH standards, and require state agencies to share relevant data upon request. The center must report annually to the Governor and Legislature on its research, funding, and future plans. This bill directly affects New Jersey students, schools, and state agencies focused on youth health and safety.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationDevelops school curriculum courses on social media safety and research to address youth mental health challenges, directly enhancing educational programs and student well-being.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes research center to study social media's impact on youth mental health, develop educational programs, and make recommendations - directly supports mental health services85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1912: Establishes and allocates funds for program to provide mental health services to veterans; appropriates $2 million.

This bill establishes a $2 million grant program to provide mental health services to New Jersey veterans. It directs the state's Adjutant General to fund qualified veterans organizations (like 501(c)(3) groups or federally chartered veterans service organizations, including specific New Jersey groups) to contract with licensed mental health professionals. The program aims to expand access to mental health care for veterans through these designated community partners. The $2 million appropriation comes directly from the state General Fund and takes effect immediately.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $2 million to fund veteran mental health services, directly increasing state spending on essential public care programs.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $2M for veteran mental health services via grants, expanding access to care through community partners as explicitly stated in the bill summary.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAllocates $2M for veteran mental health services via grants to qualified orgs, directly expanding access to care per bill's explicit funding and purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Mental Health Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 354: Establishes commission to study mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 students.

This bill establishes a 17-member commission to study the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 students in New Jersey. The commission will assess existing mental health resources in schools, identify which student groups and school districts were most affected, and evaluate how pandemic disruptions impacted available services. It must produce a final report within one year, including recommendations for improving access to mental health programs and staffing needs. The commission includes state agency leaders, school representatives, mental health professionals, and appointed public members with relevant expertise. The report will be submitted to the Governor, Legislature, and all school districts.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes commission to study pandemic mental health impacts on K-12 students, with mandate to recommend improved access to mental health programs and staffing needs.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes commission to study mental health impacts on students and recommend improved access to programs/staffing, aligning with mental health service support indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health Mental Health

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