LEGISLATURE APPROVES CODEY BILL TO CLOSE THE GAP IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

New Program Would Help Get Treatment for Those Most Overlooked and in Need

TRENTON – The full Senate today unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) that would create an Involuntary Outpatient Commitment (IOC) program in the State of New Jersey, bringing much-needed mental health assistance to a portion of the population that often gets overlooked. With the Assembly also approving the bill today, it now heads to the Governor for his signature.

“Our goal is to minimize time in the hospital and keep patients in the least restrictive environment that will help foster their recovery. Without the option of outpatient commitment, those that go untreated are likely to pose a serious danger to themselves or others,” added Sen. Codey. “At the very least, they will be utilizing other state resources such as the hospital or jail, which end up costing taxpayers far more money. With our mental health infrastructure ranking fourth in the nation, it makes far more sense to try and get patients the treatment they need in an outpatient setting.”

CODEY BILL ENHANCING ACCOUNTABILITY & TRANSPARENCY AT STATE PSYCHHOSPITALS HEADS TO GOVERNOR'S DESK

TRENTON – The full Senate today unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey that is designed to protect patient safety at state psychiatric hospitals by enhancing accountability and promoting transparency. Senate bill S2494, which now heads to the Governor’s desk, would require the state Department of Human Services (DHS) to report the number of physical assaults and deaths that occur at state psychiatric hospitals.

“These hospitals are home to some of the state’s most vulnerable residents,” said Sen. Codey (D-Essex). “We need to ensure that they are in the care of staff that are appropriately trained and focused on their best interests. Enhancing accountability is one way to achieve that.”

           TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today welcomed news of an unanticipated windfall from the state’s tax amnesty program, vowing to keep the priority focused on relief for taxpayers as the Senate zeros in on passing the budget next Thursday.

Senate President Codey & Senate Republican Leader Kean to Present Resolution to the NHL’s All-Time Wins Leader as Hundreds of Fans Descend on State House

            TRENTON – The New Jersey Devils’ record-breaking goaltender Martin Brodeur will be honored with a resolution by the New Jersey State Senate in a special ceremony at the State House on Thursday, June 18, at 2 pm.  Prior to the Senate session, the sponsors of the resolution, Senate President Richard J. Codey and Senate Republican Leader Thomas H. Kean, Jr., will join Brodeur and top Devils officials for a press availability at 1:30 pm in room 103 of the State House, across from the Senate Chambers.

Package Would Impose Mandatory Jail Time for Repeat Offenders and Stiff Penalties for Enablers

            TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today introduced a package of bills that would crack down hard on motorists repeatedly caught driving under the influence or driving with a suspended license.  The bills would also impose stiff new penalties on those caught lending their vehicle to someone with a suspended or revoked license, in an effort to deter those who enable repeat offenders. 

           “In my opinion, one time caught drunk driving is too many.  However, people make mistakes.  If you don’t learn from those mistakes and continue to endanger the lives of others, we need to send a clear message that we are going to have zero tolerance,” said Sen. Codey.

             TRENTON –  Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today announced the appointment of Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) as the new chair of the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee.  The primary function of the committee is to review administrative regulations to ensure that they are consistent with legislative intent, as well as to consider general oversight matters relative to other branches of government, bi-state authorities and independent authorities.

Bill That Would Ease Restrictions on Endowment Funds Hit By Investment Woes Passes Final Legislative Hurdle 

            TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey and Senator Teresa Ruiz, both sponsors of a bill that would give charitable organizations more discretion to spend and invest endowment funds that have been hit hard by the lagging economy, applauded the General Assembly for pushing the bill through its final legislative hurdle today.  With the full Senate approving the bill in March, it now heads to the Governor for his signature.

              TRENTON – The full Senate today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey and Senate Education Chairwoman Shirley Turner that would create a taskforce to examine best practices to curb the growing problem of underage and binge drinking on college and university campuses. 

             “After we examined all of the alcohol policies submitted to us by state colleges and universities, it was clear that our schools were all over the map when it comes to addressing this serious issue,” said Sen. Codey (D-Essex).  “Underage drinking is a timeless problem, so rather than reinventing the wheel, we should identify the best practices out there, the ones that have really made a difference, so that we can model them at other institutions.  At the very least, we hope to find ways to encourage responsibility, but ultimately we hope this undertaking will save lives.”

Senate Health Panel Approves Package Designed to Improve Patient Safety and Strengthen Hiring, Training and Oversight at State Psychiatric Hospitals

            TRENTON – A package of bills sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey that are designed to protect patient safety and improve employee training and oversight at state psychiatric hospitals was approved yesterday by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

           “These hospitals are home to some of the state’s most vulnerable residents,” said Sen. Codey (D-Essex).  “We need to ensure that they are in the care of staff that are appropriately trained and focused on their best interests.  These bills will transform the way we care for the mentally ill and address a number of patient safety issues that have arisen at state-run facilities.”

Measure is Designed to Remove Politics from Prosecution

            TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today introduced a bill, S2796, that would bar the state attorney general, first assistant attorney general and county prosecutors from running for elected office in New Jersey for two years after leaving their position. 

            “This is a much needed step to ensure the integrity of our justice system,” said Sen. Codey.  “It’s good public policy to know that those in charge of criminal investigations aren’t pursuing targets that will enhance their imminent political goals.”