Secures protections for patients and providers accessing and providing reproductive health care services; establishes right of residents to reproductive health care activity that is restricted in other states.*

S2260 3R SCS

[Third Reprint]

SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

SENATE, No. 2260

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

�
ADOPTED
MAY 11, 2026

Sponsored
by:

Senator� M.
TERESA RUIZ

District 29
(Essex and Hudson)

Senator�
NICHOLAS P. SCUTARI

District 22
(Somerset and Union)

Assemblywoman�
SHANIQUE SPEIGHT

District 29
(Essex and Hudson)

Assemblywoman�
ELLEN J. PARK

District 37
(Bergen)

Assemblywoman�
ANNETTE QUIJANO

District 20
(Union)

Assemblywoman�
LUANNE M. PETERPAUL

District 11
(Monmouth)

Co-Sponsored
by:

Senators
Burgess, Zwicker, Mukherji, Burzichelli, McKnight, Gopal, McKeon, Diegnan,
Stack, Timberlake, Wimberly, Cruz-Perez, Johnson, Greenstein, Lagana, B.Smith,
Turner, Assemblyman Venezia, Assemblywomen Drulis, Donlon, Reynolds-Jackson,
Assemblymen Sampson, Freiman, DeAngelo, Danielsen, Verrelli, Assemblywoman
McCoy, Assemblyman Singh, Assemblywomen Bagolie, Haider, Assemblyman Moen,
Assemblywomen Collazos-Gill, Swain, Tucker, Assemblymen G.Rodriguez, Spearman,
Assemblywomen Kane, Pintor Marin, Morales, Assemblymen Greenwald, Calabrese,
Stanley, Assemblywoman Murphy, Assemblyman Bailey, Assemblywoman Simmons,
Assemblymen Kennedy, Bhalla, Assemblywoman Brennan, Assemblymen Tully, Kearney,
Karabinchak, Assemblywoman Lopez, Assemblyman Walker, Assemblywoman Katz,
Assemblyman Wainstein and Assemblywoman Carter

SYNOPSIS

���� Secures protections for patients and providers
accessing and providing reproductive health care services; establishes right of
residents to reproductive health care activity that is restricted in other
states.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

���� As amended by the General Assembly on June 11, 2026.

An Act
concerning reproductive rights and amending and
supplementing various parts of the statutory law.

����
Be It Enacted

by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

���� 1.� (New section)�� As used in
P.L.��� , c.���� (C.������� ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill):

���� �Assisted reproductive
technology� shall mean the same as defined in section 3 of P.L.2018, c.18
(C.9:17-62).

���� �Driveway� means an entry from
a public street to a public or private parking area used by a health care
services facility.

����
1
[
�Entrance�
means a door to a health care services facility that directly abuts the public
sidewalk; provided, however, that if the door does not directly abut the public
sidewalk, the �entrance� shall be the point at which the public sidewalk
intersects with a pathway leading to the door.

���� �Gathering� means two or more
individuals.
]
1

���� �Health care

services
facility� includes a hospital, clinic, office, or other site that provides or
seeks to provide health care

services and includes the
building or structure in which the facility is located and the driveway of such
building or structure.

����
1
[
�Impede� means
to obstruct, block, detain, or render passage impossible, unsafe, or
unreasonably difficult.
]
1

���� �Intimidate� means to place a
person in reasonable apprehension of bodily harm to themselves or to another.

����
1
[
�Physical
obstruction�
]

�Physically obstruct�
1

�means rendering ingress to or egress from a health care services facility
impassable to another person, or rendering passage to or from a health care
services facility unreasonably difficult or hazardous to another person.

���� �Reproductive health care
activity� means any conduct related to providing, seeking, receiving, advising,
aiding, facilitating, encouraging, referring for, assisting with, providing
material support for, or inquiring about reproductive health care services that
are lawful in this State. �Reproductive health care activity� shall not include
any conduct that could form the basis of a civil, criminal, or administrative
action under the laws of this State.

���� �Reproductive health care
services� means all supplies, care, and services of a medical, surgical,
psychiatric, therapeutic, diagnostic, mental health, behavioral health,
preventative, rehabilitative, support, consultative, prescribing, or dispensing
services relating to the human reproductive system, whether provided in person
or by means of telehealth, in compliance with New Jersey law. �Reproductive
health care services� shall include, but not be limited to, all services, care,
and products relating to pregnancy, assisted
1
[
reproduction
]

reproductive
1

technology, contraception, miscarriage management, or abortion, and all
supplies, care, and services of a medical, surgical, psychiatric, therapeutic,
diagnostic, mental health, behavioral health, preventative, rehabilitative,
supportive, consultative, prescribing, or dispensing or supportive nature,
including medication, to support a person�s alignment with their gender
identity or expression
1
[
and delivered
or overseen in accordance with the accepted standard of care, pursuant to
]

consistent
with
1

subparagraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph (4) of subsection b. of section 2 of
P.L.2017, c.176 (C.17:48A-7ll). �Reproductive health care services� shall not
include any conduct that would constitute a violation of any law
1
,
regulation, or agency standard
1

of this State
1
or
deviation from the applicable professional standard of care
1
, and
shall not include any service described in section 2 of P.L.2013, c.150
(C.45:1-55).

����
1
[
�Social media�
means an electronic service or account, or electronic content, including, but
not limited to, videos or still photographs, blogs, video blogs, podcasts,
instant and text messages, email, online services or accounts, or Internet
website profiles or locations.
]
1

���� 2.��� Section 9 of P.L.1978,
c.73 (C.45:1-22) is amended to read as follows:

���� 9.��� In addition or as an
alternative, as the case may be, to revoking, suspending or refusing to renew
any license, registration or certificate issued by it, a board may, after
affording an opportunity to be heard:

���� a.��� Issue a letter of
warning, reprimand, or censure with regard to any act, conduct or practice
which in the judgment of the board upon consideration of all relevant facts and
circumstances does not warrant the initiation of formal action;

���� b.��� Assess civil penalties
in accordance with this act;

���� c.��� Order that any person
violating any provision of an act or regulation administered by such board to
cease and desist from future violations thereof or to take such affirmative
corrective action as may be necessary with regard to any act or practice found
unlawful by the board;

���� d.��� Order any person found
to have violated any provision of an act or regulation administered by such
board to restore to any person aggrieved by an unlawful act or practice, any
moneys or property, real or personal, acquired by means of such act or practice;
provided, however, no board shall order restoration in a dollar amount greater
than those moneys received by a licensee or his agent or any other person
violating the act or regulation administered by the board;

���� e.��� Order any person, as a
condition for continued, reinstated or renewed licensure, to secure medical or
such other professional treatment as may be necessary to properly discharge
licensee functions;

���� f.���� Order any person, as a
condition for continued, reinstated or renewed licensure, to submit to any
medical or diagnostic testing and monitoring or psychological evaluation which
may be required to evaluate whether continued practice may jeopardize the safety
and welfare of the public;

���� g.��� Order any person, as a
condition for continued, reinstated or renewed licensure, to submit to an
assessment of skills to determine whether the licensee can continue to practice
with reasonable skill and safety, and to take and successfully complete educational
training determined by the board to be necessary;

���� h.��� Order any person, as a
condition for continued, reinstated or renewed licensure, to submit to an
assessment of skills to determine whether the licensee can continue to practice
with reasonable skill and safety, and to submit to any supervision, monitoring
or limitation on practice determined by the board to be necessary.

���� A board may, upon a duly
verified application of the Attorney General that either provides proof of a
conviction of a court of competent jurisdiction for a crime or offense
involving moral turpitude or relating adversely to the regulated profession or
occupation, or alleges an act or practice violating any provision of an act or
regulation administered by such board, enter a temporary order suspending or
limiting any license issued by the board pending plenary hearing on an
administrative complaint; provided, however, no such temporary order shall be
entered unless the application made to the board palpably demonstrates a clear
and imminent danger to the public health, safety and welfare and notice of such
application is given to the licensee affected by such order.� If, upon review
of the Attorney General's application, the board determines that, although no
palpable demonstration of a clear and imminent danger has been made, the
licensee's continued unrestricted practice pending plenary hearing may pose a risk
to the public health, safety and welfare, the board may order the licensee to
submit to medical or diagnostic testing and monitoring, or psychological
evaluation, or an assessment of skills to determine whether the licensee can
continue to practice with reasonable skill and safety.

���� In any administrative
proceeding commenced on a complaint alleging a violation of an act or
regulation administered by a board, such board may issue subpoenas to compel
the attendance of witnesses or the production of books, records, or documents
at the hearing on the complaint.

����
Notwithstanding any
provision of law to the contrary, a board shall not impose any penalties
pursuant to this section on the holder of a certificate, registration, or
license based solely on the holder engaging in reproductive health care
activity, as defined in section 1 of P.L.��� , c.���� (C.������� ) (pending
before the Legislature as this bill).

(cf: P.L.2001, c.307, s.2)

���� 3.��� Section 1 of P.L.2022,
c.51 (C.2A:84A-22.18) is amended to read as follows:

���� 1.��� As used in sections 1
and 2 of P.L.2022, c.51 (C.2A:84A-22.18 and C.2A:84A-22.19):

���� "Person" includes an
individual, partnership, association, limited liability company, or
corporation.

���� �Reproductive health care
[
services�
means all medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services relating to the
human reproductive system including, but not limited to, services relating to
pregnancy, contraception, or termination of a pregnancy
]

activity�
shall have the same meaning as provided in section 1 of P.L.��� , c.����
(C.������� ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill)
.

���� a.��� Except as provided in
sections 3 through 7 of P.L.1968, c.185 (C.2A:84A-22.3 through 2A:84A-22.7),
section 1 of P.L.1970, c. 313 (C.2A:84A-22.8), section 29 of P.L.1968, c.401
(C.45:8B-29), and subsection b. of this section, in any civil action or proceeding
preliminary thereto or in any probate, legislative or administrative
proceeding, a covered entity, as set forth in the medical privacy and security
rules pursuant to Parts 160 and 164 of Subchapter C of Subtitle A of Title 45
of the Code of Federal Regulations, established pursuant to the "Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-191,
shall not disclose, unless the patient or that patient's conservator, guardian,
or other authorized legal representative explicitly consents in writing to the
disclosure:

���� (1) any communication made to
the covered entity, or any information obtained by the covered entity from, a
patient or the conservator, guardian, or other authorized legal representative
of a patient relating to reproductive health care
[
services
]

activity

that
[
are
]

is

permitted under the laws of this State; or

���� (2) any information obtained
by personal examination of a patient relating to reproductive health care
[
services
]

activity

that
[
are
]

is

permitted under the laws of this State.

���� A covered entity shall inform
the patient or the patient's conservator, guardian, or other authorized legal
representative of the patient's right to withhold such written consent at or
before the time reproductive health care
[
services
are
]

activity
is
rendered or at such time as the patient discloses any information
relating to reproductive health care
[
services
]

activity

that
[
have
been
]

was

previously rendered.

���� b.��� Written consent of the
patient or the patient's conservator, guardian, or other authorized legal
representative shall not be required for the disclosure of any communication or
information:

���� (1) pursuant to the laws of
this State or the Rules of Court;

���� (2) by a covered entity
against whom a claim has been made, or there is a reasonable belief that a
claim will be made, in an action or proceeding, to the covered entity's
attorney or professional liability insurer or insurer's agent for use in the
defense of the action or proceeding;

���� (3) to the Commissioner of
Health, Human Services, or Banking and Insurance, or any professional licensing
board operating under the authority of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the
Department of Law and Public Safety for records of a patient of a covered
entity in connection with an investigation of a complaint, if the records are
related to the complaint; or

���� (4) if child abuse, abuse of
an elderly individual, abuse of an individual who is incapacitated, or abuse of
an individual with a physical or mental disability is known or in good faith
suspected.� For the purposes of this paragraph,
[
the provision of or material
support for
]

reproductive health care
[
services
]

activity

that
[
are
]

is

permitted under the laws of this State shall not constitute abuse.

���� Nothing in this subsection
shall be construed to conflict with or displace any requirements or conditions
for disclosure set forth under 45 C.F.R. ss.160.203 and 164.514.

���� c.��� Nothing in this section
shall be construed to impede the lawful sharing of medical records as permitted
by State or federal law or the Rules of Court.

(cf: P.L.2022, c.51, s.1)

���� 4.��� Section 17 of P.L.2004,
c.17 (C.17:30D-22) is amended to read as follows:

���� 17.�
a.
Notwithstanding
any other law or regulation to the contrary, an insurer authorized to transact
medical malpractice liability insurance in this State shall not increase the
premium of any medical malpractice liability insurance policy based on a claim
of medical negligence or malpractice against the insured if the insured is
dismissed from an action alleging medical malpractice within 180 days of the
filing of the last responsive pleading.

����
b. An insurer authorized to
transact medical malpractice liability insurance in this State shall not take
any adverse action, including but not limited to, loss or denial of coverage,
or imposition of sanctions, fines, penalties, or rate increases, against an
insured licensed, certified, or registered in this State for reproductive
health care activity based on the fact that the patient receiving the service
is a resident of a state where those services are illegal, or based on a
revocation of an insured�s license from another state or other disciplinary
action by another state that resulted solely from an insured�s reproductive
health care activity, if the revocation or disciplinary action was based on a
violation of the other state�s law prohibiting the reproductive health care
activity.

(cf: P.L.2004, c.17, s.17)

���� 5.��� (New section)� a.� A
person is guilty of interference with reproductive health care services if the
person purposely or knowingly:

���� (1)� inflicts or attempts to
inflict bodily injury on another person, with purpose to unlawfully restrict
another�s access to or receipt or provision of reproductive health care
services or to intimidate the person from becoming or remaining a patient,
provider, volunteer, or assistant of reproductive health care services, if the
conduct would cause a reasonable person to be intimidated;

���� (2)� physically obstructs any
person seeking to enter into or exit from a health care services facility, with
the purpose to unlawfully restrict another�s access to or receipt or provision
of reproductive health care services or to intimidate the person from becoming
or remaining a patient, provider, volunteer, or assistant of reproductive
health care services, if the conduct would cause a reasonable person to be
intimidated;

���� (3)�
2
by
force or threat of force,
2

intimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or
coerce, any person or entity:

���� (a)�� because that person or
entity is a reproductive health care services patient, provider, volunteer, or
assistant; or

���� (b) in order to intimidate a
person or entity, or a class of persons or entities, from becoming or remaining
a patient, provider, volunteer, or assistant of reproductive health care
services; or

���� (4)� damages, defaces, or
destroys the property of a person, entity, or facility, or attempts to do so,
because the person, entity, or facility provides, volunteers, assists with, or
receives reproductive health care services
2
[
; or

���� (5) causes a reasonable person
to suffer damage to the person�s business or personal reputation, financial
harm, or pain and suffering, mental anguish, or emotional harm on the basis
that the person, entity, or facility provides, volunteers, assists with, or
receives reproductive health care services
]
2
.

���� b.��� Interference with
reproductive health care services is a crime of the fourth degree, except that:

���� (1) it is a crime of the third
degree if the victim suffers bodily injury; and

���� (2) it is a crime of the
second degree if the victim suffers significant bodily injury or serious bodily
injury.

���� c.��� Nothing in this section
shall be construed to preclude or limit in any way prosecution and conviction
for any other offense including, but not limited to, prosecution and conviction
for assault or aggravated assault pursuant to N.J.S.2C:12-1; terroristic
threats pursuant to N.J.S.2C:12-3; stalking pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1992,
c.209 (C.2C:12-10); criminal coercion pursuant to N.J.S.2C:13-5; or criminal
trespass pursuant to N.J.S.2C:18-3.

����� 6.�� (New
section)� a.�
2
[
A person who,
]
��

An actor

3
[
who commits a violation of this section
]
3

shall be liable to an aggrieved person, who may
bring a civil action in the Superior Court, if the actor

3
[
:

�����
(1)
2

]

,
3
in violation of section 5 of P.L.��� , c.���� (C.������� ) (pending
before the Legislature as this bill), commits an act of interference with
another person�s reproductive health care services�
2
[
shall be liable to that aggrieved person, who may
bring a civil action in the Superior Court
]

3
[
; or

�����
(2)
causes a reasonable person to suffer damage to the person�s business or
personal reputation, financial harm, or pain and suffering, mental anguish, or
emotional harm on the basis that the person, entity, or facility provides,
volunteers, assists with, or receives reproductive health care services
2
]
3
.

����� b.�� The
court may award:

����� (1)
injunctive relief;

����� (2)
compensatory damages in an amount not less than liquidated damages computed at
the rate of $1,000 for each violation of section 5 of P.L.��� , c.����
(C.������� ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill);

����� (3)
punitive damages upon proof of willful or reckless disregard of the law;

����� (4)
reasonable attorney�s fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred; and

����� (5)
any other preliminary and equitable relief as the court determines to be
appropriate.

����� c.�� A
conviction for a violation of section 5 of
P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending
before the Legislature as this bill) shall not be a prerequisite for a civil
action brought pursuant to this section.

����� d.�� A
court may, in its discretion, permit a person aggrieved by a violation of
section 5 of P.L.��� , c.���� (C.������� ) (pending before the Legislature as
this bill) to use a pseudonym in a civil action brought pursuant to the
provisions of this section when reasonably required to safeguard the health,
safety, or privacy of the person.

���� 7.��� (New section)� a.� The
Attorney General or a county or municipal prosecutor may bring a civil action
to enjoin, on a temporary, preliminary, or permanent basis, activity that
constitutes a violation of section 5 or 6 of P.L.��� , c.���� (C.������� ) (pending
before the Legislature as this bill); for compensatory damages to persons
aggrieved by the violation; and for the assessment of a civil penalty against
each actor who violates section 5 or 6 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending
before the Legislature as this bill).

���� b.��� The civil penalty
imposed on each actor shall not exceed $10,000 for a first violation, and shall
not exceed $25,000 for a second or subsequent violation.

���� c.��� In imposing a civil
penalty pursuant to this section, the court shall consider a prior violation of
the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1994, 18 U.S.C.,
s.248, or a prior violation of a statute of another jurisdiction that would
constitute a violation of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act
of 1994,� 18 U.S.C. s.248, to be a prior violation of sections 5 or 6 of
P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending
before the Legislature as this bill).

���� 8.��� Section 1 of P.L.2022,
c.50 (C.2A:160-14.1) is amended to read as follows:

���� 1.��� Notwithstanding the
provisions of N.J.S.2A:160-14, the Governor shall not surrender, on demand of
the executive authority of any other state, any person who:

���� a.��� is found in this State;

���� b.��� was not in the state
whose executive authority is making the demand at the time of the commission of
the alleged crime and has not fled therefrom; and

���� c.��� is charged in the state
whose executive authority is making the demand
[
with providing, receiving,
assisting in providing or receiving, providing material support for, or
traveling to obtain
]

based on
reproductive health care
[
services
that are permitted under the laws of this State
]

activity, as defined in
section 1 of P.L. , c. (C. )
(pending before the Legislature as this bill)
, including on any theory of
vicarious, joint, several or conspiracy liability.

����
[
As used in this section,
"reproductive health care services" means all medical, surgical,
counseling, or referral services relating to the human reproductive system
including, but not limited to, services relating to pregnancy, contraception, or
termination of a pregnancy.
]

(cf: P.L.2022, c.50, s.1)

���� 9.��� Section 2 of P.L.2022,
c.51 (C.2A:84A-22.19) is amended to read as follows:

���� 2.��� A public entity of this
State or employee, appointee, officer or official or any other person acting on
behalf of a public entity shall not provide any information or expend or use
time, money, facilities, property, equipment, personnel or other resources in
furtherance of any interstate
1
or,
to the extent permitted by federal law, federal
1
investigation
or proceeding seeking to impose civil or criminal liability upon a person or
entity for
[
:

���� (1) the provision, receipt, or
seeking of, or inquiring or responding to an inquiry about, reproductive health
care services, as defined in section 1 of P.L.2022, c.51 (C.2A:84A-22.18), that
are legal in this State; or

���� (2) assisting, advising,
aiding, abetting, facilitating, soliciting, or conspiring with any person or
entity providing, receiving, seeking, or inquiring or responding to an inquiry
about ,
]

reproductive health care
[
services
]

activity
,
as defined in section 1 of
[
P.L.2022,
c.51 (C.2A:84A-22.18), that are legal in this State
]

P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending
before the Legislature as this bill)
.

���� This section shall not apply
to any investigation or proceeding when the conduct subject to potential
liability under the investigation or proceeding would be subject to liability
under the laws of this State if committed in this State.� This section shall
not apply if it is necessary for the agency or person to engage in conduct
otherwise prohibited by this section in order to comply with a valid order
issued by a court with jurisdiction over the agency or person, or to comply
with applicable provisions of State or federal law.

(cf: P.L.2022, c.51, s.2)

���� 10.� (New section) With
regard to a person who is charged with, or is suspected or convicted of
engaging in reproductive health care activity, as defined in section 1 of P.L.�
�, c.� �(C.��� �) (pending before the Legislature as this bill):

���� a. No State or local law
enforcement agency or officer shall knowingly arrest or participate in the
arrest of the person, unless the person has committed an offense or other
violation of the laws of this State that would subject the person to an arrest.

���� b. No State court, judicial
officer, or court employee or clerk shall issue a subpoena pursuant to the laws
of another state, in connection with a proceeding in another state,
1
or,
to the extent permitted by federal law, in connection with a proceeding
initiated by the federal government
1

regarding the person, unless the subpoena is related to a legal proceeding for
which the person would be subject to a subpoena pursuant to the laws of this
State and the Rules of Court.

���� c.��� No State court or
judicial officer shall issue a search warrant to search for or seize any
property in connection with a proceeding in another state
1
, or,
to the extent permitted by federal law, in connection with a proceeding
initiated by the federal government
1

regarding the person, unless the warrant is related to a legal proceeding for
which the person would be subject to a warrant pursuant to the laws of this
State.

���� d.��� No State court, judicial
officer, court employee or clerk, or authorized attorney shall issue an ex
parte order for wiretapping to obtain any wire, or any oral or electronic
communication in connection with a legal proceeding in another state
1
, or,
to the extent permitted by federal law, in connection with a proceeding
initiated by the federal government
1

regarding the person, unless the person would be subject to an order for
wiretapping under the laws of this State.

���� e.��� No party shall submit an
out-of-State summons for discovery, or a witness to provide testimony, related
to an interstate
1
or,
to the extent permitted by federal law, federal
1

investigation or proceeding that seeks to impose civil liability related to the
person, unless the summons is related to a legal proceeding for which the
person would be subject to prosecution or liability under the investigation or
proceeding would be subject to liability under the laws of this State if
committed in this State.

���� f. No person licensed pursuant
to the �Private Detective Act of 1939,� P.L.1939, c.369 (C.45:19-8 et seq.), or
the �Bounty Hunter Licensing Act,� P.L.2005, c.376 (C.45:19-28 et seq.) shall
knowingly participate in the location or apprehension of the person.

���� g.��� This section shall apply
to reproductive health care activity within this State, and reproductive health
care activity in accordance with State law including, but not limited to, State
law governing telemedicine and telehealth services.

���� 11.� (New section)� a.� A law
1
[
of another
state
]
1

that authorizes a person or government entity to bring a prosecution, civil
action, or any other legal action to deter, prevent, sanction, or punish any
person engaging in reproductive health care activity is against the public
policy of this State.

���� b.��� A law described in
subsection a. of this section shall not be applied to any matter, case, or
controversy heard in a State court or in an administrative tribunal of this
State.

���� c.��� This section shall apply
to reproductive health care activity within this State, and reproductive health
care activity in accordance with State law including, but not limited to, State
law governing telemedicine and telehealth services.

���� d.��� The provisions of this
section shall not apply to an action founded upon a tort, contract, or statute
under the laws of this State, or an action founded in tort, contract, or
statute under the laws of another state and for which a similar claim would exist
under the laws of this State including, but not limited to, an alleged act of
malpractice or negligence by a person in the person�s profession or occupation.

���� 12.� (New section) a. The
provisions of P.L.��� , c.���� (C.������� ) (pending before the Legislature as
this bill) shall be liberally construed to effect the purpose thereof.

���� b. The provisions of P.L.��� ,
c.���� (C.������� ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) shall be
severable, and if any of its provisions shall be held to be unconstitutional or
otherwise invalid, the decision of the court shall not affect the validity of
any of the remaining provisions of P.L.��� , c.���� (C.������� ) (pending
before the Legislature as this bill).

���� 13.� (New section) The
Commissioners of Health and Human Services shall adopt rules and regulations,
pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410
(C.52:14B-1 et seq.) as may be necessary to implement the provisions of P.L. , c. (C. )
(pending before the Legislature as this bill).� Notwithstanding any provision
of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et
seq.), to the contrary, the commissioners shall be authorized to adopt,
immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law, rules and
regulations necessary to implement the provisions of P.L.��� , c.����
(C.������� ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill). The rules and
regulations adopted pursuant to this section shall be effective for a period
not to exceed 18 months following the date of filing, and may thereafter be
amended, adopted, or readopted by the commissioners in accordance with the
requirements of P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.).

���� 14. This act shall take
effect immediately.