Bill > S2260

This bill aims to protect individuals seeking or providing reproductive health care services in New Jersey and to shield New Jersey residents from legal actions originating in other states that restrict such care. It defines "reproductive health care activity" broadly to include any lawful conduct related to accessing, providing, or inquiring about reproductive health care services, which encompass a wide range of medical, surgical, and mental health services related to the human reproductive system, including pregnancy, contraception, abortion, and gender-affirming care. The bill prohibits professional licensing boards from penalizing healthcare providers solely for engaging in these activities and prevents insurers from increasing premiums or taking adverse actions against providers based on claims or disciplinary actions from other states related to reproductive health care that is legal in New Jersey. Furthermore, it establishes criminal penalties for interfering with reproductive health care services, including physical obstruction, intimidation, or damage to property, and allows for civil lawsuits to seek damages and injunctive relief for such interference. The bill also restricts state and local law enforcement, courts, and other government entities from cooperating with investigations or legal proceedings from other states that target individuals for reproductive health care activities legal in New Jersey, and declares that out-of-state laws attempting to punish such activities are against New Jersey's public policy.