Asm. Annette Quijano

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and state developmental/psychiatric hospitals in New Jersey. It requires specific ratios, such as 1 nurse per 4 patients on medical/surgical units and 1 nurse per 2 patients in critical care, along with unlicensed staff ratios (1 per 7 patients during day shifts). Hospitals must implement an acuity-based staffing system approved by the health department to adjust staffing based on patient needs and unit conditions. The law aims to ensure safe staffing levels without reducing existing standards, directly affecting healthcare facilities and patient safety.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's AJR 65 designates the third full week in April each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" in the state. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the week through awareness activities. It aims to increase public understanding of infertility - impacting about 1 in 8 couples - and reduce associated stigma, without creating new laws, funding, or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electronic voting system vendors to disclose any owners or shareholders with a 5% or greater ownership stake in the company, its subsidiaries, or its parent company before the Secretary of State can approve their systems. It directly affects vendors seeking certification to provide voting technology in New Jersey elections. Vendors must also report any future changes exceeding 5% in ownership structure. The disclosure requirement applies prior to system approval, aiming to enhance election security transparency. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryAJR 55 designates August each year as "Black Business Month" in New Jersey to promote the success of Black-owned businesses. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging schools, cultural institutions, and community organizations to observe the month with supportive activities. It highlights that Black-owned businesses are essential to New Jersey's economy, face disproportionate challenges (like higher pandemic closures), and represent a growing sector with potential to improve economic equity. The bill does not create new funding or regulations but formally recognizes and encourages statewide attention to Black business owners.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a nine-member task force within New Jersey's Department of Health to study health care access barriers faced by LGBTQI residents (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and intersex individuals). The task force will examine current policies, health care resources, medical training, and barriers like discrimination or lack of insurance coverage. It must make recommendations to improve health care quality and accessibility for this community within one year. The bill directly affects LGBTQI New Jersey residents by addressing documented health disparities they experience.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year Statewide Animal Advocate Program within New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). It allows courts to appoint a special advocate in criminal cases involving animal welfare (such as cruelty or dog fighting charges) to represent the animal's best interests, rather than the owner or state. The advocate monitors cases, reviews records from vets and officers, shares information with attorneys, and recommends animal placement to the court. The program expires after two years, requiring a report on implementation and recommendations for continuation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1512) allows trained operators of New Jersey’s Suicide Hopeline to make follow-up calls to minors aged 16 or older who contact the hotline and are identified as high-risk for suicide, without requiring parental consent. It directly affects minors in crisis by enabling immediate, confidential support from the Hopeline after an initial call. The key mechanism amends existing law to explicitly permit these brief, supportive follow-up calls - specifically for suicide prevention - while clarifying they do not constitute formal mental health treatment. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.238, meaning the policy change is now in effect.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 1921 regulates credit card interchange fees by prohibiting payment networks like Visa and MasterCard from restricting merchants' flexibility. The bill directly affects merchants (businesses accepting credit cards) and payment networks, banning them from: forcing specific pricing displays, blocking discounts for cash/debit cards, limiting where cards are accepted, restricting minimum/maximum transaction values ($10+), or limiting which payment systems merchants can use. It requires payment networks to reimburse merchants for fees collected during violations. The law aims to increase transparency and competition in credit card fee pricing, which currently inflates consumer prices as merchants pass costs to all shoppers.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows eligible New Jersey educators (K-12 teachers, counselors, principals) and paraprofessionals (school aides) to deduct up to $250 of unreimbursed classroom supply expenses from their gross income tax. It covers costs like books, computers, software, and classroom materials, but excludes nonathletic supplies for health or physical education classes. To qualify, individuals must work at least 900 hours annually in a New Jersey public or private elementary/secondary school. The deduction applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 946), now law as P.L.2025, c.177, requires mental health services to be provided in the communication method preferred by each deaf or hard of hearing individual - such as sign language or oral communication - based on their assessment. It mandates that mental health professionals be fluent in that method, trained in cultural needs, and able to collaborate with interpreters. The law also requires a state resource guide listing specialized mental health services and ensures individuals can help shape their own care plans. It directly affects all deaf or hard of hearing residents seeking mental health support in New Jersey, addressing long-standing barriers in access and care quality.