Asm. Jessica Ramirez

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large organic waste generators - such as supermarkets, restaurants, hospitals, golf courses, and farms - to separate organic waste (including food scraps, yard trimmings, and biodegradable materials) at the source and send it to an authorized recycling facility within 25 miles, if available. Generators producing 52+ tons annually of organic waste must comply, with exceptions allowing disposal at solid waste facilities if no nearby recycling option exists or if on-site composting/digestion meets DEP standards. A waiver is available if recycling costs exceed disposal costs by 10% or more. The law updates existing definitions to expand coverage beyond food waste to all biodegradable organic waste.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A4857 extends the state's anti-SLAPP law to protect individuals who report sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination in good faith. This bill specifically covers people who make such reports under the Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.10:5-1 et seq.) or sexual offense laws (N.J.S.2C:24-4), even if no criminal case follows. Complainants can use anti-SLAPP procedures to quickly dismiss retaliatory lawsuits filed against them, and if successful, recover legal costs, attorney fees, and potentially damages. The law aims to reduce fear of retaliation that may prevent victims from reporting misconduct.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health insurance plans to cover additional orthotic and prosthetic appliances when a physician determines they're necessary for physical and recreational activities like running, biking, swimming, and sports. It expands current coverage requirements, which already mandate coverage for basic orthotic and prosthetic appliances that are medically necessary, to include additional devices needed for recreational activities. The bill applies to all health insurance contracts in New Jersey, including hospital, medical, and health service corporations, and requires reimbursement at the same rate as federal Medicare. It would take effect 90 days after enactment for policies issued or renewed after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement to seize ammunition and specific firearm components (such as detachable magazines, slides, barrels, and other parts essential to firearm operation) when a domestic violence restraining order is issued or following a domestic violence conviction. It expands current law, which only required seizure of firearms, to include these additional items that could be used with firearms. The bill defines "firearm accessory" as devices that attach to or facilitate firearm operation (like stocks or grips) and "firearm component" as parts material to a firearm's function. This applies to individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders or convicted of domestic violence offenses in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded internship program for New Jersey legislators, allowing each member to hire interns using up to $10,000 annually from a $1.2 million state appropriation. It requires interns to be full- or part-time students at accredited higher education institutions (excluding law and PhD programs), with New Jersey residents or students at NJ schools receiving priority. Participants complete at least one work period in a legislator's district office and receive a $1,000 stipend per period, paid bi-weekly or monthly. The program aims to provide practical experience for students while supporting legislative staff capacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1973) requires hospitals, birthing centers, and healthcare providers in New Jersey to screen individuals who were diagnosed with preeclampsia during pregnancy and later show symptoms of endometriosis. It mandates that providers use industry-standard screening tools, provide education about endometriosis symptoms, and obtain written consent (with an option to refuse screening) within six weeks of giving birth. If screening is positive, providers must discuss results and develop a treatment plan to address endometriosis risks. The bill directly affects pregnant people and new mothers with preeclampsia who exhibit endometriosis symptoms, aiming to improve early detection through standardized health system protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey financial institutions (like banks, credit unions, and mortgage servicers) to allow homeowners (mortgagors) to choose biweekly payments (every two weeks), bimonthly payments (twice monthly), or extra payments directly to their mortgage principal - without penalties. It mandates that any amount paid beyond the annual required total in biweekly plans must reduce the principal balance. The law applies to all new mortgage agreements signed six months after enactment and affects homeowners seeking more flexible repayment options to potentially pay off loans faster. It does not change existing mortgage terms but expands payment choices for future agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every town or city in New Jersey to provide basic life support (BLS) services - which include CPR, wound care, and emergency stabilization - as an essential service for residents. Municipalities can arrange BLS through private companies, contracts with service providers, or shared agreements with neighboring towns or hospitals. The state will reimburse municipalities for these costs via a new appropriation to the Department of Health. The bill amends existing laws to clarify how towns can coordinate these services without requiring them to operate BLS directly.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates biennial LGBTQ+ inclusivity training for K-12 educators, licensed healthcare professionals, and all state employees (including part-time, full-time, and contract workers). The training covers LGBTQ+ identities and terminology, creating inclusive environments, responding to bias, and supporting mental health in educational, healthcare, and workplace settings. Educators will complete it through the Commissioner of Education, healthcare professionals via licensing boards, and state employees through the State Ethics Commission. The requirement applies to all affected groups starting six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts small residential condominium and cooperative buildings with four or fewer units from mandatory structural integrity inspections by adding them to the list of "excluded structures" under New Jersey's 2023 building safety law (P.L.2023, c.214). Previously, such buildings were not automatically exempt, but this amendment ensures they are excluded from the inspection requirements that apply to larger residential buildings. Owners of these small properties will no longer need to undergo the structural inspections mandated for "covered buildings" under the law. This change aligns with existing exemptions for single-family homes and other specific building types.