Asm. Jessica Ramirez

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipalities and developers to prioritize New Jersey residents for affordable housing units (low- or moderate-income) under the Fair Housing Act. It mandates that households with at least one member residing in New Jersey receive preference immediately upon establishing state residency, with no minimum residency period required. The policy applies to all qualifying housing units and takes effect five months after enactment, allowing the Commissioner of Community Affairs to prepare for implementation. This change directly affects applicants seeking affordable housing and the entities managing such housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Landlord Registration and Tenant Protection Act, requires landlords in New Jersey to register with specific information including email addresses, street addresses (not just post office boxes), and contact details for maintenance personnel. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of their registration certificate and display it prominently in rental properties, with penalties for non-compliance starting at $100 for first offenses. The bill also establishes clearer inspection procedures for significant health and safety violations (like lack of heat or structural issues), requiring inspectors to notify owners within 48 hours. Additionally, it allows municipalities to satisfy up to 10% of their affordable housing obligation through rehabilitation programs that convert substandard units into long-term low-income housing. These changes directly affect landlords, tenants, and municipalities managing rental properties across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 182) is a symbolic statement affirming New Jersey's support for the 22nd Amendment, which limits U.S. presidents to two elected terms. It declares the state's opposition to any efforts to repeal or weaken this amendment and states New Jersey will not ratify such changes. The resolution has no legal effect on federal law but serves as a formal position statement. It was introduced by Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez and will be sent to the President and New Jersey's congressional delegation.

Maddy summaryBill A5451 prohibits most institutional investors (such as large real estate firms, corporations, or trusts owning significant properties) from purchasing or acquiring single-family homes in New Jersey, including townhomes. Key exemptions include nonprofits developing affordable housing, family trusts, family LLCs, small investors owning four or fewer homes, and properties acquired through foreclosure. Violators must sell the home within six months and pay profits to the state, with daily fines of $500 for first offenses. The law requires annual reporting to the Department of Community Affairs and applies to all home purchases after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide property tax rebates to New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities. Eligible veterans would receive a rebate equal to their disability percentage of the property taxes paid on their primary residence, with the rebate capped at $5,000 annually. The program is limited to veterans with gross income under $200,000 and does not apply to veterans already exempt from property taxes due to 100% disability ratings. Veterans would need to apply annually for the rebate, and funding would depend on annual legislative appropriations. The bill specifically targets veterans with less than 100% service-connected disability ratings who currently pay property taxes on their primary residence.

Maddy summaryACR 157 is a symbolic resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, directly affirming support for Hindu Americans in New Jersey. It formally declares the state's stance against prejudice toward Hinduism ("Sanatana Dharma") and Hindus, citing documented hate crimes and Hindu contributions to U.S. society. The resolution requires transmission to the Governor, New Jersey’s congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation in Washington, DC. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create legal obligations but serves as a public statement of the state’s position. It recognizes Hinduism’s global significance and the community’s economic and cultural contributions to New Jersey and the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5456) makes human trafficking crimes subject to New Jersey's No Early Release Act (NERA) sentencing rules. It directly affects individuals convicted of human trafficking (N.J.S.2C:13-8), assisting in trafficking (N.J.S.2C:13-9), and commercial sexual abuse of minors (N.J.S.2C:13-10). The key change requires offenders to serve 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility - increasing the minimum from 20 years to 24 years for first-degree trafficking - and adds mandatory parole supervision (5 years for first-degree offenses). These provisions apply to all convictions for these specific trafficking-related crimes under current law.

Maddy summaryThe "Climate Superfund Act" would hold fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions. It targets companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels and are responsible for over one billion metric tons of emissions between 1995 and the bill's effective date. The bill establishes a program through New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to collect these payments and distribute funds for climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs. Companies would pay their proportional share of damages over nine years, with options for installment payments, and the collected funds would specifically support projects that help communities prepare for climate impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires crisis pregnancy centers in New Jersey to clearly state in English and Spanish that they are not licensed health care facilities and whether they employ a physician to supervise pregnancy-related services. Centers must display this information in waiting areas, examination rooms, and all rooms used for client discussions, as well as in every advertisement (online, print, radio, or other media). Violations could result in penalties under the Consumer Fraud Act, and the Attorney General can seek court orders to stop deceptive practices. The law specifically targets centers offering non-medical counseling (like adoption referrals) but not abortion or prenatal care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed New Jersey audiologists to select, prescribe, and order hearing aids - expanding their current authority to only fit and sell them - if they complete approved training. It directly affects audiologists who must now meet specific educational requirements and New Jersey residents needing hearing aids, particularly for prescription-grade devices under new FDA classifications. The key change aligns state law with updated federal rules that distinguish between over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids. This amendment modifies existing licensing standards under P.L.1983, c.420, requiring audiologists to complete coursework in the full scope of hearing aid services.