Asm. Jessica Ramirez

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A3700 establishes a voluntary, three-year pilot program to provide Medicaid coverage for remote maternal health services to eligible pregnant beneficiaries. The program covers remote patient monitoring (like tracking blood pressure or glucose), remote non-stress tests, and tele-ultrasound, using FDA-approved, HIPAA-compliant technology. It targets pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries who: (1) have high-risk pregnancies due to medical conditions, age, or lifestyle factors; (2) live in areas with few obstetric providers; or (3) face socioeconomic barriers like transportation issues. Participation requires a health care provider referral and is contingent on federal approval of Medicaid waivers. The program aims to expand access to maternal care in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5303) requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update the statewide policy for investigating human trafficking. It directs the AG to specifically consider: (1) using audio/video recordings in undercover operations to protect investigations and victims, (2) strict rules for sharing such recordings, (3) involving county prosecutors early in investigations, and (4) other relevant areas. The review responds to a 2024 Commission report on human trafficking in the massage industry. This policy update will affect law enforcement agencies conducting human trafficking investigations statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey electric and gas utilities using smart meters to create an "Energy Bill Watch" program for customers. It mandates utilities to notify smart meter customers on the 10th and 20th days of each billing cycle if their usage exceeds their previous cycle's average, allow customers to set dollar-based usage alerts, and provide monthly cost and consumption data in notifications. Utilities must automatically enroll smart meter customers (with opt-out options), advertise the program via email, social media, websites, and bills, and include specific billing details - previous cycle cost, current cycle cost, and the difference - on all customer bills. The program applies only to utilities using smart meters and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program providing free or reduced-cost emergency veterinary care for pets of low-income New Jersey residents who already qualify for the state's human charity care program. It applies to companion pets (non-exotic animals kept for companionship), excluding those with existing pet insurance coverage. Veterinary hospitals must apply to participate, and the Department of Health will allocate funds from the General Fund to cover eligible emergency care costs. The program mirrors the existing human charity care eligibility criteria, requiring applicants to meet income limits (300% of federal poverty level) and have limited assets with no comprehensive health insurance.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey County College Remissible Student Loan Program, providing eligible students at New Jersey county colleges with loans to cover tuition, approved fees, and textbooks not covered by other grants or scholarships. The loans are fully forgiven if students earn an associate degree within three academic years. To qualify, students must be New Jersey residents, enrolled part-time at a county college, and have applied for all other available state, federal, and institutional aid. The program is funded by a $1 million state appropriation from the General Fund, administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

Maddy summaryACR 155 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey to create a temporary property tax exemption for homeowners who make qualifying improvements to their primary residence. The exemption would cover up to $100,000 in assessed value from home improvements (like renovations) and last for no more than three consecutive tax years. Homeowners would still pay property taxes on their home's original value and any improvements exceeding $100,000. This resolution must be approved by voters before the Legislature can enact the implementing law. The amendment itself does not create the exemption - it only mandates that the Legislature pass such a law if voters approve.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5335) prohibits New Jersey courts from sentencing individuals under 21 years old to life imprisonment without parole for certain serious crimes. It directly affects young offenders convicted of offenses like murder, aggravated assault, or other violent crimes under specific sections of state law. The key change amends existing sentencing law to block life-without-parole sentences for this age group, while allowing other sentencing options. The bill responds to a Massachusetts court ruling that similar sentencing for 18-20-year-olds violates constitutional protections against cruel punishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades the offense of purchasing sexual services (prostitution as a patron) from a disorderly persons offense to a crime of the fourth degree for first offenses, with higher penalties for repeat violations. It requires convicted patrons to participate in a mandatory education program about human trafficking and pay a $500 fee. All fines and fees collected from these offenses are directed to the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund," which provides services to trafficking victims and supports educational programs about human trafficking. The fund was established by prior legislation to assist survivors and combat human trafficking through prevention and awareness efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes training programs within New Jersey's Division of Fire Safety and Office of Emergency Medical Services to help formerly incarcerated individuals (those who have been in prison or jail) pursue careers as firefighters and emergency medical technicians. The programs will be open only to people not disqualified from EMT certification under current law, with applications beginning six months after the bill takes effect. The training provides a concrete pathway to public safety careers for individuals transitioning out of the criminal justice system. The bill does not change existing disqualification rules but creates dedicated reentry programs to support workforce entry in these fields.