Asm. Jessica Ramirez

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey financial institutions (including banks, credit unions, and mortgage servicers) to allow mortgage borrowers to choose biweekly payments (every two weeks), bimonthly payments (twice monthly), and extra payments toward their mortgage principal without penalties. It directly affects homeowners with mortgages secured by residential properties (1-6 units) in New Jersey. The key provision mandates that any overpayment in biweekly plans must reduce the principal balance, while bimonthly payments must equal half the monthly amount. The law applies to all new mortgage agreements signed six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A908) requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create a statewide Internet-based tracking system for rape kits (sexual assault forensic evidence kits). It directly affects victims of sexual assault, healthcare facilities that collect kits, law enforcement agencies, and laboratories that process them. The system must track kits through every step - from collection at a hospital to final disposition - allowing authorized users to monitor the chain of custody. The Attorney General must issue guidelines to implement the system, which takes effect seven months after enactment. The bill focuses on improving transparency and accountability in handling rape kits, not on changing legal standards for sexual assault cases.

Maddy summarySJR 71 designates the first full week of May each year as "Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week" in New Jersey to honor veterans who sustained physical or mental injuries while serving. The resolution requests the Governor issue a proclamation encouraging public awareness and support for wounded veterans adjusting to civilian life. It does not create new programs or funding but formally recognizes the challenges faced by veterans, including those with combat-related stress, depression, or traumatic brain injuries. This ceremonial designation applies statewide and became law in December 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4148, now P.L.2024, c.103) requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Education (DOE) to create and distribute informational materials about type 1 diabetes to parents and guardians of public school students. The materials must explain type 1 diabetes, its warning signs, screening recommendations, treatment planning, and school care protocols, as specified in the law. School districts must make these resources available to families through the DOE website. The law took effect immediately upon approval and directly affects all parents/guardians of students in New Jersey public schools.

Maddy summarySJR 103 is a symbolic resolution declaring New Jersey a "Purple Heart State" to honor veterans and active-duty service members from New Jersey who have received the Purple Heart Medal. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded by the President to those wounded or killed in combat, and this resolution recognizes their sacrifices without creating new benefits or programs. It builds on New Jersey's existing connections to the national "Purple Heart Trail" (a network of roads and monuments honoring recipients), which includes locations in the state and stems from a 1992 convention held in Cherry Hill. The resolution takes effect immediately and serves as a formal state acknowledgment of these veterans' service.

Maddy summaryThis bill would expand eligibility for New Jersey veterans' benefits by removing specific time periods and locations that veterans must have served in to qualify for certain civil service and pension benefits. Instead of requiring service during particular wars or in specific conflict zones, the bill would allow veterans who have served in federal active duty in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces or Reserve component to qualify. This change would impact civil service preferences, retirement benefits through the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund and Public Employees' Retirement System, and the ability to purchase military service credit for retirement. It would make it easier for veterans of more recent conflicts to access these benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill excludes certain military compensation from New Jersey's gross income tax for residents who serve outside the state. Specifically, it applies to New Jersey residents stationed or deployed out-of-state for at least six months during a taxable year. The exclusion covers pay from the U.S. Armed Forces, including mustering-out payments and housing allowances, but only for service performed outside New Jersey. It directly affects New Jersey military members stationed or deployed out-of-state, reducing their state tax burden on that income.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4626) requires construction permit applicants in New Jersey to disclose the anticipated funding sources and amounts for their projects. It directly affects developers and contractors applying for construction permits by mandating this financial transparency in their initial applications. The bill also requires applicants to certify or update this funding information before receiving a certificate of occupancy. The Commissioner of Community Affairs must develop implementing rules within 180 days of the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits New Jersey municipalities, sewerage authorities, and water utilities to reduce water, sewer, and stormwater fees for low-income residents. To qualify, households must have income at or below a percentage of federal poverty guidelines (capped at the threshold used for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program), and residents must provide documentation about their income, household, and housing status. Local authorities must establish clear eligibility procedures, advertise the program to residents, and demonstrate through a rate study that the fee reductions won't cause unreasonable rate increases or compromise infrastructure maintenance. The bill appropriates $200,000 from the General Fund to cover costs for conducting the required rate studies. This program directly affects low-income households who pay for essential utility services in New Jersey communities.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A5078 prohibits the farming (aquaculture) of any octopus species for human consumption within the state. It also bans businesses from selling, possessing, or transporting octopus products resulting from aquaculture. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, with each continuing day treated as a separate offense. The law specifically excludes wild-caught octopus and research-related activities. This directly affects commercial aquaculture operations and food businesses handling farmed octopus.