Asm. Jessica Ramirez

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4924) requires New Jersey public school districts to incorporate keyboarding instruction into the curriculum for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. It mandates that districts ensure students can type at least one page in a single sitting by the end of sixth grade, as part of implementing state standards for career readiness and digital skills. The instruction must be integrated into existing curriculum frameworks, not added as a separate course. The bill applies to all public school districts and takes effect in the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4923) prohibits New Jersey businesses from charging customers an extra fee (surcharge) for using credit cards. It requires businesses to clearly post notices about minimum transaction amounts for credit cards and any discounts offered for cash or debit payments. The law applies to most sellers of goods or services in New Jersey, but excludes motor fuel retailers (gas stations). Businesses must display these notices at physical locations or provide electronic/verbal notice for online/phone transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4906) limits how New Jersey correctional facilities can restrict phone calls as a disciplinary measure for incarcerated individuals. It requires facilities to allow at least one phone call every two weeks during any suspension, caps suspensions at 90 consecutive days or 180 days per year, and prohibits suspensions within 60 days of release (terminating any existing sanctions during that period). The bill also bans suspensions for individuals in Restorative Housing Units and mandates that facilities notify emergency contacts if calls are restricted. These changes directly affect incarcerated people and their families by ensuring more consistent communication access during incarceration.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed child care centers in New Jersey that already have video or audio surveillance systems to keep all recordings for 180 days. It mandates that the Department of Children and Families or a designated third party must review these recordings before they can be deleted. The law does not require centers without existing systems to install new surveillance equipment. It applies specifically to centers licensed under Title 30 of New Jersey law and takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Second Chance Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to connect formerly incarcerated individuals with employment opportunities through labor organizations. The program requires labor unions to identify job pathways in their trades and develop plans for hiring returning citizens, directly benefiting individuals recently released from prison who face high barriers to employment. It aims to reduce recidivism by addressing a key factor cited in the bill: the lack of viable jobs for this population, which correlates with higher reoffending rates. The program operates under the State Employment and Training Commission and mandates consultation with labor organizations to create sustainable career opportunities. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health and the New Jersey Board of Nursing to provide homemaker-home health aide and nursing assistant certification exams in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Tagalog. It directly affects individuals seeking these certifications, particularly non-English speakers who may face language barriers during testing. The law mandates that both written and oral exams be available in these languages to ensure accessibility. The agencies can adopt additional rules under existing administrative procedures to implement this requirement, which takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to administer professional license examinations in English and the four most commonly spoken languages in the state (other than English), instead of only English with optional Spanish for practicing licensees. It directly affects cosmetology applicants and license holders seeking to take or renew their licenses. The key provision mandates the Division of Consumers Affairs to post these four languages on its website and verify them every five years. The bill does not change current requirements for Spanish or translator assistance but expands language options based on statewide demographics.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A3366 establishes a Women's Menstrual Health Program within the Department of Health to identify and support patients with symptoms of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The program requires the Department to contract with healthcare providers for screenings, referrals, and follow-up care; provide education for medical staff and the public; and maintain an online resource hub with clinical guidelines and patient materials. It directly affects women experiencing symptoms like severe pelvic pain, irregular periods, infertility, or other menstrual disorder indicators linked to these conditions. The bill mandates standardized data collection for quality assurance while keeping patient information confidential, as required by law. This initiative aims to improve early identification and care for millions of women impacted by these common, long-term health conditions.

Maddy summaryAJR 112 designates the calendar week beginning Sunday that includes September 10th each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or services but encourages statewide awareness and community activities around suicide prevention. It requests the Governor annually issue a proclamation to recognize the week and promote existing resources like the NJ Suicide Hopeline. The bill directly affects all New Jersey residents by fostering community engagement with the state's ongoing suicide prevention efforts. It is procedural, focusing on recognition rather than policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a fourth-degree crime to secretly install or use electronic tracking devices or apps to monitor another person's location without permission, punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. It defines "electronic tracking devices" (like GPS trackers) and "tracking applications" (like hidden location apps) and creates a legal presumption that secret tracking is for illegal purposes like stalking. Key exceptions include parents tracking minor children, monitoring individuals at health risk, business property tracking during transactions, employer vehicle monitoring (with required notice), and explicit consent from the person being tracked. Consent must be in writing for devices or explicit opt-in for apps, and can be revoked if spouses file divorce petitions or domestic violence restraining orders.