Asm. Jessica Ramirez

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and state developmental/psychiatric facilities in New Jersey. It requires specific ratios (such as 1 nurse for every 4 medical/surgical patients, 1 nurse for every 2 critical care patients, and 1 unlicensed personnel for every 7 daytime patients) while mandating hospitals to implement an acuity-based staffing system to ensure adequate staffing levels. Hospitals found in violation may face civil penalties that increase with repeat offenses, with penalty revenue funding a dedicated "Patient Protection and Staffing Fund" to support nursing recruitment, retention, education, and inspector staffing. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Human Services to review staffing standards in developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals to align with these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $70 million in federal pandemic recovery funds to New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to support arts and culture organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EDA, in consultation with the State Council on the Arts, will distribute $50 million in grants for financial recovery (including $10 million specifically for arts education programs in schools and after-school settings) and $20 million for placemaking projects like public art installations, park beautification, and educational signage. Qualifying organizations - covering both non-profits and for-profit businesses - can use funds to offset pandemic-related revenue losses or build cash reserves for future disruptions. The funding comes directly from New Jersey's allocation of the federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3551) requires all new front-loading washing machines and dryers sold in the state to include child safety locks that prevent doors from opening and cannot be removed without a key or combination. It also mandates manufacturers to provide and install these locks (at no cost to consumers) on existing machines sold without them, along with warning stickers and notices about the risks. The bill cites Consumer Product Safety Commission data showing at least three child deaths and 3,000 injuries since 2014 related to children becoming trapped in these appliances. Violations carry civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense, enforced by the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Vaisakhi (typically falling on April 13-14) and Bandi Chhor Divas (typically in autumn) as official public holidays in New Jersey. It amends state law to add these days to the list of paid holidays for state government employees and to the calendar of public holidays affecting business operations and financial transactions. The bill directly affects state government operations, requiring offices to close on these days, and ensures financial instruments like checks are treated as payable on the next business day if issued on these holidays. It does not change existing holiday provisions or create new obligations beyond the designated holidays.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits drug manufacturers, pharmacies, wholesalers, and healthcare practitioners from using devices, kiosks, or machines to steer patients to specific pharmacies or restrict their pharmacy choice when dispensing prescriptions or drug samples. It requires explicit patient consent before transmitting personal health information to a preferred pharmacy and bans using patient data for marketing without authorization. Violations carry penalties of at least $100,000 for companies and $250 for practitioners per offense. The bill also aligns with federal privacy rules (HIPAA) by requiring disclosure of insurance charges related to data sharing and prohibiting the sale of patient medical information for promotional purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes September 11 as a paid state holiday for New Jersey government employees, designated as "9/11 Remembrance Day." It adds this date to the official list of paid holidays under state law, alongside existing holidays like Independence Day and Memorial Day. Public offices and state government operations would close on this day, aligning with the holiday's recognition in banking and public business rules. The bill directly affects state employees and public services operating under state jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows auto insurers in New Jersey to permit policyholders to conduct self-inspections of vehicles using a mobile app, replacing in-person inspections under specific conditions. It establishes standardized waiver categories (e.g., for new cars from dealers, leased vehicles under six months, or continuous coverage) and requires insurers to use a uniform process to avoid discrimination. Policyholders must submit photos showing all vehicle sides, odometer readings, EPA stickers, and VINs via the insurer’s app, with strict photo requirements. The bill directly affects insurers, policyholders, and the Department of Banking and Insurance, which must oversee implementation and prevent fraud through consistent waiver rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets time limits on personal service contracts for performers in New Jersey. It prohibits recording artists' contracts from having option periods extending beyond six months after music delivery or release, and limits actors' episodic series contracts (including renewals) to 12 months after signing or starting work. Performers can terminate contracts if timelines aren't met, and these protections cannot be waived in any agreement. The law also prohibits enforcing personal service contracts beyond seven years from when work began, though voluntary continuation beyond that period is allowed.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide mobile crisis response system to provide immediate services to adults with disabilities (including intellectual/developmental disabilities or mental illness) experiencing behavioral health crises. Mobile crisis response teams must provide up to 72 hours of services per episode, with the option to temporarily place individuals in licensed temporary stabilization units for up to seven days when needed. The bill creates a 9-8-8 trust fund through a monthly fee on mobile service users to support the system, and requires training for direct care staff in group homes on crisis recognition and response. The goal is to stabilize crises in the least restrictive environment while preventing inappropriate hospitalizations or residential placements.

Maddy summaryThis bill, A2590, allows New Jersey craft distilleries to sell mixed drinks and mixed drink ingredients for off-premises consumption. It authorizes craft distilleries to ship up to 20 liters of distilled spirits per year directly to consumers over 21 for personal use (not resale), both within New Jersey and to out-of-state residents (in amounts permitted by destination states). The bill makes permanent temporary provisions from P.L.2020, c.33 that allowed craft distilleries to sell mixed drinks in sealed containers with tamper evidence (max 16 fluid ounces) and to sell distilled spirits with nonalcoholic beverages or food items for consumers to mix themselves. This directly affects craft distilleries holding a "craft distillery license" (3d), defined as those manufacturing not more than 20,000 gallons of distilled alcoholic beverages annually.