Asm. Jessica Ramirez

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates an exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. It would require these venues to become smoke-free, meaning no smoking would be permitted inside for employees, patrons, or visitors. The change directly affects casino operators, staff, and customers at all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities (such as those with slot machines, table games, or dedicated seating for betting). This policy shift extends the existing indoor smoking ban to these locations, removing a long-standing exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits tourist helicopter operations that provide sightseeing tours in specific areas, including the Hudson River between New Jersey and New York City, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. It requires the Commissioner of Transportation to ban these operations at all state-licensed aviation facilities like airports, heliports, and helistops. The prohibition does not apply to helicopters operated by federal/military authorities, state government, or for emergency medical transportation. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) without individual prescriptions under specific conditions. Pharmacists must verify patients are HIV-negative through recent testing, provide counseling, complete required training, and document services before dispensing. Health insurance plans must cover these medications without prior authorization or step therapy requirements. Patients can receive up to a 60-day supply of PrEP without a prescription within any two-year period before needing a prescription for continued use. Pharmacists must also notify patients' primary care providers about the dispensing, unless the patient declines.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Transportation to create rules reducing helicopter noise at state-licensed airports, heliports, and helistops. It mandates a 47% reduction in weekday helicopter departures compared to the prior 12-month average, excluding flights by federal/military entities, state government, and emergency medical services. The rule changes directly affect operators of these aviation facilities, requiring them to cut routine helicopter operations significantly. The policy focuses on noise reduction through specific numerical limits, with clear exemptions for essential services. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A925 would allow voters to register and vote on election day at polling places or during early voting by completing an affirmation statement and providing identification. Currently, voters must register at least 21 days before an election, but this bill would enable those who missed the deadline to register and cast a provisional ballot. Voters registering on election day would have 48 hours after the election to verify their identity through the Motor Vehicle Commission database or by providing acceptable identification, ensuring their ballot is counted if valid. This change would directly affect voters who meet eligibility requirements but missed the standard registration deadline.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit surgical declawing (onychectomy) or flexor tendonectomy procedures on cats or other animals, except when a licensed veterinarian determines it's medically necessary for the animal's health. The law specifically bans declawing for cosmetic reasons or convenience, allowing exceptions only for conditions like infections, injuries, or diseases affecting the animal's claws. Veterinarians must document such procedures with the Department of Health and provide a copy to the pet owner, with failure to comply resulting in disciplinary action. Violations would be punishable by civil penalties of $500-$2,000 or criminal charges including fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey A602 establishes the "New Jersey Reparations Task Force" within the Department of State to study and develop recommendations for addressing historical and ongoing racial disparities stemming from slavery and systemic discrimination. The 11-member task force, appointed with representation from the Governor, legislative leadership, and civil rights organizations, will examine New Jersey's role in slavery, its legacy of racial discrimination, and potential remedies over a 24-month period. The task force must hold at least six public meetings across the state and issue an interim report within 12 months and a final report with recommendations within 24 months. This legislation directly affects Black communities in New Jersey who face significant racial disparities in housing, wealth, education, and criminal justice. The task force's work will inform potential policy changes and reparative measures to address these systemic issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits organizing, promoting, or participating in competitive events (such as contests with prizes) where participants harass or take specific wildlife - including coyotes, raccoons, squirrels, and other listed animals - except for authorized field trials. Violators face a disorderly persons offense (up to six months in jail, $1,000 fine) plus a five-year suspension of wildlife licenses and possession privileges. Injured wildlife must be transported to a licensed rehabilitator or vet, and killed wildlife becomes the property of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The law applies broadly to events not covered by existing field trial permits, targeting commercialized wildlife competitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey, allowing them to practice to the full extent of their training without requiring physician supervision or joint protocols. APNs with more than 24 months or 2,400 hours of experience can practice independently, while those with less experience must maintain a joint protocol with a physician for prescribing medications. The bill updates requirements for prescribing medications (including pharmacology continuing education), authorizing medical cannabis, and practicing anesthesia, and repeals sections of law requiring physician collaboration. These changes aim to improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas, by expanding the scope of practice for APNs who are already trained to provide primary and specialty care. The bill also modifies documentation requirements so that APNs can use their own signatures instead of requiring physician endorsements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent Office of New Americans within New Jersey's Department of Human Services to support immigrants, refugees, and their children. The office will coordinate key services - including refugee resettlement, health screenings, and legal aid for low-income New Americans - and provide training to other state agencies on culturally responsive outreach. It requires the office to use data solely for integration efforts (like language access planning) and prohibits sharing data with immigration enforcement. The bill formalizes an existing office created by executive order in 2019, ensuring dedicated staffing and resources for New American communities.