Asm. Jessica Ramirez

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Menopause Coverage Act requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover medically necessary treatments for perimenopause and menopause to the same extent as coverage for other medical conditions. Covered treatments include hormonal therapies, non-hormonal medications, behavioral health services, pelvic floor physical therapy, bone health screenings and treatments, preventative services for related conditions like cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, and counseling. The law applies to all health insurance carriers in the state, including hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health service corporations, and health maintenance organizations. Insurers must also provide clear information about covered treatments to policyholders. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment and applies to policies delivered, issued, executed, or renewed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, repealing the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act." It establishes a $500 fine for violations and allows pet shops to sell other animals or pet supplies, while enabling collaboration with shelters to showcase adoptable animals without exchanging payment. The bill defines "unfit for purchase" for animals and specifies that an animal's death within 14 days of sale (except by accident) would be considered evidence of being unfit. It also prohibits animal rescue organizations, shelters, and pounds from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers in exchange for compensation. The law does not affect pet dealers (not pet shops) or consumer rights for animals purchased from them.

Maddy summaryThe "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey" requires all voting policies to be interpreted in ways that maximize voting access for all eligible voters, particularly members of racial, color, and language-minority groups. It prohibits voting practices that burden protected class members and mandates language assistance for limited English proficient voters. The bill creates a preclearance process for voting changes in jurisdictions with a history of voting rights violations and establishes the New Jersey Voting and Elections Institute to maintain public voting data. These provisions aim to ensure equitable access to voting and protect against voter suppression and vote dilution.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a public awareness campaign about doulas. It mandates the campaign to explain doulas' roles before, during, and after pregnancy; detail their services and research-supported benefits; and list free or low-cost doula resources. The campaign must provide materials in the top 10 languages spoken in New Jersey, available online and distributed through health clinics, WIC offices, Planned Parenthood locations, pharmacies, and community organizations. The goal is to increase public understanding and access to doula services for pregnant and postpartum individuals statewide.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4848) requires doctors and nurses to screen pregnant patients for lead exposure if they identify risk factors - such as living in older housing - based on CDC and medical guidelines. It mandates one lead screening per pregnancy for at-risk patients, with providers notifying patients of elevated lead levels and ensuring children under six in the household are screened. Patients can refuse testing in writing, and labs must report results to health departments within five business days. The law applies to all pregnant individuals in New Jersey receiving care from covered healthcare providers, aiming to prevent lead poisoning during pregnancy.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting kidnapping and human trafficking crimes in New Jersey, meaning prosecutors can file charges at any time regardless of when the offense occurred. For civil cases, it extends the deadline for victims to sue perpetrators from 5 to 10 years, with options to file within 10 years of turning 18 (if a minor at the time), within two years of discovering the injury, or after a trafficking pattern ends. The bill also pauses the clock during periods of victim disability (e.g., mental illness or intellectual disability) and blocks defendants from using the statute as a defense if they caused delays through threats or fraud. These changes aim to provide victims more time to pursue justice in both criminal and civil courts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5455) changes the quorum requirement for New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking. Currently, the 17-member commission needs 9 members present to conduct business, but vacancies often prevent this. The bill authorizes the commission to exercise its powers and duties when a majority of its *current* members are present, rather than requiring a fixed 9-member quorum. This change aims to ensure the commission can function effectively despite staffing gaps. The commission evaluates trafficking laws, reviews victim services, and promotes awareness - key duties that were previously hindered by quorum issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Governor's Survivor Leader Advisory Council within New Jersey's Department of Health to address human trafficking risks linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The council, composed of nine human trafficking survivors with relevant expertise, must evaluate existing anti-trafficking laws, review assistance programs, and develop public awareness campaigns - including hotlines and signage - before and during the event. It is required to submit a detailed report with specific recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 240 days, covering best practices, law changes, and coordination with law enforcement. The bill appropriates $1 million to fund the council’s operations and mandates the Attorney General to issue guidelines for responding to trafficking risks during the World Cup.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide Parkinson's disease registry under New Jersey's Department of Health. It requires healthcare providers (such as hospitals, doctors, and clinics) to report diagnosed cases of Parkinson's disease or related movement disorders to the registry, while allowing patients to opt out of data collection. The registry will collect anonymized data on incidence, prevalence, and demographics (if patients choose to share), with strict confidentiality protections and no public disclosure of individual records. The Department of Health must publish annual reports on registry data and maintain a public website detailing the registry's purpose and findings.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A4692 bill establishes new requirements for state and local governments when awarding contracts or grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Key provisions include setting a 15% cap on indirect costs (like overhead), creating a centralized database for nonprofits to submit required documents (such as tax-exempt status and financial records), and mandating annual contract adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. The bill also requires payments within 30 days (with 1% interest for delays), automatically extends contracts by three months if renewal isn't completed within 10 days, and prohibits government agencies from unilaterally changing contract terms. These changes directly affect nonprofits receiving state or local government contracts and aim to streamline processes while ensuring fair compensation.