New year, new laws: Pay raises, PTSD coverage, minimum wage increase, and health reforms hit Pa. and N.J.

Jan. 7—As residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey began 2025, several new laws took effect, including expanded access to health care and pay raises for top government officials.

In its most recent legislative session, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed 217 bills — fewer than in recent years, according to Spotlight PA. Some laws took effect Jan. 1, while others will roll out later in the year.

New Jersey lawmakers were equally busy, focusing on health care reforms to bolster consumer protections and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Here's a look at key legislation that became law in 2025:

Pennsylvania

Pa. government officials get pay raise, outpacing private sector workers

Top Pennsylvania officials, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, state lawmakers, and judges, received a 3.5% pay increase starting Jan. 1. The annual automatic raise is tied to federal inflation.

This marks the fourth consecutive year these raises have outpaced the hourly wage growth of private sector employees, according to the Associated Press. Last year's 7.8% hike was the largest since 1995.

Shapiro's salary will increase to $246,000, potentially maintaining his position as the nation's second-highest-paid governor. Other officials, including Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Auditor General Tim DeFoor, and Attorney General-elect Dave Sunday, will earn more than $200,000 annually.

First responders can receive workers' comp for PTSD

Starting in October 2025, Pennsylvania police officers, firefighters, and EMTs can receive workers' compensation for post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) without proving "abnormal working conditions," a common hurdle for mental health-related claims.

The law, an amendment to the 1915 Workers' Compensation Act, recognizes trauma from qualifying events such as mass casualties, crime scenes, and child exploitation. Eligibility requires a diagnosis from a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.

Health insurance companies, including Medicaid, must cover biomarker testing

As of Jan. 1, Pennsylvania's Medicaid program and all state-regulated health insurance plans are required to cover biomarker testing, a diagnostic tool used to guide treatment for cancer and other diseases.

"Ensuring that more Pennsylvanians will have access to proven biomarker testing will mean more patients battling cancer and many other forms of chronic disease will have the information needed to identify the best treatments possible," said Donna Greco of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, after the bill's signing.

Biomarker testing, which involves analyzing tissue or fluids, can save patients significant out-of-pocket expenses due to more informed treatment plans. However, without insurance, testing can cost thousands.

Medicaid covers certified doulas

Medicaid patients in Pennsylvania can now access certified doula care at no cost. The new law aims to reduce disparities in pregnancy outcomes, particularly among Black women, who face higher risks of maternal and infant mortality.

"Lack of coverage for doula services in Medicaid leads to a vast disparity in care for women who are already statistically at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, with Black birthing people at the highest risk of maternal and infant mortality," said State Rep. Morgan Cephas (D., Philadelphia), who sponsored the bill. "This new law will give these parents a proven network of support needed to produce better mental and physical health outcomes during their birthing journey."

Doulas are credited with reducing risks like low birth weights and premature labor while providing emotional and physical support for expectant mothers.

Parents can legally surrender newborns at urgent care centers

Under new state law, parents can now surrender their newborns at urgent care centers without criminal charges.

"Urgent care centers provide conveniently located, safe environments where parents can surrender unharmed newborns. By including these centers as an option, we can increase awareness efforts that save babies and offer them the chance to be raised in loving homes with families eager to provide care and support," said State Sen. Michele Brooks (R., Crawford), who authored the bill.

In addition to urgent care centers, parents can legally relinquish their infant at any hospital, police station, or emergency services provider in Pennsylvania. If the child is unharmed and not a victim of a crime, the parents won't receive any penalties.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the state's Safe Haven Law has saved the lives of 50 babies since 2003.

New Jersey

Consumer and credit protection from medical debt

Most medical debt will no longer be reported to credit reporting agencies in New Jersey. The Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act, named after the staffer who helped craft the bill but passed away before its signing, doesn't just stop at credit reporting.

It's a suite of consumer protections, including capping the interest rate for medical debt at no more than 3% per year and limiting what medical debt collectors can do, like garnishing wages or immediately calling to collect right after treatment or a procedure.

"The Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act is a monumental step toward building a health care system that is more affordable and more accessible for families all across New Jersey," said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. "It will always stand as a testament to the indispensable role Louisa played in transforming our health care system for the better, so we can protect all of our neighbors from being forced to choose between seeking potentially life-saving care or falling into a medical debt trap."

N.J. minimum wage increases to $15.49 per hour

The minimum wage in New Jersey is now $15.49 per hour for most employees. Since 2018, New Jersey's minimum wage has almost doubled, from $8.60 per hour.

"Aligning the state minimum wage with any increases in the cost of living is a critical step towards economic fairness and security for all New Jersey workers," said N.J. Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. "This adjustment fosters a more equitable economy and ensures our workforce can continue to thrive."

Garden state bans "book bans"

Last month, Gov. Murphy signed the Freedom to Read Act into law, preventing "arbitrary book banning."

This means all N.J. schools will have to develop a curation and review process in order to address concerns over library materials. It also protects librarians and other staff members against civil and criminal lawsuits related to complying with the Freedom to Read Act.

"The freedom to read and to freely access information is an essential part of a quality education and a core component of our democracy," said N.J. State Senator President Nick Scutari. "This law will help New Jersey libraries guard against politically-inspired censorship and protect librarians from harassment for simply doing their job."

Doctors are required to provide postpartum care

Starting in May, New Jersey health care providers must create personalized postpartum care plans for all pregnancies, including those ending in loss.

Providers will offer postpartum planning sessions as early as the first trimester of pregnancy and are required to provide maternity care services before discharging patients.

"The postpartum period is a critical time to ensure that families receive the care and support they need to thrive," said Kaitlan Baston, the N.J. Health Commissioner and family physician. "This law will enhance postpartum care planning, empower patients with information tailored to their physical and emotional health needs, and best prepare their care team to support them."

According to the New Jersey Maternal Mortality Review Committee, the majority of pregnancy-related deaths happen during the postpartum period.

___

(c)2025 The Philadelphia Inquirer

Visit The Philadelphia Inquirer at www.inquirer.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.