New Jersey A5404: Midwifery Licensing Act-creates; modifies regulation of midwifery

What the bill says

From the amended text, October 22, 2026:

A5404 1R [First Reprint] ASSEMBLY, No. 5404 STATE OF NEW JERSEY 222nd LEGISLATURE INTRODUCED SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 Sponsored by: Assemblywoman SHANIQUE SPEIGHT District 29 (Essex and Hudson) Assemblywoman VERLINA REYNOLDS-JACKSON District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer) SYNOPSIS Establishes “Midwifery Licensing Act.” CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT As reported by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on October 22, 2026, with amendments. concerning the oversight of midwives and revising various parts of the statutory law and supplementing Title 45 of the Revised Statutes. 1. (New section) P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) shall be known and may be cited as the “Midwifery Licensing Act.” 2. (New section) The Legislature finds and declares that: a. The public interest requires the establishment of a modern regulatory framework for the practice of midwifery in this State. b. Midwives play a vital role in improving maternal and infant health. c. Research has shown that access to midwifery services significantly reduces the rate of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, particularly for vulnerable communities, yet many of the statutory provisions governing the practice of midwifery in the State date back to the late 19th century. d. Midwifery practice continues to be regulated by the State Board of Medical Examiners rather than by an independent midwifery licensing board. e. In light of the expansion of …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Shanique Speight (D, 29) · primary sponsor
• Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D, 15) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. October 22, 2026: REP/ACA 2RA
2. October 22, 2026: TRANS AAP
3. October 5, 2026: REP REF AHE
4. September 10, 2026: INT 1RA REF ARP

Votes

• Assembly Appropriations Committee: Reported with committee amendments (Aca) (October 22, 2026): 9 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Assembly Regulated Professions Committee: Reported favorably (October 5, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is A5404?

A5404 is a bill in the New Jersey Legislature (2026-2027 Regular Session): Midwifery Licensing Act-creates; modifies regulation of midwifery.

What does A5404 do?

Establishes "Midwifery Licensing Act."

What is the status of A5404?

Introduced as of October 22, 2026. Latest action: REP/ACA 2RA (October 22, 2026).

Who sponsored A5404?

Shanique Speight (D, 29), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for A5404?

On the New Jersey Legislature website: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A5404