Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey law enforcement officers to reveal their facial identity during public interactions (except during undercover operations, medical mask use with physician approval, or smoke exposure during emergencies) and to present valid identification before detaining or arresting someone. Officers must show a uniform with agency insignia, a photo ID card, a numbered badge, or verbally state their name and agency. It applies to all state, county, municipal, and federal officers performing public duties, with exemptions for safety risks, ongoing investigations, or stealth operations. The law aims to increase transparency during police encounters while allowing necessary operational flexibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Departments of Agriculture and Education to work together to expand the "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative, which aims to increase the purchase and use of local and regional foods in school meal programs. The legislation focuses on administrative cooperation between state agencies to facilitate better sourcing of locally grown produce and ingredients for school lunches and breakfasts. By mandating joint implementation efforts, the bill seeks to strengthen connections between schools and local farmers without changing eligibility rules for students or altering existing meal program structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retail food stores and third-party grocery delivery platforms from charging different prices for the same products based on surveillance data collected about individual shoppers (like tracking behavior or location). It defines "surveillance-based price setting" as using such data to customize prices, making it unlawful except for specific cases like cost-based differences or clearly disclosed group discounts (e.g., for veterans or loyalty program members). Stores must clearly disclose eligibility for discounts and cannot use surveillance data for profiling or targeted advertising beyond administering discounts. The law directly affects grocery retailers, delivery apps, and consumers purchasing food items, aiming to prevent price discrimination using personal data.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance carriers in New Jersey to cover prescription drugs for serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD without requiring prior authorization or step therapy. It directly affects individuals with these conditions who need mental health coverage through health plans, ensuring they can access necessary medications without unnecessary administrative hurdles. The law also mandates that insurers report annually on how they develop medical necessity criteria for mental health and substance use disorder treatments, increasing transparency in coverage decisions. Additionally, carriers must provide information about in-plan exceptions when qualified providers are not available in their network.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires nursing homes in New Jersey to provide detailed financial and ownership information to the Department of Health before a sale or transfer of ownership occurs. The new requirements include submitting a transfer fee, a cover letter identifying the facility, a description of the transaction with full details on current and proposed owners, and copies of sales and management agreements. The Department of Health must post these applications on its website within 30 days while redacting personal and proprietary information, and the public will have an opportunity to comment on each transfer. Additionally, ownership transfer approval depends on the Department reviewing the new owners' disciplinary history and ensuring all outstanding Medicaid claims and penalties are resolved or assumed by the new owners.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Human Services (DHS) to create and publish an online guide for healthcare facilities. It directly affects facilities like community mental health centers, substance use treatment programs, and federally qualified health centers that seek licensure for integrated care services. The guide must clearly explain the steps and rules needed for facilities to: (1) provide integrated health care (coordinating general and behavioral health services), (2) add behavioral health or substance use treatment to existing primary care licenses, and (3) contact assigned department staff for help. The bill defines "integrated health care" as systematically coordinating general and behavioral health services to address issues like mental illness, substance use, and chronic conditions.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill expands protected bereavement leave under the Family Leave Act to cover specific personal losses: death of a child (including stillbirth), miscarriage (including chemical pregnancy), termination of pregnancy for medical reasons, and failed fertility treatments. It directly affects employees who experience these events, granting them up to 21 days of job-protected leave for situations not covered by other leave types, or 7 days if other leave applies. The bill amends existing laws (P.L.1989, c.261 and P.L.1948, c.110) to define "bereavement" broadly, including losses related to adoption plans, gestational carriers, and fertility treatments. It ensures eligible employees can take time off without losing their jobs or benefits during these difficult circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale, distribution, and manufacture of commercial foods containing four specific substances: brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye 3. It amends New Jersey’s food safety law (R.S. 24:5-8) to list these substances as prohibited ingredients that make food "adulterated." The law applies to all food businesses operating in New Jersey, making it unlawful to sell or distribute food containing these substances. Violations carry fines of $50-$1,000 per offense. The bill takes effect 13 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill would add height and weight to the list of protected characteristics under the state's Law Against Discrimination, prohibiting discrimination based on these traits in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The legislation amends existing civil rights laws to ensure that individuals cannot be treated unfairly due to their physical size, while allowing legitimate distinctions that apply equally to all people. It expands the authority of the Division on Civil Rights to enforce these protections and ensures that affected individuals can seek legal remedies for discrimination. The bill directly impacts employers, landlords, and businesses by requiring them to treat people equitably regardless of their height or weight.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit to create a three-year pilot program in Bergen, Morris, and Middlesex counties that offers prearranged rides to existing transit riders. The program would contract with transportation network companies to provide flat-rate rides from eligible riders to the nearest NJ Transit facility on workdays, with pricing determined by NJ Transit in consultation with the companies. Service areas would be defined in coordination with county commissioners and transportation management associations to cover locations where regular transit service is unavailable. The legislation defines key terms like "transportation network company" and "eligible rider" to establish the scope and eligibility criteria for the pilot.