Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 946), now law as P.L.2025, c.177, requires mental health services to be provided in the communication method preferred by each deaf or hard of hearing individual - such as sign language or oral communication - based on their assessment. It mandates that mental health professionals be fluent in that method, trained in cultural needs, and able to collaborate with interpreters. The law also requires a state resource guide listing specialized mental health services and ensures individuals can help shape their own care plans. It directly affects all deaf or hard of hearing residents seeking mental health support in New Jersey, addressing long-standing barriers in access and care quality.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts receiving preschool education aid to place at least 50% of preschool students in licensed child care provider programs (like licensed daycare centers), with the remainder allowed in district-run programs or Head Start. It directly affects school districts that receive state preschool funding under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008. Districts may apply for a waiver from this requirement if sufficient licensed child care placements aren't available within their district, but must provide justification to the Department of Education. The law takes effect in the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a rebate program within one year for residents purchasing microfiber washing machine filters. The program offers up to $100 per filter (capped at the filter's cost) to encourage adoption of devices that capture plastic microfibers from laundry wastewater before they enter waterways. It appropriates $2.5 million from the General Fund to fund these rebates, with the DEP required to report annually on program effectiveness, rebate numbers, and funding use. The policy directly affects New Jersey residents who buy eligible filters, aiming to reduce microfiber pollution - a source of plastic contamination in waterways.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires pharmacists to obtain written consent from both the prescribing physician and the patient (or their parent/guardian/spouse) before substituting any brand or generic anti-epileptic drug for epilepsy treatment. It prohibits pharmacists from changing the prescribed drug formulation, manufacturer, or brand without this prior notification and consent. The law directly affects epilepsy patients, their doctors, and pharmacists by mandating collaborative decision-making for medication substitutions. The policy aims to prevent potential risks from switching anti-epileptic drugs, which can impact seizure control due to sensitivity in drug concentrations. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Health Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 73) affirms New Jersey's support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to vulnerable residents. It condemns federal budget proposals that would cut $300 billion in food aid funding over ten years - primarily impacting SNAP - and urges the U.S. Senate to reject these cuts. The resolution highlights that nearly 850,000 New Jersey residents (9% of the population), including children, seniors, veterans, and the disabled, rely on SNAP to meet basic food needs. It emphasizes that reducing SNAP access would harm the state’s most vulnerable populations, though it does not create new policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a five-year pilot program requiring New Jersey's Juvenile Justice Commission to establish three arts-based education programs for youth in detention and correction facilities. The programs, developed through partnerships with arts organizations, community groups, and private funders, aim to build skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-esteem using creative arts. Each program will undergo annual evaluation to measure impacts on educational outcomes and youth development, with final recommendations for continuation or expansion to be submitted after four years. The bill directly affects juvenile offenders in state correctional facilities and requires collaboration with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey program to help reproductive health care professionals reduce student loan debt. It appropriates $5 million to redeem up to $200,000 in qualifying student loans for eligible providers who work at approved sites (including abortion providers) for 1-4 years. Participants earn 18% loan redemption after one year of service, increasing to 26%, 28%, and 28% for subsequent years. The program prioritizes providers in counties with shortages of reproductive health services, targeting areas where abortion access is limited. It directly affects licensed professionals providing reproductive health care, including abortion services, within the state.

Maddy summary"Penny's Law" requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop accessibility guidelines for public beaches within one year, focusing on facilities like ramps, restrooms, surf chairs, parking, and boardwalks for people with disabilities. The DEP must consult with disability experts and organizations, consider federal accessibility standards, and work with the Department of Human Services to gather public input. Once finalized, the guidelines will be published online and distributed to all counties and municipalities with public beaches, and a uniform compliance label will be created for beaches meeting the standards. This bill directly affects all public beaches in New Jersey by mandating specific accessibility features and processes.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A 3567 requires municipalities to adopt state-approved land use regulations that allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - secondary homes on the same lot as a primary residence - within single-family and two-family zones. The bill mandates that local zoning rules must align with state model ordinances, ensuring property owners can develop ADUs without restrictive barriers. It directly affects homeowners seeking to add ADUs for rental income or family housing, as well as municipalities responsible for updating zoning codes. The bill, pending before the legislature, aims to expand housing supply by streamlining ADU development while maintaining neighborhood character.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 12-member Commission on Oversight of Public Institutions of Higher Education to examine and improve financial transparency, accountability, and oversight of New Jersey's public colleges and universities. The commission includes officials, college presidents, labor union representatives, faculty, and student representatives appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. It will study tuition transparency, student outcomes, and institutional performance, then issue a report to the Governor and Legislature within 180 days of organizing. The commission's work expires 30 days after the report is submitted.