Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey health insurance companies and plans to cover medical services, equipment, and prescriptions for children and teens under 18 with diagnosed complex medical needs, as determined necessary by a licensed doctor. Key provisions include: insurers must approve covered benefits within three days of a doctor's written request and cannot require pre-approvals or precertification for services already covered under the plan. It defines "complex medical needs" as conditions that are life-threatening, persistently disabling, require specialized care, or involve high-risk procedures. The law applies to all health plans issued in New Jersey on or after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement to seize ammunition and certain firearm components from individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders or convicted of domestic violence offenses in New Jersey. The legislation directly affects people who have been legally restricted due to domestic violence charges or court orders by mandating the removal of their ammunition and specific firearm parts. Key provisions include expanding the definition of "firearm" to cover air guns and spring guns, clarifying definitions for terms like "destructive device" and "machine gun," and updating the legal framework for firearm regulations. The bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals with domestic violence convictions or restraining orders cannot access ammunition or modify their firearms. This change is part of broader amendments to New Jersey's statutory law regarding domestic violence and firearms.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the creation of three new urban enterprise zones (UEZs) in New Jersey, including one joint zone, expanding the existing program. It directly affects qualifying municipalities that meet specific criteria, such as those previously designated or listed in prior legislation. The key mechanism allows businesses in these new zones to qualify for tax benefits, including reduced sales tax on qualifying purchases, provided they meet employee residency or low-income hiring requirements. These zones aim to stimulate economic development in distressed areas by incentivizing business investment and job creation. The bill amends existing statutes to formalize the designation process and eligibility standards for the new zones.

Maddy summaryThe "Healthy Smiles Act" increases NJ FamilyCare's fee-for-service reimbursement rates for pediatric dental services by 20% starting July 1, 2025 (or 60 days after enactment), with annual adjustments based on regional inflation. It also requires managed care organizations to pay providers at least the same rate for identical services as the fee-for-service rate. This directly affects children under 21 enrolled in NJ FamilyCare (covering 20% of New Jersey’s population) and dental providers participating in the program. The goal is to improve access to dental care by addressing historically low reimbursement rates that have limited provider participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3269) requires NJ Transit to survey security measures at all its rail stations, identify deficiencies, and submit a confidential report to the Governor and Legislature within 12 months. NJ Transit must then implement enhanced security screening where appropriate and submit annual updates on security improvements every five years (starting 24 months after the bill's effective date), with all reports remaining confidential. The bill directly affects NJ Transit’s operational procedures and commuter safety at rail stations across New Jersey. It mandates concrete security assessments and reporting without specifying new funding or enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs to cover medically tailored nutrition services for enrollees diagnosed with specific health conditions. It mandates coverage for 10 ready-to-eat medically tailored meals weekly for conditions like heart failure and type 2 diabetes, medically tailored foods for 14 meals weekly for type 2 diabetes or obesity, $25+ weekly food subsidies for pre-diabetes or hypertension, and medical nutrition therapy for diabetes or kidney disease. All services must be prescribed by a doctor and designed by a registered dietitian or licensed nutritionist as part of a treatment plan. The bill applies directly to eligible Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare enrollees with these diagnosed conditions.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires all colleges and universities to install automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in unlocked, clearly marked locations within every athletic facility and student center. The AEDs must be accessible during facility operating hours and within reasonable distance of athletic fields. Institutions must also ensure at least two staff members trained in CPR and AED use are present during operations, and that all AEDs are regularly tested/maintained with emergency services notified of their location and type. The bill grants immunity from civil liability to institutions and staff using AEDs as required.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of cosmetic and personal care products containing 1,4-dioxane above specific trace levels. It sets a maximum limit of 10 parts per million (ppm) for cosmetics and 2 ppm for personal care products (reducing to 1 ppm after two years), with the Department of Environmental Protection establishing these standards. Manufacturers may apply for a one-year waiver if they've reduced 1,4-dioxane levels but cannot comply, with a possible second waiver. The law takes effect one year after enactment, directly affecting product sellers and manufacturers in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Office of Sustainability within New Jersey's Department of the Treasury. The office, led by a governor-appointed director, directly affects all state agencies and buildings by requiring them to implement environmental sustainability measures. Key provisions include developing energy efficiency initiatives, conducting mandatory energy audits every three years, and coordinating the procurement of eco-friendly products like renewable energy and recycled materials. The office must reduce carbon footprints, conserve water, and align with recognized green building standards across all state-owned facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update statewide policies for investigating human trafficking. It directs the AG to specifically consider: whether recording undercover investigations protects victims and investigation integrity, strict rules for sharing such recordings, and involving county prosecutors early in cases. The policy review must address these points to better protect victims and support law enforcement. The bill responds to a 2024 commission report on human trafficking in New Jersey's massage industry and applies directly to county/municipal law enforcement and victims of trafficking.