Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $1 million annual "Census Complete Count Trust Fund" within New Jersey's Department of State, funded by the State General Fund. The fund will be invested, with all interest earnings added back to support efforts to ensure every resident is counted during each federal decennial census. It directly affects New Jersey's population counting process, which determines federal funding for schools, infrastructure, and services. The Department of State will use these funds to support state, local, and community organizations working to achieve a full census count.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to conduct two annual school bus safety inspections per bus, including at least one unscheduled "surprise" inspection at the operator's terminal. It directly affects school bus operators (owners/responsible for daily operations) and the MVC, mandating they maintain detailed records of bus maintenance, driver qualifications, and emissions compliance. Key provisions include mandatory emission checks for diesel buses during all inspections and fines of $50-$500 per violation for non-compliance (e.g., failing to provide records or withhold buses without 24-hour notice). The law amends existing safety regulations to strengthen oversight without altering bus definitions or operational standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program, providing up to $4,000 in tuition, book, and fee assistance to eligible high school graduates attending county colleges. To qualify, students must earn a School Counts certificate by maintaining 95% attendance, achieving a C average or higher, completing Algebra I, and meeting graduation requirements during high school. The scholarship covers costs after other financial aid is applied, requires full-time enrollment (24+ credits annually), and must be used within six months of high school graduation. County colleges can receive state matching funds if they raise private donations to support student scholarships.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school districts with high schools to enter into mandatory dual enrollment agreements with public institutions of higher education. It directly affects school districts and public colleges/universities, mandating partnerships that allow high school students to earn college credit or career certificates through courses taught on campus. Key provisions include ensuring no student is excluded due to cost, requiring equivalent course rigor regardless of location, and detailing student eligibility and participation processes. The agreement must cover course offerings, student notification methods, and other specifics approved by education officials. The law takes effect immediately, applying to the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits employers with 15+ employees from asking about an applicant's gender during the initial hiring phase (before the first interview). It applies to all job applications and interviews for positions within the state, requiring employers to avoid gender inquiries and not base hiring decisions on gender. Exceptions exist only for roles where gender is a legitimate job requirement (e.g., casting for a gender-specific role in theater). Violations carry fines up to $10,000 per offense, enforceable by the state labor commissioner.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows businesses registered with New Jersey's Division of Revenue to opt into receiving official business notices (like new rules or economic incentives) via email instead of paper mail. It applies to most business entities (corporations, nonprofits, etc.) that file registration documents, excluding government agencies. Businesses must still maintain physical mailing addresses for legal notices, and paper mail remains required where state law specifically mandates it. The Division of Revenue will collect email addresses and share them with relevant agencies (like Taxation and Economic Development) to enable electronic notifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new pathway for certain long-term incarcerated individuals in New Jersey to seek release. It allows inmates who have served at least 20 years (or 30 years for murder convictions) and are age 60 (or 62 for murder) to receive a "Certificate of Eligibility for Rehabilitative Release" from the Corrections Commissioner. The process requires a court hearing where the individual must demonstrate they are not a danger to the community, have engaged in rehabilitation while incarcerated, and that justice warrants release - considering factors like victim input, their crime's severity, and a reentry plan. If approved, the individual receives a modified sentence and five years of parole supervision.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to extend the deadline for enrolling newborn infants in health benefits coverage from 60 to 90 days after birth. It directly affects newborns and their parents, requiring health insurance corporations to allow enrollment within this longer timeframe. The key provision states that parents must notify the insurer and pay the required subscription amount within 90 days to maintain coverage beyond that period. The bill was withdrawn as it was already enacted into law through P.L.2025, c.194.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3716) requires rental car companies to provide renters with clear notice about deleting personal data from a vehicle's computer system when returning the car. The notice - required to be posted at return locations, on company websites, or in rental agreements - must advise renters to unpair personal devices and delete information like navigation history, phone data, or garage codes. Rental companies failing to comply face civil penalties of $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for repeat violations, enforced by the Division of Consumer Affairs. The law directly affects rental car businesses and renters in New Jersey, aiming to protect personal data stored in vehicle systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in New Jersey to cover lead screenings for all children 16 years of age or younger. It mandates that healthcare providers (including doctors, nurses, and facilities serving children) perform these screenings unless parents object in writing, and follow up with families if elevated lead levels are detected. The Department of Health must establish regulations based on CDC guidelines, including screening schedules, follow-up protocols, and public education campaigns about lead poisoning risks. The law directly affects children under 16, their families, healthcare providers, and health insurers.