Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis 2006 New Jersey bill requires school bus drivers with current endorsements to retake both knowledge and skills tests every five years to maintain their qualification. Drivers aged 70 or older must retake these tests annually instead of every five years. The law applies only to drivers already holding school bus endorsements, not to new applicants. It updates renewal requirements for school bus driving qualifications under existing state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to expand the existing Statewide Student Support Services program to include eating disorder awareness, prevention, and counseling services for students in grades K-12. Regional hubs administering the program must assess community needs for these services and develop policies to provide them through the program's three-tiered system: universal workshops (Tier 1), small-group programs (Tier 2), and clinical interventions (Tier 3). The law directly affects all K-12 students in New Jersey by adding eating disorder support to existing mental health services. Note: This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as P.L.2025, c.366.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords of properties used for child care services (like daycares caring for 6+ children under 13) to install and maintain NSF/ANSI-certified water filters at all fixtures used for drinking, food, or baby formula if they refuse to allow public water systems to replace lead service lines. Landlords must certify annual filter compliance to the Department of Environmental Protection and face civil penalties of up to $500 per day for violations. The requirement applies until lead lines are replaced and for six months afterward, with tenants able to seek court-ordered rent escrow if landlords fail to act. The bill targets lead exposure risks in child care settings where landlords block infrastructure upgrades.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1530) requires railroad operators of "dangerous hazardous trains" (those carrying 200,000+ gallons of petroleum or 20,000+ gallons of specific hazardous substances like anhydrous ammonia) to maintain a minimum of two crew members and clearly display the railroad company name. Exceptions apply for mechanical assistance, tourist trains, yard moves, or small operations with ≤15 employees operating at ≤15 mph. It directly affects railroad companies transporting large volumes of hazardous materials, aiming to improve safety through crew staffing and identification. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as P.L.2025, c.300.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to provide incoming and enrolled students with information about federal food assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and local resources. Specifically, institutions must include a link to the SNAP application and NJ 211 (a state service for human services referrals) in initial admission offers and semester registration emails. They must also share details about campus food pantries, meal swipe programs, or community food assistance options. The bill, which was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.213, aims to address food insecurity among college students by improving access to existing support systems.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A 954, the "Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Act," requires law enforcement agencies to submit sexual assault forensic evidence (commonly called a "rape kit") to a designated lab within 10 business days of receipt. It mandates that labs analyze the evidence within six months of receipt, if staffing and resources allow, and establishes deadlines for agencies to report unsubmitted backlog cases (within 45 days) and arrange submission of past cases (within 180 days). Agencies must also submit a detailed analysis plan to state leaders within 120 days, including resource needs. Violations by officers incur civil penalties ($1,000-$5,000 per incident), though reasonable efforts to comply are exempt. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and forensic labs handling sexual assault cases in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey schools would be required to include age-appropriate instruction on menstrual health and hygiene for students in grades four through 12 as part of their existing health and physical education curriculum. The instruction must cover proper use of menstrual products (including risks like Toxic Shock Syndrome), symptoms and effects of menstrual disorders, the impacts of period poverty (lack of access to products, education, and facilities), and how to seek medical help. Before teaching this topic, schools must notify parents or guardians about the curriculum content and state standards. The law takes effect immediately for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 3-year pilot program requiring counties to create "Code Red" alert systems for extreme heat or poor air quality events. It directly affects at-risk individuals (defined as those living outdoors or in poorly insulated settings) by mandating counties to coordinate cooling centers, outreach plans, and transportation through municipal and social service partners. Alerts trigger when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or air quality index reaches 151, with counties reporting program outcomes to the State Office of Emergency Management by the 30th month. The program expires after three years, with counties eligible for reimbursement of administrative costs. (Note: Bill was withdrawn January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into P.L.2025, c.297.)

Maddy summaryBill A 3112 requires public water systems in New Jersey to send written notices to customers within 30 days if PFAS (certain chemicals in drinking water) levels exceed safety limits. Notices must explain health risks, link to a state educational program, and include details about contamination status. Landlords must distribute these notices to tenants within three business days and post them prominently in rental properties. The bill also mandates annual website updates from water systems with mitigation progress until contamination is resolved.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies current regulations allowing more healthcare providers (including nurse practitioners and physician assistants) to perform abortions in New Jersey, which has been permitted since 2021. It removes medically unnecessary facility requirements that increase costs and create barriers to care, such as excessive licensing rules. The bill amends licensing statutes to clarify that abortion facilities must meet basic safety standards but eliminates non-essential mandates that don't improve patient health. This change directly affects abortion providers and patients seeking timely, affordable reproductive care across the state.