Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's proposed A1678 would create a new Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a principal agency within the state executive branch. The department would be led by a commissioner appointed by the governor, who would advise state agencies on diversity in investments, procurement, and housing programs. It would transfer existing diversity functions from the Treasury Department's Office of Diversity and Inclusion to this new department. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires law enforcement officers (including state, county, municipal, and federal officers working under local agencies) to visibly identify themselves during public interactions. Officers must display their agency name (or common initials) and either their name or unique badge number on their uniform. The law prohibits wearing masks or disguises that conceal identity during routine public duties, except for specific exceptions like undercover operations, SWAT team safety gear, water rescues, extreme weather, fire protection, biohazard response, medical masks with physician approval, or face shields that don't cover the face. Violations are punishable as disorderly persons offenses with fines up to $1,000.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey government entities - including municipalities, counties, school districts, and state agencies - to review their cybersecurity systems and submit recommendations. Each entity must evaluate current security, identify high-risk issues, propose improvements for computer systems/networks, and suggest policy changes. They must report findings to the Governor and Legislature within 45 days of the bill's effective date. The bill does not create new cybersecurity standards but mandates a systematic review process across all public entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Chief Diversity Officer to study whether disparities exist in how state agencies use minority-owned and women-owned businesses for purchasing goods and services. The study must determine if these businesses are underutilized compared to their availability in the state. After completing the study, the officer must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, with follow-up reports every four years assessing implementation of prior recommendations and whether new studies are needed. The report could inform potential policy changes to improve opportunities for these businesses in state contracting. This affects all state agencies, including departments, commissions, and independent authorities that award public contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey telecommunications companies to automatically provide prorated bill credits or refunds to customers experiencing service outages lasting more than 72 hours. It directly affects all telecom providers regulated by the state board, including traditional phone services and VoIP providers, and their customers. The key mechanism mandates that companies adjust bills proportionally for the outage duration without requiring customers to request the refund. The law specifies that refunds must be applied automatically to the next billing cycle, with no customer action needed. This applies to both local exchange carriers and interexchange telecommunications companies providing regulated services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1312) requires New Jersey paid and part-paid fire departments to create and annually update a written policy addressing job-related needs of pregnant firefighters within 180 days of the bill's effective date. The policy must cover disclosure of pregnancy, medical certifications for duty limitations, availability of light-duty assignments, information on unsafe tasks, pregnancy leave use, and continued benefits. Departments must follow standards from the National Fire Protection Association or similar professional organizations when developing the policy. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was superseded by another enacted bill (P.L.2025, c.192) that already addressed these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3446) requires New Jersey's Governor, Senate President, Speaker of the General Assembly, or other authorized officials to prioritize racial and gender diversity when appointing members to state boards, commissions, or similar bodies established by law. It mandates that appointing authorities consider achieving a membership reflecting the state's racial and gender makeup as a "primary consideration" for all appointments made after the bill takes effect. The requirement applies unless it conflicts with specific circumstances of the appointment or the original law creating the body. The bill defines "gender" to include gender identity and "race" as major groupings based on physical characteristics or ancestry. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans casino and sports wagering advertisements on any online platforms primarily intended for children under 12, including mobile apps and websites. It directly affects gambling businesses (casino and sports wagering licensees) and their advertising partners, prohibiting them from placing, sponsoring, or financing such ads on these platforms. The Division of Gaming Enforcement must create rules to enforce this ban and take legal action if violations occur. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1940) required manufacturers of menstrual products sold in New Jersey to list all non-confidential ingredients on product packaging and their websites, with ingredients ordered by quantity. It applied to all menstrual products - like tampons, pads, cups, and underwear - packaged for individual retail sale, giving manufacturers 18 months to comply after the law took effect. Manufacturers could exclude confidential business information but had to list it by common name. Non-compliant products faced civil penalties of up to $1,000 per package, based on 1% of annual in-state sales. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.232 and enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state, county, and private correctional facilities - including juvenile facilities - to provide free voice calls, video calls, and email services to incarcerated adults and juveniles. It prohibits facilities from charging inmates or their families any fees (including per-minute charges, surcharges, or account fees), ensuring both parties to communications bear no cost. The law also mandates that facilities maintain current service access levels and transfer any remaining prepaid funds to inmates' commissary accounts. The bill appropriates state funds for implementation and takes effect six months after enactment.