Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's Second Chance Program within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The program provides career opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals by partnering with labor organizations to identify and create employment pathways in local trades. It directly affects people recently released from prison who face significant barriers to stable work. The key mechanism requires labor organizations - defined as per federal law - to collaborate with the state in developing job placement plans, aiming to reduce recidivism through meaningful employment. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's wrongful death law to allow family members to recover damages for mental anguish, emotional pain and suffering, loss of society, and loss of companionship in addition to financial losses. It directly affects individuals who have lost a loved one due to another person's wrongful conduct, such as in accidents or negligence cases. The key change explicitly adds these non-financial harms to the list of compensable damages under the statute, expanding what beneficiaries can claim. The law applies immediately to all cases arising after its effective date, broadening the scope of compensation available in wrongful death lawsuits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county health departments to maintain reserve stocks of opioid antidotes (like naloxone) to provide to specific entities during supply disruptions. It directly affects county health departments (who must maintain reserves) and entities like fire departments, schools, public libraries, and emergency medical services (who can receive the antidotes when needed). The key mechanism ensures uninterrupted access by mandating that county departments supply these reserves to "recognized places of public access" (e.g., schools, libraries) or emergency responders on an interim basis during shortages. The bill focuses on maintaining continuity of life-saving medication access without altering existing prescription or distribution rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill caps residential rental application fees at $50 for most properties, prohibiting landlords or agents from charging more. Landlords violating this limit face a $1,500 penalty per offense, with $250 of each penalty returned to the tenant. The $50 cap automatically adjusts annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the New York-Northern New Jersey area if inflation exceeds zero, and the fee limit does not apply to single-family or two-family homes. The bill also requires the Division of Consumer Affairs to create an online system for tenants to report violations.

Maddy summaryBill A 2029 would require New Jersey's Department of the Treasury to conduct a comprehensive financial stress test every three years. The analysis would examine how state revenue (from taxes and federal funds), spending patterns, and emergency reserves might change during economic downturns, including recession scenarios. It would also evaluate strategies to maintain essential services during financial crises and require the results to be published online and included in the Governor's annual budget proposal. This bill directly affects state budget planning processes, aiming to improve preparedness for economic shifts.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" in New Jersey's General Fund to support abortion providers and clinics. The fund would provide funding for three specific programs: clinical training to increase the number of providers (especially in underserved areas like southern counties), security grants for clinics facing threats like violence or cyberattacks, and loans to help facilities operate. It directly affects reproductive health care facilities, clinics, and health care professionals providing abortion services statewide. The bill requires the State Treasurer to allocate these funds to the designated programs, aiming to strengthen access to abortion care through direct financial support.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2334) exempts veterans who are permanently 100% disabled (as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) from paying annual motor vehicle registration fees for one passenger vehicle. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans with this specific disability rating who own a vehicle in New Jersey. The bill requires the Adjutant General (in consultation with the Motor Vehicle Commission) to notify eligible veterans about this fee exemption. The exemption applies to one vehicle owned by the veteran and does not cover commercial vehicles or additional vehicles. The bill takes effect 13 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and State Parole Board to conduct a comprehensive study on Megan's Law implementation. The study will examine how sex offender registration, tier classification, community notification procedures, and the public Internet registry operate across the state, including whether geographic inconsistencies affect the registry's effectiveness. It must evaluate all sex offender dispositions since Megan's Law began and recommend standardizing risk assessments, tier assignments, and notification practices. The AOC and Parole Board must submit their findings within one year and then report biannually to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 35% tax credit for New Jersey theater production companies covering eligible "pre-Broadway" (shows preparing for Broadway) and "post-Broadway" (shows starting national tours after NYC runs) productions. It directly affects theater companies performing at qualified venues (350+ seats) in New Jersey, allowing them to offset up to 35% of production costs like sets, payroll, and advertising. Companies must apply to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), with credits capped at $10 million annually per fiscal year. The credit applies to specific expenditures including venue use, crew wages, and marketing, but cannot reduce tax liability below minimums or be carried forward beyond three years.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a law allowing New Jersey municipalities to charge up to $200 for applying to a public defender. It would eliminate the fee entirely, directly affecting individuals seeking public defense services who might otherwise face this financial barrier. Currently, courts could waive such fees, but this bill removes that authority by deleting the fee provision. The legislation aims to remove financial obstacles to accessing public defenders, aligning with the Sixth Amendment right to counsel.