Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis bill allows health care professionals licensed in New Jersey to provide telemedicine and telehealth services to patients in New Jersey, even if the provider is located outside the state. It requires providers to maintain valid NJ licensure, follow the same standard of care as in-person visits, and use real-time communication for most services (with limited exceptions for store-and-forward technology). The law specifically permits prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances only after an initial in-person exam, except for minors with parental consent. It also mandates that providers share patient records with the patient's primary care provider upon request and ensures mental health screenings can use telehealth without additional authorization. The bill directly affects out-of-state health care providers seeking to serve NJ patients and NJ patients seeking remote care options.

Maddy summaryBill A 451 establishes a three-year pilot program to strengthen collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational schools in New Jersey. The pilot, implemented in three areas, requires joint development of workforce training programs with industry credentials, coordinated marketing, and integrated funding planning to better serve job seekers. Community colleges and vocational schools are designated as the primary providers for workforce training and adult literacy programs under this initiative. The State Employment and Training Commission must annually report on outcomes like employment rates and credential attainment, and develop a plan for statewide expansion. The program is funded through state and federal resources and expires after three years.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two new entities in New Jersey: the Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency (within the Department of Health) and the Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission. It requires hospitals, health insurers, and other healthcare providers to publicly report detailed pricing data for services like inpatient care, emergency visits, and physician services. The Commission will set annual benchmarks for healthcare cost growth and hospital pricing, monitor entities exceeding these benchmarks, and may impose public transparency requirements or civil penalties for noncompliance. These provisions directly affect all New Jersey hospitals, health insurers, and healthcare providers by mandating transparency in pricing and cost reporting to promote affordability.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey correctional facilities to provide family planning services to female inmates at least 10 days before their release. It amends the 2009 "Fair Release and Reentry Act" by adding family planning services as a mandatory provision for female inmates, alongside existing requirements like medical discharge summaries and reentry program information. The law aims to support female inmates' health and successful community reintegration by ensuring access to reproductive health services prior to release. This requirement applies to all female inmates in state correctional facilities, with services to be provided in a manner consistent with clinical guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a pilot program providing free menstrual hygiene products (tampons, menstrual cups, and sanitary napkins) to eligible Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare enrollees. Eligible individuals would receive products at no cost by presenting their Medicaid card at participating pharmacies, with quantities and frequency determined by health experts. The program depends on federal approval of a waiver under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act to secure federal funding. The bill does not take effect until this federal waiver is approved.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2178) amends New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking to specifically require the commission to study human trafficking affecting women and children of color. The commission must identify risk factors making these groups vulnerable, develop prevention strategies, and recommend ways to improve support services for victims. The commission will continue its existing duties - like evaluating laws, reviewing victim programs, and promoting public awareness - but now with a focused mandate on racial disparities in trafficking. It will report annually to the Governor and Legislature on its findings and legislative recommendations related to this specific population.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $45 million from the Transportation Trust Fund to the Palisades Interstate Park Commission for disaster recovery construction projects. It requires the Commission to repay any federal reimbursements received for these projects to the state treasury. The funding is supplemental to the 2026 budget and mandates a memorandum of understanding between the Environmental Protection Commissioner, the Park Commission, and other relevant agencies for oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses receiving New Jersey economic development subsidies (over $25,000) to pay for environmental cleanup costs if they violate state environmental laws. It authorizes the Environmental Commissioner to issue orders for compliance, pursue fines, or seek civil penalties for violations causing pollution incidents (like air, land, or water discharges). Businesses found responsible must cover all "costs to address the environmental incident," including remediation, relocation, and health services for affected residents. The bill directly affects businesses receiving state subsidies who violate environmental laws, potentially leading to forfeiture of their subsidies and payment of cleanup costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's cosmetology licensing exam requirements. It expands language options beyond English by requiring the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to offer practical and written exams in English plus the four most commonly spoken languages in the state (determined using Census data). This affects both new applicants and practicing licensees, who may now take each exam portion in one of these four languages or use a translator for practical exams if approved by the board. The Division of Consumer Affairs must verify and update the list of available languages every five years using official data. The change replaces the current limited option of Spanish for practicing licensees.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual payments from New Jersey's Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund to municipalities by $15 million (from $740 million to $755 million) over two years. It directly affects most municipalities (excluding those with a municipal purposes tax rate of $0.10 or less per $100) by requiring them to subtract this additional aid from their property tax levies. The bill also prohibits municipalities from anticipating certain revenue when creating annual budgets. These changes aim to provide more direct property tax relief to local governments through the existing fund, which receives energy-related tax revenues.