Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Intern Protection Act (Bill A 2041) proposes to extend the state’s anti-discrimination protections to include interns in all employment-related contexts. It amends existing civil rights law (P.L.1945, c.169) to explicitly define "intern" as any individual performing temporary work that provides training or experience, regardless of whether they are paid. This would directly affect interns (both paid and unpaid) and employers across New Jersey, prohibiting discrimination based on protected characteristics like race, gender, or disability in internship opportunities. The bill, currently referred to the Assembly Labor Committee, aims to integrate interns into existing legal remedies for discrimination under New Jersey’s civil rights framework.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 1399 (now law as P.L.2025, c.255) creates a new criminal offense for possessing digital instructions that enable illegal firearm manufacturing. The law specifically targets digital files, guides, or plans that could be used to make firearms or components without authorization. It directly affects individuals who access or share such digital materials, making it a crime separate from actually manufacturing firearms. This provision adds to New Jersey's existing firearm laws by addressing the digital means of circumventing manufacturing restrictions. The law became effective upon enactment and does not change penalties for actual illegal firearm production.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to specifically criminalize sexual assault by transportation drivers against passengers. It creates a new aggravating factor for sexual assault (making it a first-degree crime) when a taxi or ride-share driver commits sexual penetration or contact using coercion or without the passenger's permission. The law directly affects drivers of transportation network companies (like Uber/Lyft) or taxicabs and their passengers. Violators face 25 years to life imprisonment for aggravated sexual assault, significantly increasing penalties compared to standard sexual assault charges. The change applies only when the victim is a passenger, not when the victim is a driver or in other contexts.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A3128 requires all health insurance plans sold in the state to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations with no out-of-pocket costs to patients. It applies to group and individual health insurance contracts, mandating that insurers pay for these exams without deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. Diagnostic exams evaluate abnormalities found during screenings or detected another way, while supplemental exams screen high-risk patients (e.g., those with dense breasts or family history) when no abnormality is present. The law aligns with National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines and applies to all plans except those specifically structured as medical savings accounts under federal law. This directly affects all New Jersey residents with health insurance who may need these breast exams.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows veterans living in New Jersey State veterans' residential facilities to have service dogs and emotional support dogs on-site. It requires facilities to permit these animals under federal guidelines but adds that emotional support animals (not covered by federal law) are now explicitly allowed. Facilities may deny access if animals aren't controlled, aren't trained to eliminate waste outdoors, or pose health/safety risks, and veterans must provide documentation confirming the animal's certification and current vaccinations. The bill directly affects veterans with disabilities who rely on these animals for support.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires medical device manufacturers to provide consumers with a free replacement device or pay for one from another manufacturer when a recall forces users to stop using or return a device. It applies directly to consumers who need to discontinue using recalled medical devices and defines "manufacturer" as companies making or assembling such devices. Manufacturers must comply within 30 days of a recall, either by supplying a replacement or covering the cost of a comparable device from another source. Violations are treated as consumer fraud under state law, carrying fines up to $20,000 per offense and potential additional penalties like cease-and-desist orders.

Maddy summaryBill A 2338 required public transportation employees, motorbus operators, hotel/motel staff, healthcare facility workers, and judicial personnel to complete one-time training on recognizing human trafficking signs and responding appropriately. The training, mandated as a condition for license renewals or employment, must include specific content about victim signals observed in public spaces and be reviewed biennially. It applied directly to licensed entities like hotels, healthcare facilities, and transit operators, with enforcement handled by the Department of Community Affairs and Department of Health. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, after being approved as P.L.2025, c.343.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) from charging toll payers or E-ZPass account holders any fees for processing credit card or electronic payments. The NJTA must absorb these processing costs within its existing operating budget instead of passing them to customers. The bill codifies the NJTA’s current practice of not charging these fees, ensuring toll payers won’t face additional costs for using credit cards or electronic payment methods. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits state pension and annuity funds from investing in companies that collect or manipulate personal data - without a warrant or court order - to determine immigration status or citizenship. It requires the State Investment Council to identify such companies using an independent privacy firm, then divest funds from them by January 1 of the second year after the bill takes effect, while following standard investment practices. The Council must submit annual reports detailing divested investments and progress to the Governor and Legislature. The bill also shields officials from legal liability for divestment decisions made under its requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public registry for individuals convicted of specific financial crimes in New Jersey, including insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering. It requires offenders to register with the Department of Law and Public Safety, with information like names, physical descriptions, photos, and crime details made available online. Registration duration depends on offenses: 10 years for a first offense, plus 10 years for a second, and life for a third. Offenders may apply for removal after five years if they paid all restitution, completed court-ordered treatment, and had no new convictions (excluding minor traffic offenses). The registry includes disclaimers about accuracy and prohibits harassment.