Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis bill designates and permanently preserves the 21.5-acre Caven Point Peninsula in Liberty State Park (Jersey City, Hudson County) as natural habitat. It specifically protects the area's estuarine ecosystem, critical bird breeding habitat, and urban environmental education resource, overriding prior laws that might conflict with this designation. The bill applies directly to the land parcel identified on Jersey City tax maps (Block 27601/27701 Lots 1, Block 24307/24306 Lot 10/7). It takes effect immediately upon enactment, ensuring the peninsula's ecological features are maintained without future development or alteration.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the farming (aquaculture) of any octopus species for human consumption in New Jersey, exempting wild-caught octopus. It prohibits businesses from selling, possessing, or transporting octopus products resulting from aquaculture. Violations carry civil penalties up to $1,000 per day, with each day of violation treated as a separate offense. The law takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires veterinarians to provide clear, written disclosures to pet owners before rabies testing on dead companion animals. It mandates that veterinarians give owners a standard notification form detailing testing reasons, body handling protocols, and disposal rules (including that heads may not be returned after testing), along with a pamphlet explaining rabies vaccines and testing procedures. The pamphlet must be provided to owners when a rabies vaccine is administered, and veterinarians must display a related poster in their offices. The law applies to pet owners and veterinarians, with penalties for non-compliance, while also establishing optional mental health training for veterinary staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers responsibility for inspecting on-farm dairy processing operations from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Department of Agriculture (DOA). It requires DOA to collaborate with DOH and local health boards for these inspections and transfers all related records, equipment, and DOH employees involved in these inspections to DOA. The bill directly affects dairy farmers who undergo these inspections and the two state departments managing the process. Key mechanisms include the immediate transfer of authority, resources, and staff, with DOA allowed to create new rules for implementation. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1203 "CJ's Law" would make it illegal to manufacture or distribute substances containing kratom under specific circumstances by amending the state's controlled substances laws. The bill defines "controlled dangerous substances" broadly to include substances that metabolize into controlled drugs, directly targeting kratom products. This would affect businesses and individuals involved in producing or selling kratom-based products, shifting them from current legal status to criminalized activity under new penalties. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryAJR 72 is a joint resolution recognizing the right to adequate food in New Jersey, not a binding law. It declares that all residents have the right to physical and economic access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food that meets nutritional needs, while defining key terms like "food sovereignty" and "sustainability." The resolution directs state, county, and municipal entities to prioritize this right in future policies - especially for underdeveloped communities - and coordinate with the Department of Agriculture to support local farming. It does not create new programs or legal obligations but serves as a guiding principle for future legislation. The resolution was withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, JR-19.

Maddy summaryThis bill, if enacted, would allow 16- and 17-year-old New Jersey residents who are U.S. citizens and have lived in a school district for 30 days to vote **only** in local school board elections. It requires the Secretary of State to create a registration process and ballot design for these voters that mirrors the system used for other eligible voters. The bill explicitly states that 16- and 17-year-olds cannot vote in any other elections, such as for state or federal offices. School boards and municipalities would not be required to take any action to implement this change.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2317) prohibits force-feeding geese, ducks, or other poultry via tube insertion to produce foie gras, except when done for the bird's health. It also bans selling or distributing foie gras unless the product comes from a state or jurisdiction that similarly bans force-feeding. Violations carry a written warning for first offenses and $100 civil penalties for repeat or ongoing violations, with each day of violation treated as a separate offense. The bill would take effect 60 days after enactment and applies to producers, sellers, and importers of foie gras within New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes procedures for handling animals in cruelty cases. It allows law enforcement to seize animals without a warrant if immediate danger is present (e.g., extreme pain or injury), and with a warrant otherwise. Animals must be placed in licensed shelters or care facilities, with costs for food, emergency veterinary care, and basic needs recoverable from the owner within 20 days via court claim. The bill excludes domestic livestock and specific dog-tethering laws from its scope, and prohibits charging for elective surgeries or non-essential care. The bill is pending before the Assembly Judiciary Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to appoint a State Dementia Services Coordinator within the Department of Human Services. The coordinator will develop a master plan to address dementia care, coordinate existing state services (like the Alzheimer's Advisory Commission), prevent service duplication, identify gaps in care, and improve access to quality treatment for people with dementia. State agencies must cooperate with the coordinator by providing data and assistance upon request. The bill appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to fund this position and its operations.