Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county colleges to collaborate with county social services boards and state agencies to expand access to social services for low-income students. It mandates colleges to provide students with information about programs like SNAP, TANF, and childcare subsidies, and to facilitate direct application assistance through on-campus partnerships. The New Jersey Council of County Colleges must coordinate with the Department of Human Services to train college staff on helping students navigate these supports. Additionally, colleges must partner with workforce boards to identify unemployed residents and connect them to career-focused college programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the New Jersey Suicide Hopeline to make follow-up calls to minors aged 16 or older who are identified as being at high risk of suicide without requiring parental consent. It amends state law to make a minor's consent for these follow-up calls valid and binding as if they were an adult, and confidential - meaning operators do not need to report the calls to parents or guardians. Currently, national guidelines for suicide hotlines require parental permission for such follow-ups, but this bill removes that barrier for minors 16+ seeking mental health support. The policy directly affects at-risk youth aged 16 and older who contact the Suicide Hopeline for crisis counseling.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5358) revises New Jersey's Secure Choice Savings Program to require **all employers with at least one employee** in New Jersey to offer automatic payroll deductions for retirement savings, replacing the current threshold of 25+ employees. It directly affects private-sector employers (excluding state government) by mandating they set up payroll arrangements allowing employees to contribute to the program, with automatic enrollment at 3% of wages unless employees opt out. Key provisions include allowing employees to choose contribution levels (up to IRA limits) and investment options, with employers retaining the ability to offer alternative retirement plans. The bill removes the prior "small employer" category to reflect this expanded requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative to connect students, workers, and job seekers with training in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy. The New Jersey Community College Consortium will operate the initiative, creating Centers of Workforce Innovation that develop publicly available training programs and skills for specific careers. These centers must promote financial aid access, expand apprenticeships, and partner with employers, schools, and colleges to build a skilled workforce. The program aims to directly support job seekers entering growing industries while helping employers meet labor needs.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires municipalities and parking authorities to include in contracts with online parking payment service providers a provision that prohibits charging users a fee during times when parking is prohibited at a parking project. The bill defines "online parking payment service" as a public-facing website, app, or mobile application that allows users to pay for parking at publicly available locations. The requirement applies to all contracts between governmental units and these service providers. This policy change ensures users aren't charged for parking during prohibited times, such as during street cleaning or construction hours.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public colleges and universities to provide students with information about food assistance programs. Specifically, institutions must include details about the federal SNAP program (food stamps) and campus or community food resources - such as food pantries or meal swipe programs - in initial admission offers and via email during each semester's registration. The state will develop standardized SNAP application links and program information for schools to distribute. This applies directly to students at public higher education institutions in New Jersey, aiming to improve access to food support.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's definition of "child" in abuse and neglect statutes to include individuals aged 18-21 who are in certain institutional settings regulated by the Department of Children and Families. Specifically, it expands the definition to cover any person under 21 years old alleged to have been abused or neglected by teachers, employees, contractors, or volunteers of institutions responsible for their care. The bill also updates related definitions and provisions to ensure the Department of Children and Families has full authority to investigate abuse and neglect claims involving this age group in regulated facilities. This change aligns the legal framework with the department's existing role in overseeing services for individuals with developmental disabilities up to age 21.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4515) changes certification requirements for career and technical education (CTE) teachers in New Jersey. It prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring CTE teacher candidates to complete educator preparation programs longer than 200 hours or one academic year, replacing the current 350-hour two-year program. It also allows candidates to demonstrate basic English and math skills through alternatives like portfolios, industry certifications, or occupational licenses instead of standardized tests. These changes directly affect individuals seeking CTE teaching certification through the Alternate Route program, aiming to reduce barriers to entry.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits residential rental application fees to the actual cost of a credit check or related service, with a maximum cap of $30. Landlords cannot charge tenants more than this amount for application fees, even if the credit check costs more than $30. Violating this rule results in a $250 penalty per violation, enforceable by the state or through a tenant lawsuit seeking the penalty plus attorney fees. The law directly affects landlords and tenants in New Jersey rental housing by restricting excessive fees and providing enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state program to permanently restrict development on qualifying privately-owned woodlands through easement acquisitions. Landowners with woodlands meeting specific criteria (minimum 20 acres, used for agriculture/forest products, or managed under approved stewardship plans) can participate. The State Agriculture Development Committee will administer the program using existing farmland preservation funds and seek federal programs like the Forest Legacy Program, with easements recorded similarly to property deeds. The goal is to preserve forested lands for agricultural, silvicultural, and conservation purposes.