Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime for possessing digital instructions that could be used to 3D print firearms or firearm components without proper licensing. It targets individuals not licensed to manufacture firearms who knowingly possess these digital files, defined as computer-aided design files or other electronic instructions for programming 3D printers. Violating this law would be a third-degree crime punishable by up to five years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both. The bill implements a recommendation from the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation to address this specific issue.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a crime to possess, sell, or manufacture machine gun conversion devices, which are defined as devices designed to modify semiautomatic firearms to fire multiple shots with a single trigger pull. It establishes a third-degree crime for possessing such devices, punishable by 3-5 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine, and creates a separate third-degree crime for manufacturing, selling, or distributing these devices. The bill clarifies that firearms equipped with machine gun conversion devices are considered machine guns under existing law, which is currently a second-degree crime. This law applies to anyone who possesses, sells, or manufactures these conversion devices, regardless of whether they are also in possession of a firearm.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A4976 creates two new firearm offenses: a third-degree crime for accidentally firing a gun within 100 yards of occupied buildings or schools/child care facilities (even if unoccupied), and a fourth-degree crime for other reckless discharges. This directly affects anyone who unintentionally discharges a firearm near schools, homes, or businesses. The bill specifies that convictions for these offenses won’t merge with other charges, requiring separate sentences, and mandates consecutive prison terms if multiple offenses occur. Third-degree violations carry up to 5 years in prison or $15,000 fines, while fourth-degree violations carry up to 18 months or $10,000 fines.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a single online application portal for substitute teachers seeking jobs at public schools. It mandates the portal be operational within 90 days of the bill's effective date, allowing substitute teachers to submit one application to multiple schools. The portal must help teachers connect with available positions, improve information sharing about openings, and maintain strong data privacy and security. School districts may still use their own hiring systems alongside the portal, and the Commissioner may hire a private vendor to manage it. The bill directly affects substitute teachers and public school employers across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to improve collaboration between local workforce development boards and community colleges in New Jersey. The pilot will operate in three areas, focusing on jointly developing workforce training programs with industry credentials, coordinating marketing efforts, and integrating funding resources to better serve job seekers. It designates community colleges as the preferred providers for state workforce training and adult literacy programs, replacing previous arrangements. The State Employment and Training Commission will manage the pilot, develop a statewide expansion strategy, and submit annual reports on outcomes like employment rates and credential attainment. Funding will come from state and federal sources, prioritizing federal funds where available.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2373 (the "New Jersey First Responders PTSD Protection Act"), protects paid first responders (including police, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers) who are diagnosed with work-related PTSD. It prohibits public employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against these employees for taking leave related to a PTSD diagnosis verified by a licensed medical professional. Employers must reinstate employees to their prior roles after medical clearance and face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation if they retaliate. The law applies only when PTSD arises from trauma directly tied to job duties, such as witnessing incidents or experiencing vicarious trauma while performing official responsibilities.

Maddy summaryS 2961 requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects (funded by public money) to certify that each employee meets one of three minimum qualifications: a high school diploma or GED, enrollment in an equivalent apprenticeship program, or four years of documented trade work experience verified by tax filings. Contractors must submit this certification as part of their registration with the state, alongside other required documentation like business details and insurance proof. Non-compliance could lead to denial, suspension, or revocation of the contractor’s public works registration. The bill directly affects contractors bidding on public projects and the workers they employ on those projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey food service businesses from automatically providing single-use plastic utensils and condiments to customers. Instead, businesses must only provide these items upon explicit customer request. Restaurants and similar establishments with 50 or more on-site seats must offer reusable, washable utensils for dine-in customers, who must return them after use. Businesses that exclusively use eco-friendly alternatives are exempt, and violations could result in fines up to $5,000 per offense, with penalty funds going to litter prevention programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Female Incarcerated Person's Rights Protection Act" for New Jersey's female inmates, requiring gender-responsive policies and services. Key provisions include a gender-responsive risk assessment during classification, creation of a Division of Women's Services to address specific needs like trauma treatment and parenting support, and mandatory doula services for pregnant incarcerated women. The bill also establishes a Special Victims Unit to investigate sexual assault allegations and requires annual training for correctional officers who supervise female inmates. These changes aim to improve safety, dignity, and reentry support for female incarcerated individuals in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 3-year pilot program requiring New Jersey counties to establish "Code Red" alerts during extreme heat events when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory. It directly affects at-risk individuals living outdoors or in poorly insulated housing who face weather-related health risks. Counties must coordinate with municipalities and social service agencies to set up cooling centers, transportation, and outreach plans during alerts, with volunteer organizations operating under county guidance. The program includes liability protection for participants and requires a state report on the pilot’s effectiveness after three years, with counties eligible for reimbursement of administrative costs.