Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health insurance plans to cover additional orthotic and prosthetic appliances when a physician determines they're necessary for physical and recreational activities like running, biking, swimming, and sports. It expands current coverage requirements, which already mandate coverage for basic orthotic and prosthetic appliances that are medically necessary, to include additional devices needed for recreational activities. The bill applies to all health insurance contracts in New Jersey, including hospital, medical, and health service corporations, and requires reimbursement at the same rate as federal Medicare. It would take effect 90 days after enactment for policies issued or renewed after that date.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A5263) requires public and charter schools to offer parents a no-fee option for paying for school meals, field trips, activity fees, and other school-related expenses. It mandates that schools provide clear information about all fees charged by third-party online payment systems and disclose the availability of the no-fee alternative. Schools must also include this fee transparency in all payment requests sent to parents. The bill applies immediately to all school districts and charter schools, ensuring families can access fee-free payment methods without hidden costs.

Maddy summaryAJR 45 designates June 23 of each year as "International Widows' Day" in New Jersey. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the day through appropriate activities. The resolution highlights that nearly one million U.S. women become widowed annually, with 70% of married women experiencing widowhood in their lifetime, and many facing ongoing financial, legal, and health challenges. This is a symbolic designation without new legal requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new flooring installed in schools (K-12) and licensed childcare centers to be certified as mercury-free by the manufacturer before a construction permit can be issued. For renovations involving existing flooring, applicants must either provide certification that current flooring is mercury-free (pending health department rules) or confirm it will be removed before new flooring is installed. Manufacturers falsely claiming mercury-free flooring face civil penalties of $10,000 for a first offense and $25,000 for repeat violations. The bill directly affects construction projects in these facilities and establishes a process for health department certification of mercury-free flooring.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (AR 193) expresses New Jersey's support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and condemns federal budget cuts that would reduce SNAP funding by $300 billion over ten years. It urges the U.S. Senate to reject these cuts, noting that nearly 850,000 New Jersey residents - including vulnerable groups like seniors, children, veterans, and the disabled - rely on SNAP benefits to address food insecurity. The resolution specifically references the House of Representatives' May 22, 2025, vote approving these cuts as unconscionable.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the fee for filing an eviction action in New Jersey from $50 to $150. Landlords who initiate eviction cases will pay this new fee, and all revenue will fund the Office of Eviction Prevention. The office will use these funds to provide direct services like resource navigators who help tenants access rental assistance, homelessness prevention programs, legal support, and rapid rehousing options. The goal is to reduce evictions by addressing root causes and preventing long-term housing instability for tenants.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Eviction and Homelessness Prevention Program to provide rental assistance to New Jersey tenants who can't pay rent due to pandemic-related circumstances. The program offers different assistance levels based on income: deep subsidies for very low-income households to limit rent to 40% of income, shallow subsidies up to $800 per month for low-income households, and $250 flat grants for moderate-income households paying more than 50% of income on rent. Eligible households can receive assistance for up to two years, with income reevaluations every six months to adjust support as needed. The program is funded by $300 million in CARES Act funds, with the goal of preventing evictions and homelessness while protecting public health.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 1995 law that restricted how New Jersey public colleges could charge students for fees related to legislative advocacy. The repealed law prohibited mandatory tuition fees for student groups engaging in legislative activity but allowed optional fees with specific disclosures (e.g., stating the fee isn’t mandatory and isn’t endorsed by the college). The repeal removes these disclosure requirements and restrictions, allowing public colleges to handle such fees without mandated statements. It directly affects public universities and student organizations seeking to fund nonpartisan legislative advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement to seize ammunition and specific firearm components (such as detachable magazines, slides, barrels, and other parts essential to firearm operation) when a domestic violence restraining order is issued or following a domestic violence conviction. It expands current law, which only required seizure of firearms, to include these additional items that could be used with firearms. The bill defines "firearm accessory" as devices that attach to or facilitate firearm operation (like stocks or grips) and "firearm component" as parts material to a firearm's function. This applies to individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders or convicted of domestic violence offenses in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt poll workers' wages from being counted toward unemployment compensation calculations. Currently, earnings from poll work could reduce or eliminate an individual's unemployment benefits. The bill amends New Jersey's unemployment compensation law to specifically exclude wages earned by members of district boards of elections from being considered "employment" for unemployment benefit purposes. This change would directly affect individuals who serve as poll workers during elections and seek unemployment benefits afterward.