Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large supermarkets and grocery stores (over 16,000 square feet with 90% food space) and food suppliers to make a reasonable effort to donate edible food that would otherwise be discarded. It mandates donations to food banks, nonprofits, or individuals, not for profit but to cover minimal handling costs. The law applies to food still safe for consumption but not sold due to normal business operations, such as unsold perishables. It defines "donate" as free or minimal-cost transfers and takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury and Department of Human Services (DHS) to annually identify unspent state funds available for NJ FamilyCare, evaluate care quality for beneficiaries, and create a prioritized list of the 12 most urgent improvements needed. It directly affects low-income residents enrolled in NJ FamilyCare (which includes Medicaid and children's health insurance) by mandating that state officials assess funding gaps and quality issues. The key mechanism is an annual report to the Governor and Legislature detailing available funds, care deficiencies, and specific cost estimates for implementing top priority changes. The bill does not allocate new funds but directs existing resources toward addressing identified care shortcomings.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey's Medicaid program to cover community violence prevention services for individuals who have received medical treatment for violence-related injuries and have been referred by healthcare providers as being at elevated risk of further violence. It mandates the Department of Health to approve a training and certification program for violence prevention professionals within six months, requiring at least 35 hours of initial training covering trauma effects, prevention strategies, and privacy laws, plus six hours of continuing education every two years. The bill defines "community violence" as intentional physical force in public areas not involving family members, and specifies that prevention services must be evidence-based, trauma-informed, and non-psychotherapeutic. It also prohibits unqualified individuals from using the title "certified violence prevention professional" and requires employers to verify professionals' certification status.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a temporary 12-member Commission on Oversight of Public Institutions of Higher Education to study and recommend improvements to financial transparency, accountability, and oversight of New Jersey's public colleges and universities. The commission includes the Secretary of Higher Education (ex officio), college presidents, faculty, student representatives, and a fiscal management expert, appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. It must complete its work within 180 days of organizing and submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature, after which the commission expires. The bill directly affects all public higher education institutions in New Jersey by requiring them to be evaluated for improvements in how they disclose costs, manage finances, and ensure student protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to allow taxicabs, limousines, and transportation network companies (like Uber and Lyft) to provide paratransit services for a two-year period. Currently, paratransit services - transportation for people with disabilities that are not fixed-route bus services - are legally excluded from being provided by these companies, but the bill removes that exclusion. The change modifies the definition of "paratransit service" in state law to include these providers, expanding potential service options. This directly affects transportation companies and people with disabilities who rely on paratransit services, without altering the core requirements for such services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Second Chance Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to connect formerly incarcerated individuals with employment opportunities through labor organizations. The program requires labor unions to identify job pathways in their trades and develop plans for hiring returning citizens, directly benefiting individuals recently released from prison who face high barriers to employment. It aims to reduce recidivism by addressing a key factor cited in the bill: the lack of viable jobs for this population, which correlates with higher reoffending rates. The program operates under the State Employment and Training Commission and mandates consultation with labor organizations to create sustainable career opportunities. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health and the New Jersey Board of Nursing to provide homemaker-home health aide and nursing assistant certification exams in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Tagalog. It directly affects individuals seeking these certifications, particularly non-English speakers who may face language barriers during testing. The law mandates that both written and oral exams be available in these languages to ensure accessibility. The agencies can adopt additional rules under existing administrative procedures to implement this requirement, which takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to administer professional license examinations in English and the four most commonly spoken languages in the state (other than English), instead of only English with optional Spanish for practicing licensees. It directly affects cosmetology applicants and license holders seeking to take or renew their licenses. The key provision mandates the Division of Consumers Affairs to post these four languages on its website and verify them every five years. The bill does not change current requirements for Spanish or translator assistance but expands language options based on statewide demographics.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to inform students with federal student loans about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program during their final two academic semesters. It also mandates that state government employers provide employees with PSLF information during onboarding and annually thereafter. The required information must include eligibility details, the program's website, and federal requirements (20 U.S.C. §1087e), and can be delivered electronically, by mail, or in person. The goal is to increase awareness of this federal program, which forgives student loans after 10 years of qualifying public service work.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (AR 164) recognizing Bruce Springsteen's 75th birthday. It formally celebrates his New Jersey roots, career achievements (including over 120 million albums sold and 20 Grammys), and philanthropy, with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents. The resolution directs the Assembly Clerk to send copies to Springsteen and his family. As a commemorative measure, it does not enact new law or affect any legislation.