Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's legal terminology by replacing "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse or exploitation material" (CSAEM) throughout state statutes. The change affects multiple sections of law including those related to crimes, sex offender registration, employment disqualifications, and educational programs. The purpose is to use more accurate language that reflects the reality of these crimes and avoids implying consent from victims. The sponsor states this terminology update is not intended to change the substance of the law, but to make the language more consistent with current understanding and international standards. The bill corrects technical inconsistencies in existing statutes while maintaining the same legal protections and penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires main contractors (prime contractors) who win state construction, goods, or services contracts to notify subcontractors listed on their bids within 30 days of winning the contract. The notification, sent by certified mail, must include the state agency awarding the contract, a description of the main contractor's work, and the subcontractor's specific tasks with a timeframe. Prime contractors are not required to notify subcontractors about separate paperwork, permits, or deadlines needed to perform work. Failure to provide this notice within 30 days subjects the prime contractor to penalties specified in their contract.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture, working with the Department of Education, to create a single online application system for students to apply for the National School Lunch Program and school breakfast programs. School districts and participating nonprofit nonpublic schools must make this online application available to families, while still offering paper applications. Schools already using their own online systems have one year after the bill's passage to switch to the state-developed system. The policy aims to streamline enrollment for eligible students in these federally funded meal programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New Jersey Transit (NJT) Office of Customer Advocate and a Rider Advocacy Commission to independently represent NJT riders. The Commission, with three appointed members (Governor, Senate President, Assembly Speaker), establishes the Office and appoints a Rider Advocate who reports directly to it. The Office must review and analyze NJT proposals for fare increases, service cuts, or expansions before implementation, then report findings to NJT's board, the Governor, and Legislature. It also conducts monthly public meetings with riders, accepts online/voicemail feedback, and provides customer input on NJT decisions. The Office operates with separate funding, independent of NJT's budget, and replaces a prior requirement for NJT to employ a customer advocate.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4720) requires New Jersey's Chief Diversity Officer in the Department of Treasury, working with the Business Action Center and the Economic Development Authority, to host regular outreach events, training workshops, and educational programs for certified minority and women-owned businesses. It directly affects these businesses by providing access to technical, managerial, financial, and marketing support - including project management and technology assistance - to help them compete for state contracts. The bill mandates these activities be conducted virtually and statewide, focusing on increasing awareness of these businesses in state contracting and improving their capacity to secure contracts. The requirement takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a New Jersey gross income tax credit for licensed child care staff and registered family day care providers. Eligible workers must have been employed for six continuous months in their current role, with credit amounts varying by income level ($25,000-$45,000) and the age group of children they serve (birth-30 months or 30+ months). For those earning under $45,000, the credit is refundable - if it eliminates tax liability, they receive the remaining amount as a cash payment. The credit does not count as income for other state benefit programs and requires at least 50% of work time to be spent directly providing child care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $250 annual gross income tax deduction for eligible New Jersey educators and paraprofessionals for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. It directly affects K-12 teachers, counselors, principals, and school aides (working at least 900 hours yearly) employed by public or private NJ schools. The deduction covers expenses like books, computers, software, and classroom materials, excluding nonathletic health/PE supplies. The policy applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed child care centers in New Jersey to provide parents or guardians with 60 days' written notice before increasing tuition rates. Centers must send the notice via certified mail (with return receipt), first-class mail, or in-person delivery to the parent's last known address, and also post it on their website and display it prominently at the center. The notice requirement applies to all tuition rate changes occurring three months after the bill's enactment. This directly affects parents of children enrolled in licensed child care centers by giving them advance warning of fee changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $250,000 grant program administered by New Jersey's Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to support scientific conferences hosted by the state's colleges and universities. Institutions of higher education can apply for grants to cover costs like venue rentals, speaker fees, travel, and lodging for scientific conferences, but not food or unrelated vendor expenses. Applications must include conference details, speaker credentials, and cost information, with grant amounts determined by the Secretary. The program aims to help local academic institutions host scientific events by offsetting specific operational costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey high school students to complete a one-semester financial literacy course as part of graduation requirements for a State-endorsed diploma. It mandates that the course cover budgeting, savings, credit, debt, banking, taxes, college financial planning, and behavioral economics - excluding business/entrepreneurship-focused content. The instruction must be taught by teachers with specific endorsements in business, finance, social studies, or related fields. School districts must implement this by the 2027-2028 school year for students entering 12th grade that year, building on existing middle school financial literacy requirements.