Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in New Jersey to cover lead screenings for children 16 years of age or younger, expanding coverage from the previous requirement that only applied to children under six. It mandates that physicians, nurses, and health care facilities serving children must perform lead screenings on patients 16 or younger unless a parent or guardian objects in writing, and requires providers to notify parents of elevated lead levels while arranging for household member screenings. The Department of Health will establish detailed regulations for screening intervals, methods, and follow-up actions based on CDC guidelines, with biennial updates to align with federal recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) from charging toll payers or E-ZPass account holders any fees related to processing credit card or electronic payments. It requires the NJTA to cover these processing costs within its operating budget instead of passing them to customers. The law directly affects all drivers using New Jersey toll roads who pay with credit cards or electronic methods. The bill codifies an existing NJTA practice where they currently absorb these fees, making it permanent law.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A2237 requires restaurants to meet specific nutritional standards for children's meals sold as a single-price combination primarily for children. These meals must contain no more than 600 calories, 770mg sodium, 35% calories from fat/sugars, and 10% from saturated fat, while including at least 0.5 cups of fresh fruits/vegetables or a lean protein option (like whole grains or low-fat dairy). Restaurants must prominently display the meal's nutritional content on menus and offer only approved beverages like water, unsweetened juice, or low-fat milk. Violations carry civil penalties up to $3,000 per offense, with a $15,000 monthly cap for repeat violations. The bill directly affects restaurants serving children's meals and aims to promote healthier eating for New Jersey's youth.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to establish an electronic system for salvage processors to submit applications for salvage certificates of title. Salvage processors, which are businesses that handle totaled vehicles on behalf of insurance companies, would be able to electronically submit applications, supporting documents, and fees through this system. The MVC would also need to allow these processors to print salvage certificates of title at their facilities. This change replaces the current paper-based process for obtaining salvage certificates of title. The bill aims to streamline the process for salvage processors while ensuring proper documentation.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Bill A1407 amends criminal law to specifically classify sexual penetration by transportation network company or taxicab drivers against passengers using coercion or without consent as aggravated sexual assault (a first-degree crime). Similarly, sexual contact under these circumstances would be classified as aggravated criminal sexual contact (a third-degree crime). This provision directly targets drivers of ride-sharing services (like Uber/Lyft) and traditional taxis, making such acts against passengers subject to enhanced penalties. The bill ensures that these specific offenses are treated as serious crimes with severe consequences, reflecting the vulnerability of passengers in transportation settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction on menstrual health and hygiene for students in grades 4 through 12 as part of their required health and physical education curriculum. The instruction must cover proper use of menstrual products (including safety warnings about Toxic Shock Syndrome), symptoms and health impacts of menstrual disorders, effects of period poverty, and when to seek medical help. School districts must also notify parents or guardians before teaching this content. The law takes effect for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates rules for public utilities (such as electricity, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunications companies) when installing, repairing, or removing poles or underground facilities in public streets. It requires utilities to obtain municipal consent before placing poles in gas-lit areas and to notify local officials 24 hours in advance of work, removing the prior requirement for municipalities to adopt specific ordinances. Utilities must restore streets to their original condition after work (including repaving and hot patching) and pay workers at prevailing wage rates. Failure to meet these restoration requirements incurs daily fines up to $1,000 (increased from $100), which cannot be passed on to utility customers.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public high school students in New Jersey who observe Ramadan to opt out of required physical education classes and school sports programs during the holy month. Students must submit written notice to their principal before schedules are finalized, and can substitute physical education with an instructional course or study hall that provides equivalent graduation credits. Student-athletes may also be excused from sports, cheerleading, or intramural programs with written notice to their coach, and coaches cannot penalize them for this absence. The policy specifically accommodates Muslim students fasting during Ramadan, without exempting them from other required health education courses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections to provide prenatal and postpartum services to pregnant female inmates aged 60 or younger upon their entry into state correctional facilities. It mandates pregnancy testing, medical evaluations, nutritional support, counseling on family planning and birth options, and postpartum care. Inmates choosing to carry pregnancies to term must receive ongoing medical care, maternity clothing, suitable housing, and adjusted work schedules as medically recommended. The law takes effect immediately and applies specifically to incarcerated women in state facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a program encouraging owners or operators of closed landfills to convert these sites into habitats supporting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and bats using native plants. The DEP must develop guidelines for establishing and maintaining these habitats within six months of the law taking effect, and seek corporate or nonprofit partnerships to fund the effort. It directly affects landfill operators by providing a framework to repurpose closed landfill sites for ecological benefit. The bill defines "closed landfill" as legacy or closed sanitary landfills and "animal pollinator" as any species known to pollinate plants, such as bees, butterflies, or bats.