Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year Animal Advocate Program within New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). It allows courts to appoint an advocate in specific criminal cases involving animal welfare - such as animal cruelty (R.S.4:22-17) or dog fighting (P.L.2015, c.85) - to represent the animal's best interests. The advocate monitors the case, reviews records from animal control and veterinarians, shares information with attorneys, and recommends placement or care to the court. The program expires after two years, requiring the AOC to submit a report on implementation and recommendations for continuation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs to provide free menstrual hygiene products - such as tampons, sanitary napkins, and menstrual cups - to eligible low-income individuals who menstruate. Eligible enrollees would receive these products at no cost by presenting a valid Medicaid card at participating pharmacies, with the quantity and frequency determined by health experts in consultation with the Department of Human Services. The program depends on federal approval of a waiver under the Social Security Act to legally cover these products under Medicaid, as current federal rules prohibit such purchases. The goal is to address "period poverty" by ensuring reliable access to essential hygiene products for low-income menstruators, reducing health risks and school absences linked to product shortages.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to provide written informational materials to all students in grades K-12 about the U.S. citizenship process. The materials must cover applying for citizenship, preparing for tests, and local citizenship workshops, and must be available in English, Spanish, and any other language significant to the district's student population. School districts must also host two annual parent sessions (in-person or virtual) explaining citizenship steps. The New Jersey Department of Education will develop guidelines to help districts identify resources. The law applies to all public school districts starting the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades New Jersey's stalking law when the stalking involves installing or using monitoring software or devices on the victim's phone to intercept communications or track location. It increases the offense from a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in jail) to a third-degree crime (3-5 years in jail) if the stalker uses such technology on the victim's cellular or wireless device. The bill specifically targets the misuse of location or communication monitoring tools - commonly available apps or pre-installed programs - to gather the victim's data without consent. It directly affects victims of stalking who experience technology-facilitated harassment through their personal devices.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all correctional police officers in New Jersey state correctional facilities to wear body-worn cameras that record audio and video during most duties, with specific exceptions for restroom use, medical appointments, and certain meetings. It also mandates the Department of Corrections to install comprehensive security camera systems throughout facilities, including blind spots and common areas, with requirements for continuous monitoring by officers and systematic review of footage. The legislation sets minimum retention periods for recordings (180 days), extending to three years for recordings involving complaints, disciplinary actions, or criminal investigations, while establishing procedures for inmate access to footage. These requirements apply directly to correctional officers, inmates, and the Department of Corrections, with disciplinary actions outlined for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryAJR 65 designates the date of the second new moon following the winter solstice (or the third if a leap month is needed) as "Lunar New Year" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing this date and encourages schools and cultural institutions to observe it with appropriate activities. It directly acknowledges the cultural significance of Lunar New Year for New Jersey's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, which make up approximately 10% of the state's population. This symbolic gesture does not create a legal holiday but formally recognizes traditions celebrated by many residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows healthcare professionals licensed in New Jersey to provide telemedicine services to New Jersey patients regardless of the provider's physical location outside the state. It maintains the existing requirement that providers must hold a valid New Jersey license, certification, or registration to offer telemedicine services. The law specifies that telemedicine must use real-time communication technology (with limited exceptions for store-and-forward methods) and requires providers to follow the same care standards as in-person visits. It also clarifies prescription rules, including that Schedule II controlled substances require an initial in-person exam unless treating minors with parental consent.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires libraries in New Jersey municipalities or counties where 40% or more of residents live below 1.85x the federal poverty line to provide free tampons and sanitary napkins in all women's and all-gender restrooms. Libraries must also display educational pamphlets about menstrual health topics, including toxic shock syndrome and proper disposal. The state will cover all costs for providing these products and pamphlets. The law applies to libraries supported by municipal or county tax funds and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires medical device manufacturers to provide a replacement device at no cost to consumers when a recall is issued that demands the consumer stop using or return the device. If the manufacturer cannot supply a replacement, they must pay for a replacement device from another manufacturer. Manufacturers must fulfill this requirement within 30 days of the recall being issued. Violations are considered unlawful under New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act, potentially resulting in fines up to $20,000 for repeat offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all basic life support ambulances and volunteer first aid/rescue ambulance squads in New Jersey to carry epinephrine auto-injector devices and be staffed by at least one emergency medical technician (EMT) certified to administer them. It defines "basic life support" as standard pre-hospital care including CPR, airway management, and wound stabilization, and clarifies that the requirement does not override existing federal or state staffing regulations. The New Jersey Commissioner of Health may create implementing rules under the Administrative Procedure Act. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment.