Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the requirement that student representatives on boards of trustees at certain New Jersey public colleges and universities must be U.S. citizens. It applies to student representatives at State colleges and three specific universities: Rowan University, Montclair State University, and Kean University. The change modifies eligibility criteria in existing statutes, allowing any full-time, matriculated student in good academic standing (age 18+) to serve, regardless of citizenship status. Student representatives would still need to meet other standard requirements, such as being elected by student government or the student body, and would have limited voting rights on certain matters like personnel or litigation. The bill removes a specific citizenship barrier without altering other election procedures or student representation duties.

Maddy summary# Summary of New Jersey Disability and Family Leave Bill This bill amends New Jersey's Temporary Disability Benefits Law (P.L.1948, c.110) and Family Leave Insurance Law (P.L.2008, c.17) with several significant changes: 1. **Expanded Coverage**: Extends temporary disability insurance (TDI) and family leave insurance (FLI) benefits to cover care for family members needed due to public health emergencies or states of emergency (including school closures when federal funds are available). 2. **Military-Related Benefits**: Extends FLI benefits to cover certain exigencies arising from active military service. 3. **Eligibility Changes**: - Eliminates the seven-day waiting period for TDI benefits - Changes eligibility requirements - employees only need to have earned at least $1,000 during their base year (regardless of work duration or total earnings) - Provides that weekly benefit rates for TDI or FLI taken during unemployment are set at TDI/FLI rates (not unemployment compensation rates) 4. **Employer Requirements**: - Requires employers to maintain health insurance coverage during leave periods on the same terms as when employees are working - Sets requirements for employer notification to employees about their rights, including right to unemployment benefits if not restored to employment after leave due to reduction in force - Requires employers to provide written notices of benefits to employees 5. **Employee Rights**: - Provides reinstatement rights to equivalent employment after leave for all TDI/FLI benefits (extending this to FLI leave takers at employers with fewer than 30 employees) - Allows employees eligible for both earned sick leave and TDI/FLI benefits to choose which to use, but not to receive more than one kind of paid leave simultaneously - Makes an employee's statement that they or a family member is a victim of domestic or sexual violence sufficient documentation for benefits 6. **Self-Employed Coverage**: Provides self-employed individuals the option to obtain TDI and FLI coverage by making equivalent contributions to the TDI fund. The bill aims to modernize New Jersey's disability and family leave system, making benefits more accessible and comprehensive while strengthening employee protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) agencies to remain open during public health emergencies and ensures the state funds one HPP agency in each populous county (defined as a county with 350,000 or more residents per the latest federal census). The Department of Community Affairs must provide ongoing funding for these agencies, and if federal pandemic-related funds become unavailable, the agency may request state funding from the General Fund. This applies specifically to counties meeting the population threshold, guaranteeing continuous homelessness prevention services during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public colleges and universities in New Jersey to include fees on student tuition bills that fund legislative advocacy groups (organizations attempting to influence legislation). Currently, such fees require a student referendum to be added as "optional" fees; this bill eliminates that requirement, making them "waivable" fees instead. Students would see these fees listed separately on their bills but could choose to have them removed without penalty. The bill requires clear disclosures explaining the fee is optional, not endorsed by the school, and how to waive it. It directly affects students at public higher education institutions and the legislative advocacy organizations receiving these funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts receiving preschool education funding to place at least half of preschool students in licensed child care programs, rather than in district-run programs or Head Start. It directly affects school districts that receive state preschool aid under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008. Districts may request a waiver from the Department of Education if licensed child care spots are unavailable locally, but must provide justification for the request. The requirement takes effect in the first full school year after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Police to provide the Legislature with biannual reports on sex offenders who fail to meet address verification requirements under Megan's Law. County and municipal law enforcement agencies must report to the State Police every 180 days a list of registered sex offenders who haven't verified their addresses as required. Under Megan's Law, some offenders must verify their addresses every 90 days while others must do so annually. The State Police will compile these reports and provide the Legislature with the total number of non-compliant offenders and the specific offenses that required registration. This bill directly affects the state's oversight of Megan's Law compliance and provides legislative transparency on sex offender registration enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) within New Jersey's SNAP benefits program, allowing eligible homeless, disabled, or elderly SNAP recipients to use their benefits at approved restaurants for meals at low or reduced prices. The Department of Human Services will administer the program, designating eligible counties and working with county welfare agencies to approve restaurants, while requiring colleges and universities in participating counties to apply for on-campus restaurant participation and inform students. Annual reports will track participation rates, approved vendors, and program implementation at institutions of higher education. The program aims to provide meal access for vulnerable SNAP recipients who may lack the ability to store or prepare food at home.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1416) requires New Jersey's Department of the Treasury to conduct a comprehensive stress test analysis every three years. It examines the state's ability to maintain essential services and assist residents during economic shifts, directly affecting all state-funded programs and residents. The analysis must project tax and federal revenue trends, compare them to historical data, assess changing spending needs, account for state reserves (including the Surplus Revenue Fund), and identify recession-response strategies. The results must be published online and included in the Governor's annual budget message for public transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Governor to appoint a Chief Accountability Officer (CAO) who will directly oversee multiple state oversight roles, including ombudsmen, compliance officers, and comptrollers across agencies like Transportation, Education, and Human Services. The CAO must coordinate these officers' work through regular meetings (at least twice yearly) to prevent duplication, share information, and ensure audits and investigations follow state laws and professional standards. The CAO will also establish the office's internal structure, require cooperation from all state agencies, and submit annual public reports to the Governor and Legislature. This position aims to improve coordination and efficiency among existing oversight bodies without altering their core responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public registry for individuals convicted of specific financial crimes in New Jersey, including insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering. The Department of Law and Public Safety will operate a website listing offenders' names (excluding internet identifiers), physical descriptions, photos, and the crimes committed. Registration lasts 10 years for a first offense, an additional 10 years for a second, and for life for a third conviction. Offenders may apply for removal after five years if they've paid all restitution, completed court-ordered treatment, and have no new convictions (excluding minor traffic offenses). The registry includes disclaimers about accuracy and prohibits harassment, with strict verification of removal applications.