Asm. Shama Haider

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly passed Resolution AR 45, urging Congress to pass H.R.3339, which proposes establishing a national infrastructure bank. The resolution does not create new funding but calls for federal action to address infrastructure gaps. It highlights concerns about aging systems in New Jersey (like 29% of roads in poor condition) and nationwide needs cited by groups like the American Society of Civil Engineers. The proposed bank would generate capital by trading U.S. Treasury Bonds for preferred stock, similar to a commercial bank, to fund projects including transportation, broadband, and energy grids. This resolution directly affects Congress, urging it to advance H.R.3339.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care services to match Medicare rates for the same services, using $20 million in state funding. It directly affects Medicaid providers - including family doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and midwives - who deliver primary care to Medicaid beneficiaries. The rate increase applies to both fee-for-service and managed care systems, ensuring payments for common services (like routine checkups) are at least 100% of Medicare rates. The bill requires a report by July 2024 on how these changes impact access to and quality of care for Medicaid patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to track and publicly report natural disaster-related spending by state and local governments, including counties, municipalities, school districts, fire districts, and local authorities. DCA must categorize spending into four clear types: preparedness (planning and training), mitigation (reducing disaster risks), response (immediate actions after a disaster), and recovery (rebuilding communities), while showing funding sources and reimbursement details. The DCA will publish an annual plain-language summary of this data on the state website, making it easily accessible to the public. Local governments and school districts must include this information in their existing annual budget summaries, which will also be made publicly available online.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT), New Jersey Transit (NJT), and Department of Human Services (DHS) to study and improve transportation accessibility for people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. Specifically, it mandates DOT to review current infrastructure design practices for highways and transit projects, then adopt new standards to help these individuals travel more independently. The agencies must also study nationwide best practices for operating public transportation and mobility programs to make them more accessible. Finally, DOT must encourage local governments applying for state funding to adopt these improved accessibility standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey law enforcement agencies from hiring applicants who were removed from a previous law enforcement position for police misconduct or violation of agency rules. It requires agencies to request and share internal affairs and personnel files of applicants with prior employment at other New Jersey law enforcement agencies, but explicitly bans hiring those with a prior termination for misconduct. The law makes it unlawful for agencies to appoint such applicants, directly affecting individuals with disciplinary removals and shaping hiring practices across the state. This amendment to existing law (P.L.2020, c.52) strengthens accountability by preventing agencies from rehiring officers disciplined by other departments.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires state and private correctional facilities to provide inmates with free telephone and video calls, meaning neither the inmate nor the person they call pays any fees. It eliminates per-minute charges, service fees, and additional surcharges for all calls, including international calls for state and private facilities. Facilities must still follow state procurement rules when contracting for these services. The policy change aims to reduce financial strain on families and support rehabilitation through consistent communication.

Maddy summaryAJR 44 designates June of each year as "Immigrant Heritage Month" in New Jersey to recognize the economic and cultural contributions of immigrants to the state. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities celebrating immigrant heritage. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or alter policies but highlights New Jersey's status as a state with one of the largest immigrant populations in the U.S., including immigrants who make up over 20% of residents and contribute significantly to the workforce and entrepreneurship.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey law to remove the automatic disqualification from jury service for individuals with prior convictions of serious crimes (indictable offenses), except for convictions of murder or aggravated sexual assault. It allows people who have completed their sentences for other serious crimes to be considered for jury duty, provided they meet standard qualifications like U.S. citizenship and county residency. The bill does not affect those currently incarcerated for serious crimes, who remain disqualified. This update expands the pool of potential jurors by including more people with past criminal records, while maintaining specific exclusions for the most severe offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health (DOH) to apply for federal waivers to cover menstrual hygiene products (like tampons, pads, and cups) under NJ FamilyCare, SNAP (food stamps), and WIC programs. If the federal government denies the waiver, DHS must establish a state-funded benefit using $2 million from the General Fund, with eligibility determined through a household certification process for minors. The law mandates an educational campaign to inform program participants about the new benefit and applies to anyone enrolled in these specific public assistance programs who menstruates. The $2 million appropriation is contingent solely on federal denial of the waiver request.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1418 bill establishes standardized food date labeling requirements, requiring manufacturers to use "BEST if Used By" for quality dates (indicating when food quality may decline but it remains safe) and "USE By" for elevated-risk dates on time/temperature control foods (indicating when safety risk increases). Retailers must not sell food after an elevated-risk date, cannot display "sell-by" dates on consumer-facing labels (unless coded and unreadable), and are not liable for manufacturer labeling errors. The bill also mandates the Commissioner of Health to create a public education program explaining label meanings and safe food handling, applying to most foods except alcoholic beverages.