Asm. Will Sampson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all pet shops, grooming facilities, and pet daycares in New Jersey to install and maintain continuous video monitoring systems in areas where animals are housed, groomed, or handled. Facilities must retain footage for 30 days and provide it to state agencies or law enforcement upon request during investigations into animal cruelty, consumer fraud, or related violations. Noncompliant facilities face civil penalties of up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent violation. The law applies immediately to all covered animal care facilities operating in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes criminal penalties for negligent dog handling (four or more leash violations) and reckless handling (allowing a dog to injure a person or animal without justification), with harsher penalties for injuries requiring hospitalization, death, or intentional commands to attack. It requires dog owners to cover medical costs for victims and victimized animals, and grants victims the right to file a complaint to have the attacking dog declared dangerous. Owners also face civil penalties of up to $500 for leash violations, which can be reduced by restitution paid to victims for unreimbursed expenses.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4171) requires businesses using real-time text-based chat to communicate with customers to offer a verbatim transcript of the chat at the end of the conversation. It mandates that businesses clearly inform consumers upfront about this option, ensuring transparency during customer service interactions. Violations would be treated as consumer fraud under state law, potentially resulting in fines up to $20,000 per offense and other enforcement actions by the Attorney General. The bill directly affects businesses providing chat support to New Jersey consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retailers to provide a raincheck for 60 days if a product or service advertised via a digital coupon (like a phone or website discount) is unavailable at the time of purchase. It directly affects retailers using digital coupons and protects consumers who cannot redeem the advertised offer. The key provision mandates that retailers issue a written raincheck allowing customers to obtain the same item at the same discounted price within 60 days. Violations would be considered consumer fraud under New Jersey law, with penalties including fines.

Maddy summaryAJR 126 designates April 18 of each year as "Worker Safety Day" in New Jersey. The bill encourages employers, workers, government agencies, and communities to promote workplace safety through public awareness. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation urging New Jersey residents to observe the day with activities supporting safe work environments. This resolution has no regulatory effect but aims to highlight the importance of preventing workplace injuries and deaths.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for retailers who sell tobacco or vapor products to people under 21. First violations now carry $500 fines (up from $250), second violations $1,000 (up from $500), and third or subsequent violations $2,000 (up from $1,000). Small businesses with clear compliance policies pay only $100 for the first violation. Five percent of collected fines will fund public education on vapor product dangers and illegal sales. Retailers must also post new signs at points of sale and vending machines warning that selling to minors is prohibited.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes standardized credit transfer rules for New Jersey public colleges and universities, replacing previous "collective agreements" with requirements set by the Secretary of Higher Education. It creates a New Jersey Transfer Ombudsman within the Secretary's office to resolve disputes between students and institutions about credit transfers, conduct compliance reviews every three years, and publish annual reports on transfer outcomes. Public institutions must now provide transfer students with data on program completion rates and ensure associate degrees earned at community colleges are fully transferable toward bachelor's degrees. The changes directly affect students transferring between NJ public colleges and universities, as well as the institutions themselves, by standardizing credit recognition and adding oversight.

Maddy summaryThe SLUMLORD Act strengthens habitability protections for residential tenants in New Jersey by requiring rental units to meet health and safety standards. It defines "habitability" to include freedom from conditions endangering life, health, or safety (such as violations of building codes), and mandates landlords to appoint a "principal agent" to handle tenant complaints about habitability issues. The bill appropriates $5 million to fund enforcement through the Department of Community Affairs' Bureau of Housing Inspection. It directly affects landlords of multi-unit properties (excluding single-family or owner-occupied buildings with ≤3 units) by imposing new maintenance obligations and oversight requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale, manufacture, and distribution of apparel containing intentionally added PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in New Jersey, effective two years after enactment. It covers most everyday clothing (like shirts, pants, athletic wear, swimwear, and school uniforms) as well as specialized outdoor gear designed for extreme weather, but excludes military protective equipment. Violations would be treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, subjecting offenders to fines of up to $20,000 per offense, cease-and-desist orders, and potential punitive damages. The law directly affects apparel manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers operating within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey public elementary schools to assess the academic and health benefits of using therapy dogs in wellness programs. It requires the state Department of Education (DOE) to select six school districts (two per geographic region) that apply with details about their schools, student wellness participation, and therapy dog plans. The DOE will provide participating districts with guidance on therapy dog activities, handler training, dog health checks, and insurance requirements. After three years, the DOE must submit a report evaluating whether the program improved student attendance, confidence, and academic outcomes like reading skills. The pilot directly affects public elementary schools that apply and participate.