Asm. Will Sampson

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $25 million from New Jersey's General Fund to the Department of Health specifically for Hudson Regional Health to support Heights University Hospital. Hudson Regional Health must use the funds exclusively to maintain continuous hospital services at Heights University Hospital, provide quarterly financial reports to the state, appoint a state representative to the hospital's board, and comply with employee protection laws if control changes. If Heights University Hospital suspends services within seven years, Hudson Regional Health must repay the state a portion of the funds (100% within 3 years, decreasing to 20% by year 7). The bill directly affects Hudson Regional Health and Heights University Hospital, with strict conditions to ensure service continuity and accountability.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires third-party reservation platforms (like apps or websites) to obtain written agreements with restaurants before listing, advertising, or selling their reservations. It directly affects restaurants, which gain control over their reservation channels, and third-party services, which must secure explicit permission from each establishment they list. Violations incur daily civil penalties up to $500 per restaurant per day, and affected restaurants can sue for damages, injunctions, or attorney fees within one year. The law mirrors similar Illinois legislation and takes effect three months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the use of regulated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in all menstrual products sold in New Jersey. It directly affects manufacturers and sellers of products like tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and underwear (both disposable and reusable). The law requires products to be tested for PFAS at or above 10 parts per million, with results shared with the Department of Health, and violations would be enforced under the Consumer Fraud Act with fines up to $20,000. The ban takes effect 18 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5049) removes a current restriction that allows the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) to withhold retirement or death benefits from members if they are involved in pending civil lawsuits related to their employment. It specifically prohibits the PFRS Board from delaying benefits due to such civil litigation, though it maintains the ability to withhold benefits for members facing criminal charges or administrative dismissal. The bill requires the Board to adjust benefits after any legal case concludes, rather than holding payments indefinitely during litigation. This change directly affects current and future PFRS members who are involved in employment-related civil disputes.

Maddy summaryS 3132 requires secondhand dealers of cell phones and wireless devices to document each transaction with the device’s ID number (MEID/IMEI/ESN) and verify seller identity. Dealers must collect two forms of ID (including one photo ID), confirm the seller is the lawful owner, and record details if photo ID is unavailable. The bill prohibits dealers from selling devices with altered identifiers or knowingly purchasing devices from sellers providing false information. Violations incur civil penalties of $250-$1,000 per offense, collected by the Division of Consumer Affairs. This applies to dealers purchasing used phones, excluding carriers and their authorized retailers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors and subcontractors working on public projects to submit payroll records to New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD). It applies to any business performing work for public bodies (like state/local governments or projects funded by public money), including construction, maintenance, or repair work. The key mechanism mandates that these contractors must register with DOLWD and provide payroll details to verify compliance with prevailing wage laws and apprenticeship program requirements. This affects all employers engaged in public work contracts, ensuring transparency in worker compensation and program participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to collaborate with neighboring states to research alternatives to PJM Interconnection's current electricity capacity market. It directs the BPU to propose one of three specific actions by December 2025: (1) require utilities to secure 80% of their future capacity through direct contracts with energy providers, (2) withdraw from PJM's market and develop a regional compact for alternative capacity sourcing, or (3) exit PJM's transmission grid to build an independent grid or join another regional system. The bill responds to concerns that PJM's capacity auction system has caused record-high costs - $14.7 billion for consumers in 2025/2026, up from $2.2 billion previously - due to market flaws and lack of state input. The proposal aims to address these issues and improve affordability for electricity ratepayers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retail stores in New Jersey that sell gift cards to post a clear, visible notice at the gift card display area warning consumers about fraud risks and providing steps to take if fraud is suspected. It also mandates that these stores train employees on identifying and responding to gift card fraud, following guidelines to be established. Businesses failing to comply face a $1,000 civil penalty per violation. The law applies to all retail establishments selling gift cards to consumers, including stores and merchants.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to extend the cancellation period for home improvement contracts from three to five business days for consumers aged 65 or older. It requires contractors to include a clear, conspicuous notice in contracts detailing the five-day window for seniors (and the existing three-day window for all consumers) and the written cancellation process (via registered mail or in-person delivery). If canceled within the timeframe, contractors must refund all payments within 30 days and cancel related credit agreements without penalty. The change specifically aims to provide additional time for senior citizens to review contracts, reflecting their potential need for more consideration.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires courts to inform victims and abusers about counseling services for children who were physically present during or witnessed domestic violence. It establishes a legal presumption that custody should be awarded to the domestic violence victim (the non-abusive parent) in appropriate cases. Courts can now order counseling for affected children as part of domestic violence protection orders. The bill also expands court authority to require psychological evaluations and other protective measures. These changes aim to better protect children and victims in domestic violence cases by addressing their specific needs.