Asm. Will Sampson

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5303) requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update the statewide policy for investigating human trafficking. It directs the AG to specifically consider: (1) using audio/video recordings in undercover operations to protect investigations and victims, (2) strict rules for sharing such recordings, (3) involving county prosecutors early in investigations, and (4) other relevant areas. The review responds to a 2024 Commission report on human trafficking in the massage industry. This policy update will affect law enforcement agencies conducting human trafficking investigations statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pharmacists in New Jersey to transfer Schedule II prescription medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) between pharmacies, rather than requiring patients to obtain a new prescription from their doctor. Currently, Schedule II prescriptions (like ADHD medications) cannot be transferred between pharmacies, forcing patients to seek new prescriptions when their preferred pharmacy is out of stock. The bill specifically permits these transfers for ADHD prescriptions only, while requiring compliance with federal regulations. This change aims to provide greater convenience for patients who need ADHD medication but cannot fill their prescription at their usual pharmacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 4361 establishes rules for app-based micro transit services (like on-demand shuttle programs) operating within the state. It requires drivers to hold commercial licenses and receive equal pay/wages as other transit workers, ensures new services expand coverage to "transit deserts" (areas with limited public transit access) without replacing existing routes, and mandates that existing employees aren't harmed by new programs. The bill creates a three-member Micro Transit Oversight Committee - representing transit agencies, the legislature, and transit worker unions - to review and certify all program plans before implementation. These requirements apply to New Jersey Transit, county agencies, and third-party contractors providing such services.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for retail theft offenses based on the value of stolen goods, with shoplifting over $500 becoming a third-degree crime. It creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales) and upgrades penalties for "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime. The bill establishes a retail theft unit within the Attorney General's office to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, and includes new requirements for gift card retailers to prevent fraud through packaging standards and third-party reseller record-keeping. It also creates extended prison terms for repeat retail theft offenders and increases penalties for tax evasion related to retail theft.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A919 establishes standards for public service privatization contracts, requiring state and local agencies to demonstrate actual cost savings for taxpayers before outsourcing services. The bill mandates competitive bidding, ensures services maintain current quality and pricing for the public, and requires contractors to pay wages and benefits equal to those of displaced public employees. Agencies must provide detailed cost analyses, allow union input on cost estimates, and submit quarterly reports on contractor compliance. The Office of the State Comptroller reviews contracts for compliance, and the State Auditor conducts annual post-audits to verify savings and prevent service degradation or underpayment of workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide heat stress standard to protect workers from heat-related illness and injury in New Jersey. It requires most employers to develop and implement heat-related illness and injury prevention plans that include monitoring heat exposure, providing cool or cold potable water, offering paid rest breaks with access to shade or climate-controlled spaces, implementing emergency response procedures, and conducting employee training. Commercial farms have a separate prevention plan developed by the Department of Agriculture, while amusement parks and certain emergency operations (like firefighting and law enforcement) are exempt. Employers must conduct annual reviews of their plans, maintain records for three years, and face penalties for violations or retaliation against employees who report heat-related concerns. The bill takes effect immediately, with the Department of Labor required to adopt implementing rules by June 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds electronic sports events (competitive video gaming competitions) to the list of sports events eligible for wagering in New Jersey. It authorizes casinos, racetracks, and licensed operators to accept wagers on electronic sports events that meet specific integrity requirements, with approval from the Division of Gaming Enforcement. The bill requires third-party certification (such as from game publishers) to verify event integrity before wagers can be accepted. Sports wagering licensees may offer up to two additional websites or mobile applications dedicated solely to electronic sports betting. The bill maintains existing rules, including the 21+ age requirement for bettors, and clarifies that electronic sports wagering is distinct from traditional sports wagering.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover scalp cooling systems used during cancer chemotherapy treatment to prevent or reduce hair loss. It applies to hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, individual and group health insurance policies, and state-sponsored health benefit programs. The law also mandates that physicians inform patients about scalp cooling therapy options before starting chemotherapy and document this discussion in their medical records. These changes directly affect cancer patients seeking hair loss prevention, insurers offering chemotherapy coverage, and healthcare providers administering chemo.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes statewide standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Jersey, requiring municipalities to allow ADUs as a permitted use in single-family and two-family residential zones. It sets specific requirements including minimum 300 square feet and maximum 1,200 square feet floor area, maximum height of 20 feet, and no more than 5-foot sideyard and rear yard setbacks. The bill mandates that applications for ADUs must be approved ministerially within 60 days without public hearings, prohibits selling ADUs separately from primary dwellings, and requires municipalities to include plans for promoting affordable ADUs in their housing elements. Municipalities may impose reasonable restrictions in specific circumstances, such as historic districts or very small lots, but cannot prohibit ADUs outright.