Asm. Will Sampson

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1069) requires New Jersey school districts hosting high school college or career fairs to notify all registered apprenticeship programs in their county about the event. School districts must provide the fair's date, time, location, and registration instructions for apprenticeship programs to participate. The law directly affects school districts organizing such fairs and registered apprenticeship programs seeking to attend. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2848) allows New Jersey businesses to claim a tax credit against their corporation business tax or gross income tax for hiring employees with developmental disabilities. The credit equals 10% of the employee’s salary (capped at $3,000 per employee annually) and totals $60,000 per business per year. To qualify, the employee must have a developmental disability as defined by state law (N.J.S.A. 30:6D-25) and be declared eligible by the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Businesses cannot claim this credit for the same employee if they also claim the existing credit for hiring at a sheltered workshop or training center.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public schools and approved private schools for students with disabilities to count virtual or remote instruction days toward their 180-day school year requirement when schools close due to inclement weather, hazardous transportation conditions, or specified emergencies like public health emergencies. Currently, schools could only use virtual instruction for closures lasting more than three consecutive days; this bill expands eligibility to include single-day closures and weather-related closures. Schools must submit their virtual instruction program to the commissioner for approval within 30 days, and approved virtual days will count as full school days for attendance, graduation requirements, and course credit. The commissioner will establish guidelines addressing technology access, virtual day length, and impacts on school meals and assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes that statements made by juveniles during custodial interviews by law enforcement are presumed involuntary if the officer intentionally used false information to obtain the statement, specifically for offenses that would be first-fourth degree felonies, disorderly persons, or petty disorderly persons offenses if committed by an adult. The presumption can be overcome only if the State proves the statement was voluntary and not influenced by the false information, using clear and convincing evidence. It directly affects juveniles involved in such investigations and law enforcement officers conducting these interviews. The bill defines "custodial interview" as one where a juvenile is in custody and must be advised of their constitutional rights. The policy change clarifies how such statements may be used in court proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New Jersey-Africa Commission within the Department of State to strengthen ties between New Jersey and African nations. The 21-member commission includes five state agency heads and 16 public members (residents identifying with the African Diaspora) appointed by legislative leaders. It will advise the Governor on expanding economic, cultural, educational, and governmental exchanges - focusing on trade, agriculture, arts, health, and education - and organize into five specialized committees. The commission must report annually to the Governor and Legislature on its recommendations and activities, starting within one year of its first meeting.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey municipal courts to issue restricted driver's licenses as an alternative to full license suspension for people facing financial hardship due to a suspended license, excluding suspensions related to certain offenses like DUI. The restricted license would only permit driving for work or school commutes during specific hours and between specific locations, requiring a special placard displayed in the vehicle's rear window. A fee of up to $100 would cover the license and placard, and the restricted license would expire when the regular license is restored.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey school districts with high schools to establish formal agreements with public colleges or universities allowing high school students to take college courses for credit. It mandates that these agreements include specific details like course offerings, eligibility rules (ensuring no student is excluded due to cost), and requirements that courses taught at high schools match the rigor of those on college campuses. The law applies directly to school districts and public higher education institutions (excluding those with minimum 21-year enrollment policies). These agreements must outline how students and parents learn about the program and participate.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 15-member Task Force on Mercury Exposure in Schools and Child Care Centers within New Jersey's Department of Health. The task force will examine health risks from mercury in flooring, develop testing protocols for schools and licensed child care centers, create remediation standards, and provide implementation strategies. It requires the task force to submit a final report with recommendations within one year of its formation, after which it will dissolve. The bill directly affects public and nonpublic schools and licensed child care centers statewide by creating a structured process to address potential mercury hazards in their facilities.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A2396 requires the state's Secretary of Higher Education to create a career and education guide for college and university students with disabilities. The guide must detail campus resources (like disability career centers, internships, and accommodations), provide career planning advice (including how to discuss disabilities with employers and request workplace accommodations), and list national support organizations. It will be developed with input from the Labor Commissioner and university leaders, then made publicly available online. The bill directly affects students with disabilities seeking academic support and career opportunities in New Jersey's higher education system.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates tax credits for New Jersey businesses that hire formerly incarcerated individuals. Businesses can claim a credit equal to 10% of qualified wages (up to $1,200 per person) for employees who are employed for at least 185 business days. To qualify, businesses must hire at least 25% formerly incarcerated individuals as new employees, maintain 50% of such employees from the previous year, and conduct targeted recruitment efforts. The bill also prohibits using the same wages for multiple tax credits and allows the tax authority to recapture credits plus a 50% penalty if businesses replace existing workers solely to claim the credit.