Asm. Will Sampson

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2854) expands New Jersey's Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) Program to include adult students enrolled in career and technical education programs at county vocational school districts. It permits these students to receive financial aid covering remaining tuition and fees after other state, federal, and institutional grants are applied, provided they meet income limits ($0-$65,000 annual adjusted gross income), enroll in programs of at least four months, and maintain academic standing. The grant supports up to two years of study for eligible adult vocational students, aligning their access with traditional community college students under the CCOG Program. This change directly affects adult learners seeking industry-recognized certifications or licenses through county vocational programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's parking law to allow disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients to use designated disability parking spaces by displaying their valid disabled veteran or Purple Heart license plate or placard. It directly affects veterans and Purple Heart recipients who hold these specific plates issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The key provision removes the requirement for these individuals to obtain a separate disability identification card or additional special plates to park in disability zones. The change takes immediate effect and ensures they can access these parking spaces using only their existing veteran or Purple Heart credentials.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that write-in candidates for county committee must receive a number of write-in votes at least equal to the number of signatures needed to place their name on the primary ballot. Currently, candidates must gather a minimum of 25 signatures (in smaller municipalities) or 50 signatures (in larger municipalities), or 5% of the previous primary vote for their party (but never fewer than one), to appear on the ballot. The bill extends this signature threshold to the vote count for write-in candidates, ensuring they meet the same standard as candidates who are listed on the ballot. This change applies to all New Jersey counties and affects how county committee members are elected without being on the official ballot.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A564) amends New Jersey law to explicitly include "emergency, transitional, and permanent housing" as a permitted use of the "Domestic Violence Victims' Fund." The fund, which is administered by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, currently receives civil penalties ($50-$500) imposed on domestic violence offenders and other designated funds. This change ensures that housing assistance for domestic violence victims is directly funded through this dedicated source, alongside existing services like shelter, legal advocacy, and transportation. The bill applies to all domestic violence victims in New Jersey receiving services through the Department of Children and Families.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2310) requires all health insurance carriers to cover mental health treatment and therapy for victims of domestic violence as medically necessary, providing full benefits without limitations. It applies to all health insurance providers, including hospitals, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and individual and group health insurance plans. The bill amends current law to mandate that mental health treatment for domestic violence victims be treated the same as physical injury treatment for coverage purposes. This fills a gap where insurance previously covered physical injuries from domestic violence but not mental health services for the same victims. The coverage requirement applies to all plans where insurers can change premiums.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1918 requires state government agencies (like departments and bureaus providing public services) to translate vital documents and provide interpretation services in the 15 most common non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficiency residents, based on U.S. Census data. Agencies must complete translations for the 10 most common languages within 365 days of the law's effective date and the additional 5 within 730 days, with immediate translation for applications, rights notices, and privacy documents. Each agency must create a language access plan within 90 days detailing how they'll provide services, train staff, document usage, and assign a language access coordinator to monitor compliance and produce annual reports. Funding for implementation comes from American Rescue Plan Act funds and state General Fund, with no requirement to remove existing translation obligations (like Spanish services).

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits transportation network companies (like Uber or Lyft) from using surge pricing during declared states of emergency in New Jersey. It specifically bans fare increases exceeding double the normal rate for prearranged rides during emergencies declared by the Governor or President. Companies violating this rule face civil penalties of up to $10,000 for first offenses and $20,000 for repeat violations. The law directly affects riders seeking transportation during crises and requires companies to disclose standard fare structures upfront. It applies only to app-based ride services, not traditional taxis or emergency medical transport.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Bill 1065 establishes rules for local law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities when responding to federal immigration requests. It prohibits police from detaining or transferring individuals based on immigration requests (like detainers or transfer forms) unless the person has been convicted of one of 21 specific serious crimes, including murder, aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery, or domestic violence. The bill allows law enforcement to still share citizenship or immigration status information with federal authorities as permitted by federal law (8 U.S.C. 1373). It directly affects all state, county, and municipal police departments and jails in New Jersey. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey Medicaid coverage to include cochlear implants and auditory osseointegrated devices for hearing-impaired individuals, in addition to existing hearing aid coverage. The expanded coverage requires these devices and related services to be deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a licensed physician or audiologist. The policy change directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries who require these specific assistive devices for hearing impairment. The bill codifies and expands upon the current Medicaid policy that already covered hearing aids when medically necessary.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill upgrades assaults against uniformed crossing guards, parking attendants, and municipal parking authority employees to aggravated assault when they're clearly performing their duties. If the victim suffers bodily injury, the offense becomes a third-degree crime punishable by 3-5 years in prison and/or up to $15,000 in fines. Without bodily injury, it's a fourth-degree crime with a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison and/or $10,000 in fines. The bill directly affects these public safety workers and anyone who assaults them while they're on duty.