Asm. Will Sampson

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey county colleges to apply for permission to offer four-year bachelor's degrees in applied science fields facing regional labor shortages. County colleges must submit detailed proposals to the New Jersey Presidents' Council, including program descriptions, facility plans, cost analyses, and accreditation plans. The Council reviews proposals, gives feedback for corrections, and forwards approved proposals to the Higher Education Secretary for final approval, contingent on program accreditation. Colleges may offer no more than three such degrees under this process, and must report on program outcomes to the Legislature seven years after launch. The bill directly affects county colleges, students seeking these degrees, and employers needing skilled workers in targeted fields.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A937) expands what certain New Jersey alcohol manufacturers can sell on their premises. It allows limited breweries, wineries producing under 250,000 gallons annually, farm wineries, cideries, meaderies, and craft distilleries to sell each other's products for off-premises consumption. The bill also permits these manufacturers to coordinate with third-party restaurants for food service (without operating restaurants themselves), increases the annual brewing limit for restricted breweries from 10,000 to 50,000 barrels, and removes the requirement for tours to sell products on-site. Additionally, it allows limited breweries to host up to 52 annual on-premises special events and private parties without needing permits or notifying authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's affirmative action requirements for public works contracts to include workers with disabilities. It amends existing law to define "affirmative action" as good-faith steps ensuring equal employment opportunity for women, minorities, and workers with disabilities (without quotas), and requires contractors to include disability status in workforce data and affirmative action plans. The bill also directs the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to create a recruitment program connecting workers with disabilities (including students and recent graduates) with private employers for summer or permanent jobs. It applies to all public works contractors and subcontractors (except those with fewer than five employees), requiring them to submit disability-inclusive affirmative action programs to the State Treasurer for approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's unemployment benefits rules for workers who leave one job to accept another, but the second job offer is rescinded through no fault of the employee. It allows these workers to receive unemployment benefits in this situation, which was previously uncertain under the law. The bill increases the allowable time period between leaving the first job and the start of the second job from seven days to ten days. This change codifies a 2019 court decision (McClain v. Bd. of Review) that established this right for workers facing rescinded job offers. The bill directly affects workers who experience job offer rescissions without their own fault.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to assess security at its rail stations and improve safety measures. Within 12 months, NJT must report to the governor and legislature on current security gaps, then begin implementing enhanced security screening and other measures within 18 months. NJT must submit updated security reports every five years detailing improvements, though these reports will not be made public. The bill directly affects NJT operations and commuter safety at all NJT rail stations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2202) upgrades simple assault to aggravated assault when committed against a crossing guard or parking enforcement officer who is clearly identifiable as performing their duties (e.g., in uniform or at a school crossing). It directly affects these public safety workers by increasing penalties for assaults against them during official duties. Under the bill, such assaults would become a third-degree crime (carrying up to 5 years in prison) if bodily injury occurs, rather than a lesser fourth-degree offense. This aligns with existing protections for other frontline workers like police, firefighters, and school staff under New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Special Investigations Division in state correctional facilities to submit two types of reports: (1) an executive summary of any inmate sexual abuse complaint within 48 hours of receipt, and (2) a monthly report by the 10th day summarizing all sexual assault allegations from the prior month and updates on open investigations. It directly affects correctional facilities, the Commissioner of Corrections, and facility administrators by mandating timely reporting on abuse investigations. The key provision ensures transparency by requiring prompt initial summaries and regular detailed updates, aiming to improve accountability in handling abuse claims. The bill takes effect four months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to provide written informational materials to all students in grades K-12 about the U.S. citizenship process. The materials must cover applying for citizenship, preparing for tests, and local citizenship workshops, and must be available in English, Spanish, and any other language significant to the district's student population. School districts must also host two annual parent sessions (in-person or virtual) explaining citizenship steps. The New Jersey Department of Education will develop guidelines to help districts identify resources. The law applies to all public school districts starting the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires renters in New Jersey to obtain renter's insurance before signing or renewing a lease for a dwelling unit. It defines "renter's insurance" as coverage protecting against loss of personal property, liability claims, or temporary displacement costs. The law applies to all new or renewed lease agreements entered into 90 days after the bill takes effect. It directly affects all individuals leasing residential housing units, including apartments and single-family homes, by mandating insurance as a condition of tenancy.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey county and municipal police departments to create designated safe areas on their property for in-person exchanges of items listed on classified websites (like Craigslist). It requires police to install video cameras in these areas for safety, prohibits police from regulating transactions or being held liable for crimes occurring there, and permits departments to run public awareness campaigns with safety tips. The bill directly affects residents using online classifieds for sales, police departments establishing these zones, and public safety efforts around transaction risks. It also mandates the Attorney General to notify all relevant police departments about this new authority.