Rep. Will Sampson

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts purchases of certain pet medications from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It directly affects pet owners who buy medications for their "qualified pets" (domestic animals kept for companionship, not for research or business). The exemption covers medications recognized by state pharmacy/veterinary boards for treating disease, prescribed by licensed vets, or intended to affect a pet's body function - excluding general pet food or supplements. The law takes effect in the first full calendar quarter after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) grant program to explicitly include students who have previously earned an associate degree, college credits, or completed a dual degree program while in high school. It clarifies that such students remain eligible for EOF grants and campus-based programs if they meet all other standard requirements, like residency, financial need, and full-time enrollment. The amendment removes a potential barrier that previously might have excluded these students from accessing financial aid. This change directly affects high school graduates who have already earned college credit but are pursuing additional degrees at New Jersey institutions. The policy takes effect immediately for the next full academic year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) agencies to remain open during public health emergencies and ensures the state funds one HPP agency in each populous county (defined as a county with 350,000 or more residents per the latest federal census). The Department of Community Affairs must provide ongoing funding for these agencies, and if federal pandemic-related funds become unavailable, the agency may request state funding from the General Fund. This applies specifically to counties meeting the population threshold, guaranteeing continuous homelessness prevention services during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program to improve sickle cell disease care in New Jersey, appropriating $10.2 million from the General Fund. The Department of Health will competitively select federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), prioritizing those in Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, Plainfield, Trenton, Camden, and other high-need areas, to develop comprehensive treatment programs. The program requires participating centers to provide coordinated care (including telehealth where permitted), build specialized medical workforce capacity, conduct outreach, promote awareness, and collect state-wide data on sickle cell disease incidence and healthcare use. Funds must be used for these purposes during the three-year pilot, with unspent funds reverting to the General Fund after expiration.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1775 prohibits the sale and distribution of nail polish and nail hardeners containing dibutyl phthalates, toluene, or formaldehyde, directly affecting nail product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors in the state. The bill requires immediate recalls by sellers/distributors upon discovery of prohibited chemicals, mandates retailers to remove affected products from shelves within 48 hours, and requires disposal of recalled items within 60 days. Violations trigger penalties under the Consumer Fraud Act, including fines up to $20,000 per offense and potential cease-and-desist orders. The law aims to remove specific chemical exposures from consumer nail products without specifying health outcome predictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public and nonpublic schools to have at least one FDA-registered portable anti-choking device (a suction device for clearing airway blockages) placed in accessible locations like cafeterias and nurse offices during school hours and events. Schools must display clear signage marking device locations and develop policies requiring staff training in airway management and device use. The state Department of Education will reimburse schools for device costs and provide annual training opportunities for school nurses and staff. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A974) provides tax credits to businesses for certain child care expenses. Businesses can claim a 50% credit against corporation business tax or gross income tax for costs related to building, improving, or operating child care centers primarily serving employees' children, or for providing child care information and referral services (10% credit). To qualify, facilities must be licensed by the Department of Children and Families and open to employees' children without discriminatory selection processes. Businesses must enter into an agreement with the Division of Taxation to verify eligibility and commit to using the facility as a child care center for 60 consecutive months. The bill also allows businesses to sell tax credit transfer certificates (at minimum 75% of value) to other businesses with tax liabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections to ensure inmates in state prisons or county jails can participate in Medicaid enrollment sessions at least 60 days before release. Specifically, it mandates a peer-led information session about Medicaid benefits and application processes, followed by a staff-assisted enrollment session within five days. Inmates who complete applications must receive eligibility notifications and a Medicaid card at the time of release. The law directly affects incarcerated individuals transitioning to community life, aiming to streamline access to healthcare coverage upon release. It does not change Medicaid eligibility standards but implements a process to connect inmates with services before they leave correctional facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates consumer legal funding companies in New Jersey by establishing requirements for contracts and company operations. It requires fully completed contracts with clear disclosures about fees and repayment terms, including a 5-day right to cancel without penalty, and prohibits companies from paying referral fees to attorneys or using funding to pay for court costs or attorney fees. The bill limits fees to 40% of the funded amount annually, requires companies to register with the Department of Banking and Insurance, and ensures consumers only repay if their legal claim results in proceeds. The law affects consumers with pending legal claims who seek funding and the companies that provide this service.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to include data on graduates' post-high school pathways in their annual performance reports ("report cards"). Specifically, schools must report the number and percentage of students achieving "positive placement" after graduation, including those entering apprenticeships. The requirement applies to all schools and districts, adding this metric to existing report card content like graduation rates and college enrollment. The change aligns with current reporting standards for student outcomes and takes effect for the first full school year after enactment.