Rep. Will Sampson

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the deadline for New Jersey Medicaid recipients to report life changes affecting their eligibility. Currently, beneficiaries must notify county welfare agencies within 14 days of a change (like income shifts or address moves); this bill extends that window to 20 days. It directly affects all Medicaid recipients in New Jersey who must update their circumstances. The bill also requires the state Human Services Commissioner to seek federal approval for this change to maintain Medicaid funding. The policy alters existing reporting rules without changing eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey registrars to issue certified electronic copies of vital records - including birth, death, marriage, civil union, and domestic partnership certificates - alongside paper copies upon request. It requires the Commissioner of Health to establish security standards for electronic copies, including identity verification, data encryption, and privacy protections. The change applies to authorized requesters (such as individuals, family members, or government agencies) who already qualify for paper certified copies under current law. Electronic copies must be distinguishable from non-certified informational versions and maintain the same authentication requirements as paper records.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Ticket Consumer Choice Act requires ticket issuers (like venues, promoters, and teams) to offer consumers the option to purchase transferable tickets at the time of initial sale, allowing reselling or gifting without restrictions or requiring use of a specific platform. Exceptions permit non-transferable tickets for targeted promotions (e.g., group discounts for disability organizations) if clearly marked and not sold to the general public. The bill prohibits penalties or discrimination against ticket holders who resell tickets or use particular resale platforms and removes existing statutory caps on ticket resale prices. This law applies immediately to all ticket sales in New Jersey, affecting both consumers and event operators.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide program providing free legal representation to income-eligible tenants facing eviction in New Jersey. It directly affects tenants with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, including those receiving public benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or housing assistance. The program, funded by a $20 million appropriation from the General Fund, requires designated legal organizations to provide attorneys to eligible tenants in eviction cases within the Special Civil Part of New Jersey Superior Court, ensuring access "as soon as practicable" after eviction notices. The Department of Community Affairs and courts must publish plain-language notices about the program and submit annual reports tracking participation and outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires motor vehicle manufacturers (defined as those producing at least 10 new vehicles annually) to stamp each catalytic converter with the vehicle's unique identification number before installation. It directly affects manufacturers selling vehicles in New Jersey, mandating this marking on all catalytic converters. Violations are treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, subjecting offenders to fines up to $20,000 per offense and potential legal action. The law aims to improve traceability of catalytic converters, which are frequently stolen for their precious metals.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1584) requires dealers or lessors to terminate a private motor vehicle lease immediately upon the lessee's death if the vehicle was registered in New Jersey. It prohibits charging any fee for this early termination (though reasonable fees for excessive wear/mileage specified in the lease may still apply). The bill also prevents leases from forcing surviving family members, guardians, or estate representatives to buy the vehicle, continue the lease, or pay for remaining terms. Dealers must include written notice of this termination right in lease agreements, with a $500 penalty for failing to do so. The law applies to leases signed after enactment and excludes commercial vehicles and surviving co-lessees who signed the lease.

Maddy summaryThe Electric Vehicle Battery Management Act requires manufacturers of electric vehicles sold in New Jersey to develop and implement plans for the environmentally sound management of used EV batteries. These plans must cover collection, transportation, reuse, and recycling or disposal of batteries, with reuse prioritized over disposal. Manufacturers must submit plans to the Department of Environmental Protection for approval, bear all associated costs, and provide consumer education about battery management. Retailers cannot sell EVs without a manufacturer's approved plan, and manufacturers must submit annual reports detailing their implementation of the plans.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes a two-year pilot program requiring selected law enforcement agencies to coordinate with school districts to identify and support at-risk youth under 18. At-risk youth are defined as students involved in police-related incidents like arrests, being reported missing, exposure to violence, truancy, or mental health/substance abuse issues. Participating agencies must develop individual action plans connecting each youth to resources such as counseling, school support staff, diversion programs, and community services. The program will be evaluated after 12 months and at the end of the pilot to assess its impact on reducing juvenile recidivism and inform future decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public schools and nonpublic schools receiving federal funding to post clear, accessible information on their websites about students' rights under federal anti-discrimination law (Title IX). Specifically, schools must list students' rights, the Title IX coordinator's contact details (including phone and email), and step-by-step instructions for filing complaints, including time limits and investigation processes. The state education commissioner must also send annual reminders to these schools about Title IX obligations. This applies directly to students and schools, ensuring transparency about discrimination protections without creating new legal rights.

Maddy summaryAJR 31 designates August each year as "Black Business Month" in New Jersey to promote the success of Black-owned businesses. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation and encourages schools and cultural institutions to hold activities during this month. It directly affects Black business owners in New Jersey by raising awareness of their economic contributions and challenges, such as disproportionate pandemic closures. The bill does not create new laws or funding but focuses on recognition and community engagement.