Rep. Will Sampson

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a four-year pilot program allowing New Jersey special education students aged 16+ to take college courses or vocational training while still in high school. It requires school districts to partner with local colleges or vocational schools to integrate these opportunities into students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), with districts covering tuition costs. Up to 15 districts will be selected for participation, prioritizing geographic and demographic diversity across urban, suburban, and rural areas. At the program's conclusion, districts must report on participation, course types, student feedback, and effectiveness, leading to a state-level evaluation on potential expansion.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to incorporate cybersecurity education into the curriculum for students in grades nine through twelve, with curriculum guidelines developed by the Commissioner of Education. It directs the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to create model cybersecurity curricula for four-year colleges and county colleges to support degree programs in the field. The bill also establishes two loan redemption programs: one providing $1,000 per year for up to four years to cybersecurity professionals employed in New Jersey, and another offering the same benefit to cybersecurity teachers in state schools, both requiring participants to have graduated from approved cybersecurity programs. These programs aim to support career pathways in cybersecurity while addressing workforce needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to track and publicly report natural disaster-related spending by state and local governments, including counties, municipalities, school districts, fire districts, and local authorities. DCA must categorize spending into four clear types: preparedness (planning and training), mitigation (reducing disaster risks), response (immediate actions after a disaster), and recovery (rebuilding communities), while showing funding sources and reimbursement details. The DCA will publish an annual plain-language summary of this data on the state website, making it easily accessible to the public. Local governments and school districts must include this information in their existing annual budget summaries, which will also be made publicly available online.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT), New Jersey Transit (NJT), and Department of Human Services (DHS) to study and improve transportation accessibility for people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. Specifically, it mandates DOT to review current infrastructure design practices for highways and transit projects, then adopt new standards to help these individuals travel more independently. The agencies must also study nationwide best practices for operating public transportation and mobility programs to make them more accessible. Finally, DOT must encourage local governments applying for state funding to adopt these improved accessibility standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that New Jersey's Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 explicitly covers elder abuse occurring in domestic settings. It directly affects elderly individuals living in non-institutionalized homes (not in care facilities) who experience abuse from family members or caregivers. The key change amends the Act's definition of "victim of domestic violence" to expressly include "elderly persons" who are not protected under separate elder care laws (P.L.1977, c.239). This ensures elderly victims in domestic situations receive the same legal protections as other domestic violence victims under existing statutes. The bill does not create new penalties but updates the law to close a gap in coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey law to remove the automatic disqualification from jury service for individuals with prior convictions of serious crimes (indictable offenses), except for convictions of murder or aggravated sexual assault. It allows people who have completed their sentences for other serious crimes to be considered for jury duty, provided they meet standard qualifications like U.S. citizenship and county residency. The bill does not affect those currently incarcerated for serious crimes, who remain disqualified. This update expands the pool of potential jurors by including more people with past criminal records, while maintaining specific exclusions for the most severe offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and distribute special blue envelopes for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes must hold driver's licenses, registration, and insurance documents, feature a distinct color recognizable to police, clearly identify the holder's diagnosis, and include communication guidance for law enforcement. It applies directly to autistic drivers, their parents, guardians, or caregivers who apply for the envelopes. The MVC must design these envelopes in consultation with autism advocacy groups, the Human Services Commissioner, and State Police. The bill draws from a 2020 Connecticut law and takes effect 12 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits towing companies in New Jersey from charging owners of stolen vehicles a fee to release their vehicles from storage facilities. Owners must provide a copy of the stolen vehicle police report to the towing company and are given 72 hours to retrieve the vehicle without any fee after being notified by law enforcement. If the vehicle isn't retrieved within 72 hours, towing companies may charge a storage fee for the extra days, but this fee must be paid directly by the vehicle's insurance company or, if uninsured, by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission - not the owner. The law aims to prevent financial barriers for stolen vehicle recovery while clarifying payment responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health (DOH) to apply for federal waivers to cover menstrual hygiene products (like tampons, pads, and cups) under NJ FamilyCare, SNAP (food stamps), and WIC programs. If the federal government denies the waiver, DHS must establish a state-funded benefit using $2 million from the General Fund, with eligibility determined through a household certification process for minors. The law mandates an educational campaign to inform program participants about the new benefit and applies to anyone enrolled in these specific public assistance programs who menstruates. The $2 million appropriation is contingent solely on federal denial of the waiver request.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates an exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. It would require these venues to become smoke-free, meaning no smoking would be permitted inside for employees, patrons, or visitors. The change directly affects casino operators, staff, and customers at all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities (such as those with slot machines, table games, or dedicated seating for betting). This policy shift extends the existing indoor smoking ban to these locations, removing a long-standing exemption.