Asm. Will Sampson

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4848) requires doctors and nurses to screen pregnant patients for lead exposure if they identify risk factors - such as living in older housing - based on CDC and medical guidelines. It mandates one lead screening per pregnancy for at-risk patients, with providers notifying patients of elevated lead levels and ensuring children under six in the household are screened. Patients can refuse testing in writing, and labs must report results to health departments within five business days. The law applies to all pregnant individuals in New Jersey receiving care from covered healthcare providers, aiming to prevent lead poisoning during pregnancy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to set a standard minimum of 180 days for tenants using federal housing choice voucher program (Section 8) assistance to find new housing when they must vacate due to a landlord selling the property. Currently, tenants have only 60 days to relocate, with extensions granted at the agency's discretion. The new standard applies to all public housing agencies in the state administering the federal program, ensuring consistent time for relocation. The department may also grant additional extensions as needed for affected households.

Maddy summaryThis bill would enter New Jersey into the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, creating a multistate licensing system for cosmetologists. Under the compact, cosmetologists licensed in New Jersey would be able to practice in other participating states without needing separate licenses, provided they meet uniform requirements. The compact establishes a Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission to manage the system, share disciplinary information between states, and ensure public safety standards are maintained. This would reduce barriers for cosmetologists seeking work across state lines while maintaining regulatory oversight. The system requires member states to share information about licensees and disciplinary actions to protect public health and safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish an Alzheimer's disease public awareness and education program. The program must develop public campaigns about symptoms, early detection, and safety; create accessible educational materials for health providers; and train emergency responders, judicial staff, and social services personnel. DHS must consult with the Alzheimer's Association and make materials available online in English and Spanish. The initiative is subject to available funding and aims to improve community understanding and response to Alzheimer's disease.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires restaurants in New Jersey to clearly disclose any mandatory gratuity charge to customers through multiple prominent methods: on menus, at the restaurant entrance, on the customer's bill, and on the restaurant's website (if applicable). It directly affects restaurants that impose mandatory service charges, making failure to disclose a violation of the Consumer Fraud Act. Violations carry penalties of up to $10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for repeat offenses, plus potential cease-and-desist orders, punitive damages, and triple damages for affected patrons. The law takes effect three months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5907) prohibits New Jersey law enforcement agencies and users of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) from sharing ALPR data with out-of-state agencies for investigations targeting legal reproductive health services in New Jersey. It specifically bans sharing such data to pursue civil or criminal liability related to services like pregnancy care, contraception, or abortion that are lawful in New Jersey. The bill requires out-of-state agencies to provide written confirmation they won’t use the data for these investigations before sharing is permitted. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a first offense or $5,000 for repeat offenses.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health insurance plans and Medicaid programs to cover prescription drugs for specific serious mental illnesses without prior authorization or step therapy protocols. It defines "serious mental illness" to include conditions like bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and other disorders listed in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The legislation applies to all health insurance carriers in New Jersey, mandating coverage for these medications without utilization management barriers that often delay treatment. This would directly affect individuals with these mental health conditions who currently face insurance hurdles to accessing necessary medications.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's film and digital media tax credit program to require that all original music and musical scores developed for qualifying productions must be produced and recorded domestically within the United States. The requirement directly affects film and digital media companies seeking tax credits under the program, making domestic music production a necessary condition for eligibility. The tax credit program allows eligible producers to claim credits of 30-40% of qualified production expenses, with additional requirements related to New Jersey-based work. This policy change updates the program to ensure that music content for eligible productions is created within the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1067) requires the state's Department of Human Services to conduct a landscape analysis of mental health services accessible to deaf and hard of hearing residents. It mandates that mental health services be provided in a client's primary communication method (like sign language or speech), delivered by professionals certified in that method and trained in culturally appropriate care for the deaf community. The bill also requires the creation of a resource guide listing providers meeting these standards and defines key terms like "culturally affirmative mental health services." It directly affects deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking mental health care across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey municipalities to submit quarterly data on affordable housing and senior citizen housing units to the Department of Community Affairs. The information includes building addresses, management contacts, application status, and online application links. This data will be published on state government websites (Community Affairs, Housing Finance Agency, and Housing Resource Center) and linked from municipal websites. The bill directly affects local governments by mandating data reporting and aims to make housing availability information more accessible to the public. It does not change housing eligibility or funding but creates a centralized public resource.