Maddy summary# Summary of New Jersey Unemployment Insurance Law Amendments (P.L. 2022, c.120) This bill amends New Jersey's Unemployment Compensation Law (R.S. 43:21-1 et seq.) with several significant changes to benefit eligibility, calculation, and administration: 1. **Expanded Dependent Coverage**: Adds disabled, unmarried adult children of UI claimants (whose disability began before age 22) to the dependents counted for benefit calculation. 2. **Student Eligibility**: Removes the requirement that students in full-time education must have earned sufficient wages while enrolled to be eligible for UI benefits. Students can now receive benefits as long as they remain available for work. 3. **Training Program Eligibility**: Shifts the provision allowing UI benefits for participants in department-approved training programs from an exception to a standard eligibility condition. 4. **Electronic Notifications**: Allows claimants to request electronic notifications of initial benefit determinations. 5. **Overpayment Repayment Rules**: - Replaces the previous rule that claimants didn't have to repay overpayments due to their non-fraudulent errors with a new system - Requires full waiver of repayment if overpayment was due to department or employer error (even without a claimant request) - Provides full waivers for claimants who have died, become disabled, or if recovery would be contrary to equity and good conscience 6. **Average Weekly Wage Calculation**: Changes the calculation to be based on wages from all base year employers (not just the most recent employer), with a maximum of 52 base weeks. 7. **Extended Benefits**: Removes the requirement that claimants must earn four times their weekly benefit rate before being eligible for extended benefits after a disqualification for misconduct or failure to apply for suitable work. 8. **Employer Charges**: Removes the requirement that overpayments paid before appeal resolution be charged to the employer's UI tax account. 9. **Electronic Access**: Requires the Department of Labor to develop a mechanism for claimants to have electronic access to their benefit payment status and history. The bill specifies that sections 4 and 6 (which contain many of these changes) will be effective retroactively to July 31, 2023, effectively nullifying the previous law that went into effect on that date.
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Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 98) commemorates two milestones: the 45th anniversary of the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act (enacted April 10, 1979) and the 35th anniversary of New Jersey’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan. It formally recognizes the longstanding economic and diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Taiwan, including $127.5 billion in bilateral trade in 2023, and highlights New Jersey’s $723 million in exports to Taiwan and 200 Taiwanese companies investing in the state. The resolution directs the Senate to send copies to the American Institute in Taiwan and Taiwan’s New York representative office, expressing support for continued economic and educational collaboration. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or alter policy.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a statewide policy governing student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on school buses, or at school events. The policy must include age-appropriate rules, allow exceptions for emergencies or medical needs (with parental documentation), cover all devices like smartwatches, and provide storage options such as lockers. School districts must adopt policies consistent with this state guideline by the next full school year, though the commissioner may grant exemptions upon request. The policy aims to balance student well-being with learning, while ensuring compliance with federal special education laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits distributing deceptive audio or visual media (commonly called "deepfakes") that falsely depict a candidate's speech or actions within 90 days of an election, with intent to deceive voters. It criminalizes such distribution as a disorderly person offense punishable by up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. The law requires clear disclosures (e.g., "This contains manipulated images") to avoid penalties, and exempts news organizations reporting newsworthy facts if they label the media as non-authentic. Voters and affected candidates can seek court injunctions or damages for violations. The bill does not apply to media outlets routinely publishing news with proper disclosures.
Maddy summaryS 3817 delays New Jersey's implementation of Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2027. The bill affects vehicle manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses, requiring them to gradually increase zero-emission vehicle sales (capping at 40-75% by 2035). It directly modifies the current timeline by prohibiting the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from enforcing these rules before 2027. This is a procedural change to the existing 2021 DEP adoption of California's ACT regulations, not a modification of the regulations themselves.
Maddy summaryS 3832 requires retailers to provide a raincheck for 60 days if an item advertised via a digital coupon (like a mobile app or website discount) is unavailable at the time of purchase. This applies to consumers who see a digital coupon promotion but find the item out of stock. Retailers must allow customers to redeem the same discount or price at a later date, matching the original coupon terms. Violations are treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, potentially resulting in fines up to $20,000 per offense.
Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's process for health insurance carriers to credential physicians seeking to join their provider networks. It requires carriers to notify applicants within 30 days if an application is incomplete (or deem it complete if no notice is given), post universal application forms and process details online, and reimburse physicians for services delivered during the credentialing wait period if approved. Physicians changing employers within the state cannot be forced to resubmit applications solely due to the job change. The Department of Banking and Insurance gains authority to enforce these rules and investigate complaints about credentialing violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades burglary of a residence (such as a home or dwelling) from a third-degree to a second-degree crime in New Jersey, increasing potential penalties to 5-10 years in prison. If the burglary occurs while the perpetrator is armed with a weapon or explosives, or is connected to another serious crime, it becomes a first-degree crime with a potential 10-20 year sentence. The bill also requires that offenders convicted of these upgraded residential burglaries serve at least 85% of their sentence without parole, as mandated by New Jersey's No Early Release Act. This change directly affects individuals convicted of residential burglary, making penalties more severe for crimes targeting homes.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases fines for drivers who fail to secure children in appropriate car seats or booster seats. First offenses now carry a $100 fine (up from $50-$75), while second or subsequent offenses range from $250 to $500. Drivers with a first offense may avoid the fine if they prove they possess a child restraint system. It also creates a new fund using $25 from each fine to purchase car seats for distribution through community programs, managed by the State Highway Traffic Safety Division. The bill directly affects drivers transporting young children and benefits families lacking access to proper restraints.
Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Works Act allows businesses to receive tax credits for funding pre-employment training programs developed in partnership with schools, nonprofits, or educational institutions. These programs must provide at least 12 weeks of paid training at minimum wage, covering skills like math, communication, job readiness, and critical thinking, and must target low- and moderate-income individuals. Businesses can claim tax credits equal to 100% of their financial assistance, with a maximum of $12 million in tax credits available statewide each fiscal year. Approved programs must be reviewed and approved by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and must offer participants employment with the funding business upon completion. The bill requires participating institutions to report on program outcomes, including completion rates and employment data for participants.