Accomplished in 2020/2021
Expands SHBP to Maritime Pilot and Docking Commission(S.4063 | P.L.2021, c.418) The bill will allow for the Maritime Commission to participate in the state health benefits plan as well as allow for them to receive payment from the PERS system.
Appropriates Additional Funding for the Legislative Services Commission (S.4315 | P.L.2021, c.499) The bill will provide funding for the Legislative Services Commission to carry out its work. The commission was created by law in 1979 to oversee the continuous revision of the general and permanent statute law of the State. The commission is also responsible for providing fiscal, legal, and research services through the work of the Office of Legislative Services.
Surcharge on Casino Occupants to further Protect Atlantic City (S.4311 | P.L.2021, c.497) This bill will create an additional surcharge on the casino operators in Atlantic City. The funds are to be appropriated to further strengthen the public safety and help enforce safety precautions as Atlantic City continues to recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Update in Control and Disruption of Hotel Services (S.4295 | P.L.2021, c.496) This bill will provide protection to hotel workers who, as “at-will” employees, are vulnerable to being fired or laid off for any or no reason. This is especially true during times of instability, such as currently being experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has particularly affected hotels as part of the service industry.
Allows Manual of the Legislature to be provided digitally in public spaces (S.4084 | P.L.2021, c.473.): With the information contained and readily accessible on the Internet through websites of the State of New Jersey, the United States government, and of counties and municipalities of the State, and the many other websites containing public information useful for the residents of the State, the need to expend State funds for the purchase of the manual is no longer a necessity to enable the residents of the State to understand the structure of their government and to access government officials.
21st Century Integrated Digital Experience ActS.2723 | P.L. 2021, c.392) To bring government services up to modern standards and find fiscal savings, Senator Sweeney authored legislation that would transition state government offices from paper services to streamlined digitized platforms.
Creates Special Education Unit within the Office of Administrative Law(S.2160 | P.L. 2021, c.390) In efforts to expedite court cases involving students with disabilities this bill created a special unit of judges with unique qualifications to help resolve these cases and help students receive the services that they need.
Requires State agencies and political subdivisions to make good faith effort to purchase five percent of goods and services from Central Nonprofit Agency (S.994 | P.L. 2021, c.385) In efforts to better assist the non-profit community in fulfilling their mission Senator Sweeney authored legislation that would have state institutions make use of the CNA’s multifaceted services to help stimulate charitable efforts around the state of New Jersey.
Codifies Same-Sex Marriage in the Statutes (S.3416 | P.L. 2021, c.343) Led by Senator Sweeney and Weinberg, New Jersey took steps to institute state statute protections for same sex couples and LGBTQ families. This legislation recognizes individual’s rights to spend their lives with their chosen partner regardless of sexual orientation. Ensuring that all in New Jersey would have this fundamental right.
Temporarily Modifies Taxes and Credits of Casino Licensees (S.3994 | P.L. 2021, c.314) Senator Sweeney spearheaded this legislation alongside Assemblyman Greenwald to continue to preserve and promote the growth of Atlantic City in the wake of the economic crisis brought on by the public health crisis. Through this legislation, tax credits would assist local businesses in rehiring former employees, bringing on new employees, and expanding tourist promotion efforts for the region.
Concerns Matters Related to Operations and Obligations of Casino Gaming Properties and Finances in Atlantic City (S.4007 | P.L. 2021, c.315) Senator Sweeney spearheaded this legislation alongside Assemblyman Greenwald to continue to preserve and promote the growth of Atlantic City in the wake of the economic crisis brought on by the public health crisis. Through this legislation tax credits would assist local businesses in rehiring former employees, bring on new employees, and expand tourist promotion efforts for the region.
Expands Scope of Inmate Reentry Assistance and Benefits (S.2953 | P.L. 2021, c.312.): To provide all citizens with an equal opportunity to reenter society and end the cycle of recidivism Senator Sweeney collaborated with Senator Cunningham to expand successful statewide reentry programs to extend down to county run facilities. Helping more individuals qualify for services such as healthcare.
Diversity and Inclusivity in Law Enforcement (S.2765 | P.L.2021, c.234.) In efforts to help bring greater diversity to the ranks of law enforcement, Senate President Sweeney along with Senators Rice and Ruiz worked to establish a law that will have the Civil Service Commission conduct an analysis of law enforcement agencies in New Jersey. The analysis will help to determine racial composition, salaries, geographic and socio-economic variances and the impact of residency requirements.
Police Mentoring (S.2766 | P.L.2021, c.235.) In efforts to improve equity within the recruitment process for law enforcement, Senate President Sweeney along with Senator Rice worked to establish a law that will have the Civil Service Commission establish and maintain a program to assist minority law enforcement candidates through the application and selection process. This will help to build that diversity in departments that so many municipalities need.
Appropriate $5 Million to the New Jersey Pediatric Cancer Fund (S.3724 | P.L.2021, c.212.): New Jersey has the nation’s third highest rate of pediatric cancer. Senate President Sweeney along with Senator Bucco led the effort to establish a law that provides funding for research that will help fight the growing amount of childhood cancer. The money will go towards pediatric cancer research projects with a focus on the causes, prevention, education, treatment, or cure of pediatric cancer and its symptoms.
Establishes School & Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program Fund (S.3995 | P.L.2021, c.200.): In efforts to help schools and small businesses in New Jersey upgrade their water and ventilation systems, Senator Sweeney along with Senator Singleton established the “School & Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program Fund” in the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). The fund will provide resources to ensure that heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are in good repair and working order. This new law will help to protect the health of students, educators, customers, and employees.
Establishes Regional Municipal Court Pilot Program (S.3049 | P.L.2021, c.191): Senator Sweeney sponsored this legislation to encourage local governments to enter into shared service agreements for municipal court services as a means of reducing the cost of government and improving access to the courts.
Changes Effective Date of Garden State Health Plan (S.3487 | P.L.2021, c.163): In efforts to provide educators with more opportunities to enroll in their newly designed healthcare plans, Senator Sweeney sponsored legislation that changes the effective enrollment date of the Garden State Health Plan from July 1, 2021, to January 1, 2022. This decision has provided educators and their local school boards with additional time to properly prepare for this important change.
Provides Project Grants Under “Securing Our Children’s Fund” for career and technical education expansion in county vocational school districts; appropriates $222,904,769 (S.3962 | P.L.2020, c.148.): In efforts to continue to provide our children with the educational tools to compete in a rapidly changing workforce, Senator Sweeney sponsored this legislation to provide New Jersey’s vo-tech schools with more funds to update and modernize their programming. Senator Sweeney’s goal is to help provide our future workforce with candidates who want to continue to work and live in this great state.
New Jersey Buy American Act (S853 | P.L. 2021, c.119): Senator Sweeney collaborated on this legislation to promote the purchase and sale of American-made goods and materials when State agencies enter into highway and bridge construction contracts. Through this legislation, Senator Sweeney helping to boost job creation and advance the use of domestically manufactured products while supporting the services of local industries.
Extended Special Education and Related Services for individuals who exceed the age of eligibility for Special Education (S.3434 | 2021, c.109): Senator Sweeney and Senator Addiego were instrumental in advocating for the extension of special education services for students with disabilities who lost time the classroom and with other services due to the COVID19 pandemic. This expansion will allow students who would have aged out of the program to continue with their education track and reinforce needed life skills before they graduate from high school.
Ensured Job Protections for State College and University Employees (S2932 | P.L. 2021, c.104): Senator Sweeney has led the charge in protecting the negotiated agreements between state colleges and universities and the public employee unions that represent countless workers that staff schools. Senator Sweeney has shown that he is committed to working with these employers to find a common ground that will allow the schools to reduce costs while still protecting the livelihoods of hard-working employees and their families.
Termination of the Public Health Emergency declared by the Governor in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic (S3866 | P.L. 2021, c.103) Senator Sweeney played a leading role in ending the public health emergency that had been in place in New Jersey since March of 2020. This legislation lifted most of the COVID-19 restrictions that residents and businesses had been living and working under, allowing them to resume their pre-pandemic daily activities.
Revised requirements for Election District Board Members and Polling Places for the June 2021 Primary and General Election (S3880 | P.L. 2021, c.102) Faced with a shortage of poll workers, Senator Sweeney led the way in raising the pay of 2021 Primary and General election poll workers to $400 dollars for the day, to attract more individuals to this important position. Ensuring our polls are properly staffed will allow residents to know that their ballots and elections are safe and secure.
Established a Task Force to Promote Employment by State Agencies of People with Disabilities (S1937 | P.L. 2021, c.84) Senator Sweeney helped spearhead the creation of a state task force dedicated to promoting the employment of adults with disabilities in the state of New Jersey. This will support efforts to close the employment gap that exists within the disability community and, with New Jersey as a model for good employment practices, spur more employers to hire adults with disabilities.
“Establishes Clayton Model Pilot Program in DOE to Provide School-Based Social and Emotional Learning for Students” (A.4264/S.2486 | P.L.2021, c.85.): In efforts to provide students with disabilities more in-school support, Senate President Sweeney worked to establish a law that will provide more in-person social and emotional learning support for students with disabilities. This legislation is modeled off of a program that was established in the Clayton School District and will be made available for children in grades Kindergarten through the fifth grade in certain public schools.
“New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act” (A.21/S.21 | P.L.2021, c.16.): As a result of voters approving the public referendum legalizing adult-use cannabis, Senate President Sweeney and Senator Scutari worked to establish a law that creates the organizational and regulatory system needed to oversee the operations of the cannabis industry in New Jersey. The cannabis law and operations are governed by a five-member Cannabis Regulatory Commission, which will adopt regulations to govern the industry. The commission includes three members appointed by the Governor and one each recommended by the Assembly Speaker and the Senate President.
Expanded Worker’s Compensation for ‘Essential Workers’ (S.2380 | P.L.2020, c.84.): The COVID-19 pandemic placed and continues to place many men and women on the front lines of our health care system in order to protect our health and safety and provide the vital services we all need during this crisis. Senate President Sweeney along with Senators Scutari, Singer and Greenstein, worked to establish a law that assures our frontline health care providers have the basic worker protections and that they can get workers’ compensation if they fall ill due to the coronavirus.
Bridge Year Pilot Program (S.2383 | P.L.2020, c.41.): Students are losing time crucial to their academic careers due to COVID-19 school closings. In an effort to address this loss of time, Senate President Sweeney along with Senators Sarlo, Ruiz and Oroho worked to establish a law that creates the opportunity for the Commissioner of Department of Education (DOE) to establish a three-year “Bridge Year Pilot Program” for students graduating high school in 2021-2022 who were impacted by New Jersey’s public health state of emergency.
Paratransit Quality Improvements (S.2517| P.L.2020, c.114.): Senate President Sweeney along with Senator Weinberg worked to establish a law that improves the quality of paratransit through various reforms. These reforms enable client-based service agencies to adopt best practices that cut travel times, reduce accident rates and lower costs. Ultimately, this helps to address inefficiencies and gaps in the ways that transportation services are provided for physically, intellectually and developmentally disabled riders.
Adjunct Professors UI Expansion (S.2852 | P.L.2020, c.122.): Many adjunct professors faced and continue to face uncertainty with the unknown length of school shutdowns and looming budget cuts. Senate President Sweeney along with Senator Cunningham led the effort to establish a law that enables adjunct professors to collect unemployment benefits during the pandemic-caused shutdown as well as ensure unemployment eligibility for college instructors during the summer months.
Healthcare Transparency (2.2465 | P.L.2020, c.133.): In order to better inform patients seeking and receiving medical care, Senate President Sweeney led the effort to establish a law, also known as the Health Care Transparency Act, which creates new identification requirements for health care professionals and sets new regulations for audio and visual advertisements.
COVID-19 – Family Leave and Disability Benefits (S.2304 | P.L.2020, c.17.): Senate President Sweeney along with Senator Scutari worked to establish a law that helps governments and schools continue serving people and supporting the many needs of families and employers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The law determines when an employee is eligible for earned sick leave, family temporary disability leave, temporary disability leave or family leave, as appropriate, if they are unable to work during a state of emergency because a physician or public health authority has determined they should quarantine to protect the health of others.
“Electronic Construction Procurement Act” (S.2085 | P.L.2020, c.59.): As part of an ongoing effort to streamline government and make it more efficient and cost-effective, Senate President Sweeney along with Senator Oroho worked to establish a law that creates an electronic procurement process for state public works construction projects. The process uses computer technology and the Internet for advertising and the submission of public bids to determine the lowest responsible bidder.
Extended Prevailing Wage Standards (S.972 | P.L.2020, c.65.): Senate President Sweeney along with Senator Madden worked to establish a law that requires stationary source contractors involved in high-risk chemical manufacturing and processing to pay the prevailing wage and to use apprentices or other skilled workers. Ultimately, the law helps to ensure that these projects are completed in a safe and timely manner.
Renaming Board of Freeholder (S.855 | P.L.2020, c.67.): In an effort to bring justice and equality to all, Senate President Sweeney along with Senators Pennacchio and Gopal worked to establish a law that requires county governments to replace the title of “freeholder” with “commissioner,” thereby erasing an outdated designation rooted in prejudicial attitudes and oppressive practices. The public job title of ‘freeholder’ perpetuates a legacy of bigotry that disenfranchised groups of Americans and denied them full rights and equal opportunities.
COVID-19 – State Hotel Operations (A.4131/S.2479 | P.L.2020, c.37.): In order to protect the health of workers and guests, Senate President Sweeney worked to establish a law that mandates the Department of Health (DOH) to establish safer protocols by which hotels should operate under COVID-19 restrictions.
Juneteenth Day (S.19 | P.L.2020, c.76.): Senate President Sweeney along with Senators Cunningham and Rice led the effort to establish a law that designates June 19 in each year as a state and public holiday. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas to inform enslaved people of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and of their freedom.
State Health Education Plan Reform (S.2273 | P.L.2020, c.44.): In coordination with the State’s teachers’ unions, Senate President Sweeney along with Senators Cryan, Greenstein, Gopal, O’Scanlon, Diegnan, and Brown created a new health benefits plan for teachers, which saves approximately $1 billion annually between teachers and taxpayers for the next seven years.
Paid Family Leave to Cover Public Health Emergencies (S.2374 | P.L.2020, c.23.): Senate President Sweeney along with Senator Greenstein led the effort to establish a law that ensures that Paid Family Leave supports workers in the event of a public health emergency. The new benefits allow workers to take time off work to recover from COVID-19 or to care for family members suffering from the disease. It also expands earned sick leave benefits to cover mandatory or recommended quarantines.
Furlough Protections for Workers (A.4132/S.2350 | P.L.2020, c.57.): Senate President Sweeney along with Senator Pou led the effort to establish a law that provides protections for furloughed workers during public health emergencies. The protections ensure access to unemployment benefits and the additional $600 supplemental support for the unemployed. The effort led to approximately $100 million in state payroll savings.
Online Affordable Housing Database (S.2527 | P.L.2020, c.51.): Due to the fragmentation of information consumption and the advent of housing search websites, an increasing number of residents are conducting their housing searches online. Senate President Sweeney spearheaded the effort to establish a law that requires the state to utilize the infrastructure for hosting the increased postings that already exists: New Jersey Housing Resource Center, an online affordable housing listing portal overseen by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. The Act requires the owner, developer, property manager, or other administrative entity to implement the affirmative marketing plan of a newly constructed development where affordable housing units will be leased or sold for the first time by posting a listing on the Housing Resource Center. All municipalities seeking substantive certification or a judgment of repose of their Housing Element and Fair Share Plan are required to adopt an affirmative marketing plan and to require conformance to that plan from any developer constructing affordable housing within the municipality.
