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Bill

S 4055

Relates to aggravated harassment in the second degree

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mario Mattera and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a DCF business coaching program for licensed NJ child care centers with a $3M appropriation to boost enrollment, revenue, efficiency, and compliance; voluntary.

REFERRED TO CODES
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Bill Summary · S 4055

Summary of New Jersey Bill S 4055

Note: The title shown in the bill header mentions “Relates to aggravated harassment in the second degree,” but the introduced text describes a program for licensed child care providers. The summary below focuses on the introduced provisions related to a Department of Children and Families (DCF) business coaching program and its appropriation.

Overview

  • Bill Number: S 4055
  • Introduced: January 30, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Codes (also previously to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens)
  • Purpose (as introduced): Establish a business coaching program within the Department of Children and Families to provide technical assistance to licensed child care providers, with an appropriation of $3 million.

Purpose and Scope

  • Create a structured program to help licensed child care centers operate more efficiently and effectively.
  • Provide ongoing, accessible coaching and practical information to participating providers.

Key Provisions

Establishment and Purpose

  • Establishes a “business coaching program” in the DCF.
  • Objectives include improving efficiency and effectiveness of child care centers operated by licensed providers.
  • Coaching activities are designed to help providers increase enrollment and manage tuition rates, as well as understand regulatory and operational requirements.

Program Components for Providers

Participants may receive:
1. Virtual meetings with a business coach, once or twice a month, scheduled to fit the provider’s availability.
2. Coaching in English, Spanish, or other languages identified by the commissioner as the primary language for a significant number of participating providers.
3. Guidance on methods to increase enrollment and tuition revenues.
4. Information on rules and regulations concerning dispute resolution, reporting procedures, health care benefits, and health and safety conditions, plus other relevant topics deemed important by the Commissioner.

Eligibility and Participation

  • Eligibility criteria (to be determined by the Commissioner):
    • Must be a licensed child care provider operating a child care center in New Jersey.
    • Must maintain residency during program participation.
    • Must meet any additional criteria set by the Commissioner.
  • Application Process:
    • All applicants must apply on a form and in the manner prescribed by the Commissioner.
    • The Commissioner selects participants from among eligible applicants.
    • Participation is voluntary for licensed providers.

Administration and Implementation

  • The Commissioner of Children and Families will adopt rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the provisions of the act.

Funding

  • Appropriation: $3,000,000 from the General Fund to the DCF to effectuate the program.

Effective Date

  • Takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Impact and Beneficiaries

  • Primary Beneficiaries: Licensed child care providers operating centers in New Jersey.
  • Potential Benefits: Access to business coaching, multilingual support, guidance on enrollment and tuition strategies, and improved compliance and health/safety knowledge.
  • Potential Impact: Could influence center efficiency, enrollment growth, pricing strategies, and awareness of regulatory requirements.

Legislative History and Sponsors

  • Introduced in the Senate: January 30, 2025.
  • Committee referrals: Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens; later referred to Codes (January 31, 2025).
  • Principal Sponsor: Sen. Mario Mattera
  • Cosponsor: Sen. Anthony H. Palumbo

Notes

  • The bill explicitly states the participation is voluntary and that the program’s implementation would be guided by future rules promulgated by the Commissioner.
  • The appropriation is designated to fund the program, with an immediate effective date.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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