Asm. Antwan McClellan

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to reopen all state unemployment offices by March 1, 2022, and keep them open during public health emergencies. It mandates that DOLWD leadership (including the commissioner) face salary reductions (5% every two weeks for the first month, then 10% monthly) if offices remain closed past the deadline. The bill creates a "Unemployed Workers Compensation Fund" to collect these reduced salaries. It directly affects unemployed New Jersey residents needing access to unemployment services and DOLWD staff responsible for office operations. The measure expires once all offices are reopened.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's tax foreclosure process to protect property owners' equity. Currently, when a property owner loses a tax sale foreclosure case, they lose all equity built up in the property (e.g., from mortgage payments or appreciation). Under the bill, after a court approves the foreclosure, the sheriff must hold an internet auction of the property instead of transferring ownership to the tax lien holder. Auction proceeds first cover the tax lien holder's costs (property taxes, interest, and court fees), then any municipal liens, and any remaining funds are returned to the former owner.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A2396 requires the state's Secretary of Higher Education to create a career and education guide for college and university students with disabilities. The guide must detail campus resources (like disability career centers, internships, and accommodations), provide career planning advice (including how to discuss disabilities with employers and request workplace accommodations), and list national support organizations. It will be developed with input from the Labor Commissioner and university leaders, then made publicly available online. The bill directly affects students with disabilities seeking academic support and career opportunities in New Jersey's higher education system.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Military Family Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to military-connected individuals. It allows taxpayers to voluntarily contribute to the fund by designating a portion of their state income tax refund or making an additional payment on their tax return. The fund will provide grants up to $2,500 to cover essential expenses like food, housing, and medical costs for: (1) active-duty military members and their families, (2) New Jersey National Guard members and families, (3) veterans and their families, or (4) surviving spouses of military members or veterans. To qualify, applicants must be New Jersey residents who lived in the state for at least 12 consecutive months prior to applying and must provide proof of financial hardship, with a limit of one grant per 12-month period.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 28) urges the federal government to approve oil and natural gas pipelines within the U.S., including those previously denied or shut down (like the Keystone XL Pipeline, revoked by President Biden in 2021). It argues that approving such pipelines would enhance U.S. energy independence, reduce reliance on foreign energy sources (e.g., from Russia or Venezuela), and lower fuel costs while creating jobs. The resolution directs copies to federal leaders but does not create new law or directly affect residents. It focuses on advocating for pipeline approvals as a policy action, not on implementing specific regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement officers to temporarily detain underage individuals (under 18) who unlawfully purchase or possess alcohol or cannabis, and notify their parents or guardians. For first-time violations, officers must provide a written warning to the minor and notify parents; for second violations, officers must provide a written warning and notify parents; for third or subsequent violations, officers must notify parents and provide referrals to community services. The bill prohibits arrest for these violations (except for other violations), requires officers to seize alcohol or cannabis items for destruction or training use, and mandates confidential record keeping with destruction after two years or upon the minor's 21st birthday, whichever comes first. It aims to address underage alcohol and cannabis use through a graduated response system focused on parental involvement and community resources rather than punitive measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey county clerks to remove voters from mail-in ballot lists if the USPS returns election mail to the voter, the voter hasn't used mail-in ballots for two years, or the USPS indicates their address has changed or is undeliverable. Before removal, county clerks must notify voters in writing about the reason for potential removal and how to continue receiving mail-in ballots. Voters have 30 days to respond to the notice; if they don't, they're removed from the list and sent a notice with an application to re-apply. This affects voters who typically receive mail-in ballots but haven't used them or have changed addresses. The bill aims to maintain accurate voter lists while preserving voters' ability to continue receiving mail-in ballots.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 1% tax credit against New Jersey's corporation business tax for corporations that pay New Jersey small businesses for subcontracted work performed in the state. It directly affects corporations paying qualifying subcontractors, defined as New Jersey-based businesses with fewer than 50 employees that are not affiliates of the paying corporation. The credit equals 1% of the amount paid to these small businesses for work subcontracted to fulfill the corporation's own contracted duties. The credit is limited to 50% of the corporation's tax liability and cannot reduce the tax below the statutory minimum.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits medical students, residents, and trainees from performing certain examinations on female patients who are anesthetized or unconscious without the patient's informed consent. It requires a supervising health care practitioner to first obtain the patient's consent or confirm the exam is medically necessary. Female patients must be allowed to choose whether to undergo such examinations before or after anesthesia if the exam relates to their procedure or is deemed necessary beforehand. The law applies to all clinical settings where these examinations occur and takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1106) would allow New Jersey taxpayers to deduct expenses for functional improvements and repairs made to their primary residence from their gross income tax. It defines "functional improvements" as work that materially improves a home's operating condition or extends its useful life (e.g., roof replacement, HVAC upgrades), excluding cosmetic remodels or adaptations for new uses. Repairs must maintain the home's ordinary efficiency (e.g., fixing plumbing), not just aesthetics. The deduction applies to both homeowners and renters, covers all qualifying expenses without a dollar limit, and allows married couples filing separately to each claim half the deduction for shared home costs.