Asm. Erik Simonsen

Maddy summaryBill A 2338 required public transportation employees, motorbus operators, hotel/motel staff, healthcare facility workers, and judicial personnel to complete one-time training on recognizing human trafficking signs and responding appropriately. The training, mandated as a condition for license renewals or employment, must include specific content about victim signals observed in public spaces and be reviewed biennially. It applied directly to licensed entities like hotels, healthcare facilities, and transit operators, with enforcement handled by the Department of Community Affairs and Department of Health. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, after being approved as P.L.2025, c.343.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's official definition of anti-Semitism by adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) 2016 standard, which includes specific examples of anti-Semitic conduct. It requires state agencies, schools, and institutions to use this definition when reviewing, investigating, or deciding on violations of anti-discrimination policies or laws. The bill clarifies that criticism of Israel similar to criticism of other nations does not constitute anti-Semitism under this definition. It explicitly states that the definition will not override First Amendment protections or existing state/federal anti-discrimination laws. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryACR 35 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds majority vote in both the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly to pass any bill or joint resolution that creates or increases state taxes, fees, surcharges, or civil penalties. Currently, such tax-related measures only need a simple majority vote to pass. If approved by voters, this change would require a supermajority for all tax-related legislation, replacing the current simple majority standard. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the next general election following legislative approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special committee to investigate New Jersey's three veterans' memorial homes (Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland) and their operations. The committee will examine how state policies, laws, and federal regulations since March 2020 affected residents, families, and staff, focusing on changes made after federal inspections. It has broad investigative powers, including subpoena authority, holding hearings, and issuing public reports with recommendations. The 7-member committee, appointed with bipartisan balance by the Speaker, will report findings to the Legislature and the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and distribute special blue envelopes for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes must be easily recognizable to law enforcement, hold a driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance card, and include written information identifying the holder's diagnosis plus communication guidance for officers. To obtain an envelope, individuals or their caregivers must provide specified documentation. The bill mandates MVC to develop this system in consultation with human services, state police, and autism advocacy groups, with implementation beginning 12 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1850) sets a flat 5.9% tax rate on New Jersey gross income above $37,500 for single filers or $75,000 for married couples filing jointly, while exempting all income below those thresholds from taxation. It directly affects New Jersey residents whose taxable income exceeds these filing-status-specific limits. The key provision replaces previous tiered tax brackets with a single flat rate for income above the exemption thresholds. This change simplifies the tax structure for higher earners while maintaining tax exemption for lower-income taxpayers. The bill was introduced in 2026 and referred to the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1443, "The New Jersey YouthBuild Act") creates a state grant program administered by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to fund YouthBuild programs for economically disadvantaged youth, particularly those who have not completed high school. It directly affects eligible youth (ages 16-24) and community organizations that can apply for grants to run these programs. Key provisions require funded programs to provide balanced services: 50% classroom education (including high school diploma preparation) and 50% construction/vocational training in housing rehabilitation for low-income communities, plus counseling, leadership development, and a stipend for participants. The program aims to promote economic self-sufficiency through job skills, education, and community-focused housing projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the sales tax on used motor vehicles by 50 percent. It applies to secondhand passenger cars, motorcycles, motor homes, and off-road vehicles sold in New Jersey, including private sales and dealer transactions. Buyers will pay half the standard sales tax rate on these vehicles, lowering their purchase cost. The bill takes effect two months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of members in New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It directly affects current and future retirees who are members of this system, restoring annual benefit increases tied to inflation. The key provision amends existing law to allow the retirement system's board of trustees to reinstate these automatic COLAs without requiring additional contributions from members, provided actuarial certification confirms the change won't harm the fund's long-term stability. The bill does not create new benefits but returns a previously reduced feature of the retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey county Surrogates to create electronic systems for accepting digital signatures on specific probate documents, such as applications for probate, executor qualifications, and asset affidavits. It explicitly excludes wills from coverage and defines "qualifying documents" as common forms used in probate proceedings. The Supreme Court and Court Administrative Director can issue implementing rules, and the law takes effect immediately. This change directly affects individuals and legal professionals handling probate cases by enabling digital submissions for designated forms.