Asm. Erik Simonsen

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts the sale of used passenger cars, motorcycles, motor homes, and off-road vehicles from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It applies to all retail transactions - whether sold privately, casually, or by dealers - where the vehicle has been previously owned and transferred from its original owner. The exemption removes the tax obligation for both in-state sales and out-of-state purchases of these secondhand vehicles. The policy change directly affects buyers and sellers of used motor vehicles across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill would change New Jersey's income tax system to a flat tax rate of 5.9% for taxable income over specific thresholds. For single filers, married individuals filing separately, and estates/trusts, the tax would apply to income over $37,500. For married couples filing jointly, heads of household, and surviving spouses, the tax would apply to income over $75,000. Taxpayers with income below these thresholds would not owe any income tax under this bill. This would replace New Jersey's current progressive tax system, which has rates ranging from 1.4% to 10.75% across multiple income brackets.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to use settlement funds from 3M Company to purchase equipment for cleaning up PFAS contamination. It establishes a dedicated "PFAS Settlement Remediation Fund" to cover both direct state purchases of filtration systems and reimbursements to local governments (counties/municipalities) that buy such equipment to remove PFAS from drinking water or other contamination sites. Local governments must submit receipts for reimbursement, and the DEP must report annually on fund expenditures. The bill ensures settlement money is exclusively used for PFAS cleanup equipment, not other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises how New Jersey allocates state funds for public highway projects to municipalities and counties. It changes the formula to consider weighted county population (average population over the previous year), road mileage, evacuation route mileage, and road mileage in 100-year flood plains. The new formula aims to more accurately reflect unique challenges faced by different municipalities and counties, such as flood risks and evacuation needs. The bill also establishes specific funds for infrastructure, freight impacts, and bridge repairs, each with set percentages of the total highway funding appropriation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school districts and charter schools to verify the work authorization of teaching staff and school employees using the federal E-Verify system. Starting with hires for the next full school year after enactment, schools must check eligibility at hiring and annually thereafter. It directs the state education commissioner to provide guidance on the requirement and federal E-Verify rules to school boards. The bill explicitly allows schools to hire noncitizen teachers with valid limited certificates under existing state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the sales tax rate by 50% on used passenger cars, motorcycles, motor homes, and off-road vehicles sold in New Jersey. It applies to all types of sales - including private transactions, casual sales, and dealer sales - where the vehicle has been previously owned (i.e., transferred from the original buyer). The tax cut lowers the effective rate to 3.3125% (based on current rates), directly affecting buyers of secondhand vehicles. The change takes effect two months after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A6023) requires owners of venues hosting large public gatherings (1,000+ capacity, like stadiums, theaters, and arenas) and youth sports organizations (e.g., Little Leagues) to maintain an automatic external defibrillator (AED) on-site at events. It mandates that AEDs be accessible 24/7, properly maintained, and staff trained in their use, with specific protocols for cardiac emergencies. Venues must display clear signage, notify emergency services, and ensure certified personnel are present during events. Non-compliance carries civil penalties ($250-$1,000 per violation), while proper AED use provides legal immunity for venues and staff. The bill excludes church halls and similar religious spaces from coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the threshold for two real estate transfer fees from $1 million to $2 million. It applies to the sale of residential, commercial, farm properties (with residential use), and cooperative units when the sale price exceeds $2 million, and to controlling interest transfers in commercial property entities when the value exceeds $2 million. Both fees remain at 1% of the sale price or value. As a result, transactions valued between $1 million and $2 million will no longer be subject to these fees and taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4603) allows commercial farmers in New Jersey to recover reasonable legal costs and attorney fees when defending against complaints they win under the "Right to Farm Act." It directly affects farmers who successfully prove a complaint was filed in bad faith and that their farming activity met the Act's legal standards. Key provisions require farmers to apply to their county agriculture board or the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC), which must then determine if the complaint was filed in bad faith (by a preponderance of evidence) and if the costs/fees are reasonable before ordering the complainant to pay. The change provides a specific remedy for farmers facing frivolous legal challenges, strengthening existing protections under the Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend New Jersey's Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) rules to include pay for extracurricular activities in teachers' pension calculations. Currently, additional compensation for duties like coaching sports teams, directing school plays, or supervising clubs is not counted toward pension benefits. The bill changes the definition of "compensation" to include remuneration for extracurricular activities beyond the regular school day or year. This change would affect teachers who receive extra pay for these activities, potentially increasing their future pension benefits. The bill applies to all teachers whose extracurricular duties qualify under the new definition.