Asm. Erik Simonsen

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a $100,000 cap on sales and use tax exemptions for businesses in New Jersey's Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) program. It removes the limit on tax exemptions for materials, supplies, and services used for major renovations, new construction, or substantial improvements to business properties. The change applies retroactively to January 1, 2022, meaning businesses participating in the UEZ program can now claim full tax exemptions for eligible capital improvements without the previous dollar cap.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Community Affairs to compile and annually update a public list of all unfunded State and federal mandates imposed on municipalities and counties, including a good-faith cost estimate for each mandate. The Commissioner must post the list and its annual updates on the Department of Community Affairs website by July 1 of each year. This creates a transparent record of financial obligations local governments must cover without full State or federal funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the tax on cigars in New Jersey to a maximum of $0.50 per cigar, replacing the current 30% tax on wholesale price. It directly affects cigar retailers and consumers by capping the tax rate, which previously could exceed $0.50 for higher-priced cigars. The key mechanism is amending the tobacco tax law to set this flat maximum, clarifying that cigar tax cannot exceed 50 cents regardless of wholesale cost. This change aims to level the playing field for New Jersey brick-and-mortar cigar shops competing with out-of-state online sellers that don’t collect state tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires veterinary technicians in New Jersey to obtain a state license before practicing. To qualify, applicants must pass a national exam, be at least 18 years old, and graduate from an AVMA-accredited program. Licensed technicians must work under the responsible supervision of a licensed veterinarian and can only perform tasks they've been trained for, as defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association's essential task list. The law applies directly to individuals seeking to work as veterinary technicians and veterinary facilities employing them.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A2399 creates a 15-member "Task Force on Supportive Technology for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities" to study how assistive technology can improve daily life for this population. The task force will examine policy opportunities, identify barriers to technology use, and assess needs in employment, education, and daily living - focusing on expanding access and integration into existing programs. It must submit recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months of its first meeting. The bill directly affects individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers by directing state resources to explore practical solutions, though it does not enact new funding or mandates itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled "Murphy's Law," creates a specific rule for New Jersey's emergency powers. It states that if the Governor violates their own emergency order, rule, or regulation (adopted under the state's Emergency Management Act), that specific order, rule, or regulation becomes void and unenforceable. It also establishes an affirmative defense for people prosecuted for violating such an emergency order: if the Governor committed the same violation, the defendant cannot be convicted for that specific breach. The law applies to violations classified as disorderly persons offenses (punishable by up to 6 months in jail or a $1,000 fine) and takes effect immediately for all pending and future prosecutions.

Maddy summaryAJR 29 designates neon yellow (Pantone 395) as New Jersey's official color to raise awareness of veteran suicide, referencing the statistic that 22 veterans die by suicide each day. The resolution takes immediate effect and aims to draw attention to existing mental health support programs for veterans, aligning with similar efforts in other states like Pennsylvania's "Vet 22" initiative. It does not create new programs or funding but serves as a symbolic state-level acknowledgment of veteran mental health challenges.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a bill) from the New Jersey Assembly, memorializing the U.S. President and Congress to take action on immigration reform. It requests Congress to pass legislation securing borders, expediting removal of undocumented people, increasing penalties for smuggling and crimes by undocumented individuals, and permitting military support for border security. The resolution also urges the President to enforce existing immigration laws and warns Mexico about policies encouraging migration. It will be sent to federal officials and Mexico's ambassador, but does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2404) would amend New Jersey law to allow fishing vessels licensed to catch menhaden for bait or human food to use specific "wet pumps" (capsule or centrifugal design) for removing menhaden from purse seine nets. The pumps must have their discharge hose positioned at or below the vessel's water line to minimize excess aeration of surface waters. Currently, the law only permitted removal by brailing or dip net and prohibited having a pump on board unless it was covered and secured. This change directly affects commercial fishing vessels operating in New Jersey waters under menhaden fishing licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3052) requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide all vehicle and licensing services at a location in every county. Specifically, it mandates that each county must have either a separate vehicle agency (handling registration and plates) or a single agency offering both vehicle services (registration, ownership certificates) and licensing services (driver's licenses, ID cards). The bill directly affects all New Jersey residents who need MVC services, eliminating the current system where some counties lack full-service MVC offices. It takes effect three months after enactment.