Asm. Erik Simonsen

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for identity theft when the victim is a senior citizen (62+) or veteran. It elevates the offense level: a first offense against these vulnerable groups becomes a third-degree crime (previously fourth-degree), and repeat offenses become second-degree crimes (previously third-degree). The bill also raises penalties for cases involving multiple victims when at least one victim is a senior or veteran. These changes apply to all identity theft offenses under New Jersey law that cause financial harm or fraud.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a 2% annual limit on property tax increases for certain county offices. It specifically affects county clerks, surrogates, prosecutors, and sheriffs (referred to as "county constitutional officers" in the bill), allowing their budget requests for property tax portions to exceed the previous year's amount without the 2% cap. Currently, these offices must keep property tax increases for their budgets below 2% annually, but this bill eliminates that restriction. The change applies immediately to the next county budget cycle following enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1204) requires New Jersey building inspectors to complete construction inspections within three business days of a property owner's written request. It directly affects property owners, contractors, and building inspectors by mandating a specific 3-day timeline for inspections and restricting inspections to 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on business days unless an immediate safety hazard exists. Key provisions include requiring inspectors to notify owners in writing if they cannot meet the 3-day window and allowing owners to hire authorized private inspectors if delays persist. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into an existing law (P.L.2025, c.173).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new disorderly persons offense for individuals who wear masks or disguises with the purpose of instilling fear, hindering prosecution, or avoiding arrest while committing another crime under New Jersey law. It specifically exempts people wearing masks for medical, religious, or expressive reasons (like cultural practices or health protection). To be charged under this law, a person must already face charges for the underlying crime and must have worn the mask/disguise during its commission. Violations carry penalties of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both, and the offense cannot be merged with other criminal charges for sentencing.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 575) raises the threshold for a 1% fee on commercial real property transfers from $1 million to $2 million. It directly affects purchasers of commercial properties (Class 4A) or controlling interests in entities holding commercial real property valued above $2 million. The key change is increasing the trigger amount for the fee, which is now calculated as 1% of the transfer value exceeding $2 million. The fee must be paid by the purchaser and collected by county recording officers at the time of deed recording. This adjustment applies to transfers recorded after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1438) changes New Jersey fishing rules for menhaden, a type of fish used for bait and human food. It allows commercial fishing vessels to use wet fish pumps (specifically capsule or centrifugal design) to remove menhaden from purse seines, provided the pump discharge hose is placed at or below the waterline to minimize excess aeration. This replaces the previous rule that banned fish pumps on licensed vessels unless fully covered and secured. The change directly affects licensed menhaden fishing vessels operating in New Jersey waters.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's tuition policy to ensure veterans and eligible family members (spouses or children) who qualify for federal education benefits continue to pay in-state tuition rates during public health emergencies requiring remote learning. It applies when veterans or covered individuals live outside New Jersey temporarily while attending public colleges in New Jersey through remote instruction. The policy change extends the existing NJTEAM Act, which already provides in-state tuition to qualifying veterans residing in New Jersey, to cover temporary out-of-state stays during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. This directly affects veterans and their families using federal education benefits who face forced relocation due to health-related campus closures.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Megan's Law to require individuals convicted of sex offenses in foreign countries (or fleeing charges there) to register with local police, similar to domestic offenders. It specifically mandates law enforcement to ask sex offenders about their immigration status and cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The law applies to anyone who is enrolled in an NJ school, employed in the state for specified periods, or resides in New Jersey after a foreign conviction. Registration requirements include submitting forms to local police within 10 days of moving to NJ or 120 days after the law's effective date, with penalties for non-compliance. The bill does not change the definition of "sex offense" but extends existing registration obligations to cover foreign convictions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges New Jersey's state and federal agencies to pause sonar testing and wind turbine mapping near offshore wind projects. It cites NOAA data showing 12 whale deaths (including 8 humpbacks) and 5 dolphin deaths in February 2023 off New Jersey's coast - deaths occurring near active wind development sites. The resolution requests an immediate moratorium to allow scientific study of whether these activities interfere with marine mammals' navigation and communication. It specifically targets the Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The resolution does not create new law but calls for a pause while investigations continue.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students attending nonpublic schools to join their district's high school sports teams if their nonpublic school doesn't offer that specific sport. It requires these students to provide proof of district residency, meet the same eligibility standards as public school students (including academics, physicals, and fees), and follow team behavior rules. School districts may charge nonpublic students a fee up to the actual per-pupil cost of the sport, but not for students qualifying for financial hardship under state meal programs. Districts are not required to change schedules, provide transportation, or alter team requirements to accommodate these students.