Asm. Greg McGuckin

Maddy summaryACR 82 proposes amending New Jersey's constitution to require a four-fifths majority vote (32 Senate votes and 64 Assembly votes) in both legislative chambers to submit a constitutional amendment to voters during a "lame duck" session. This session occurs between the general election for Assembly members and the start of the new Legislature (typically November to January). Currently, amendments need only a three-fifths majority (24/48 votes) or simple majority (21/41 votes) in consecutive years for submission. The bill would specifically raise the vote threshold for amendments proposed during this specific pre-election period, without changing requirements for other sessions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey electric utilities to reimburse residential customers for spoiled food and compromised prescription medicine caused by sustained power outages lasting over 48 hours after major events (like storms). Customers can receive up to $500 for spoiled food (with proof like receipts) or up to $1,000 for compromised medicine (with pharmacy documentation). Utilities must create an online reimbursement system within 90 days, processing claims within 30 days of submission. The bill directly affects residential electricity customers experiencing extended outages and applies to all electric utilities in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow minors aged 14-15 to work until 11 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. during summer months, specifically from Memorial Day through October 1 each year, in certain retail or food service jobs (like restaurants or supermarkets) with written parental permission. It directly affects young workers in these seasonal positions who currently have a 9 p.m. curfew during the same period. The change only extends evening hours; it does not alter total weekly work limits, prohibited occupations, or break requirements for minors. Parental permission remains required, and the bill preserves existing restrictions on work for minors under 16 during school sessions.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the process for denying firearm permits in New Jersey. It requires the chief of police or State Police superintendent to prove an applicant meets one of the disqualification reasons (like a criminal conviction or domestic violence offense) if their permit to purchase a handgun or firearms purchaser ID card is denied. Previously, applicants may have had to prove they didn't qualify for denial. The bill does not change the list of disqualifying conditions but shifts the burden of proof to the issuing authority. This directly affects individuals whose applications are rejected for firearm permits or ID cards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1625) prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from creating scholarship funds or student aid programs exclusively for students who are citizens or permanent residents of countries or territories controlled by terrorist organizations designated by the U.S. Secretary of State. It directly affects higher education institutions in New Jersey, requiring them to ensure all scholarship programs are available regardless of a student's nationality tied to such designations. Violations would cut off state funding, including operating aid, state bond proceeds, and student assistance program funds administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. The law takes effect immediately and does not apply to scholarships open to all students without nationality restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide a property tax rebate to disabled veterans who own or rent their primary residence in New Jersey. It directly affects disabled veterans, including those experiencing financial hardship due to high property taxes and rental costs, as highlighted by the bill's findings (73% of NJ veterans have disabilities, with 518 homeless veterans in the state). The rebate is intended to help prevent homelessness and reduce financial burdens for this group. The bill defines key terms like "homestead" and "disabled veterans" but does not specify the rebate amount or exact eligibility calculations in the provided text. It is currently pending before the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryBill A-663 provides a New Jersey gross income tax credit of up to $1,000 per year for taxpayers who pay more than $1,000 in E-ZPass tolls on state toll roads during a taxable year. It directly affects commuters who use electronic toll collection (E-ZPass) and incur significant toll expenses, excluding fines, administrative fees, or tolls reimbursed by employers. The credit is calculated by subtracting the $1,000 threshold from total eligible tolls paid, with any unused credit refunded as an overpayment. The bill applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2020, and explicitly excludes tolls already deductible for federal tax purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding resolution (AR 17) introduced by the New Jersey Assembly. It urges Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform and the President to enforce existing immigration laws, citing a 2023 record of 3.2 million border encounters with undocumented individuals and an estimated 16.8 million undocumented immigrants nationwide. The resolution specifically notes New Jersey's estimated 755,000 undocumented residents and states that illegal immigration threatens the nation's foundation. As a symbolic request, it has no legal effect and will be sent to federal officials for their consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to offer in-person customer service at all agency locations for at least three full days each week. It mandates that all walk-in customers be served on a first-come, first-served basis for every service type. The law directly affects New Jersey residents who rely on MVC offices for driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and other motor vehicle services. If enacted, it would change current MVC scheduling practices to guarantee regular in-person access, though the bill is currently pending before the Assembly Transportation Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that residents of private communities and their authorized guests do not need a fishing license to fish in their community's manmade, self-contained lake. The lake must be owned by the community, under exclusive resident control, and maintained at their sole expense. It specifically defines "private community lake" to ensure the exemption applies only to these designated water bodies, not public or other private waters. The change prevents confusion with current law, which already exempts private waters but was not consistently applied by enforcement.