Asm. Greg McGuckin

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (ACR 143) urges Congress to pass the "Presidential Security Resources Reimbursement Act of 2024" (H.R.9332). It seeks to create a federal reimbursement program for state and local governments covering public safety costs during visits by major presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The resolution explains that current security coordination with the Secret Service places undue financial burdens on New Jersey municipalities, as they currently fund personnel, equipment, and facilities without federal reimbursement. The proposed federal bill would authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to reimburse states and localities for these expenses during candidate events. The resolution emphasizes this would improve coordination with the Secret Service while easing financial strain on local governments.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases tuition credits for volunteers in fire and rescue services in New Jersey. It raises the annual tuition credit from $600 to $1,250 per year of service, with a new total maximum of $5,000 over a four-year commitment (up from $2,400). The program covers active volunteer members, their spouses, and dependent children who agree to serve four years in a volunteer fire company or rescue squad. Eligible individuals can use these credits at county colleges, vocational schools, or technical institutes for tuition-free enrollment, subject to space availability.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state, county, and municipal authorities to designate "special event zones" around large automotive events (defined as events with 25+ attendees or approved by local government) for traffic regulation. Within these zones, authorities may temporarily reduce speed limits for safety and prohibit "exhibition driving" (reckless maneuvers like excessive skidding, engine noise, or roof riding). Violations of traffic rules - including speeding, careless driving, or exhibition driving - within these zones carry increased fines up to $1,000, or up to 60 days in jail for reckless driving. The zones remain active during the event and for a reasonable period before/after, with required signage informing the public of reduced speeds and penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's disability parking program to include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia who have limited, impaired, or unsafe walking ability. It adds this condition to the existing definition of "person with a disability" for parking privileges, requiring certification from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. Eligible individuals and their caregivers can then obtain the standard disability placard or license plates displaying the wheelchair symbol. This change allows them to use reserved parking spaces without altering current requirements for obtaining the placard or plates.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (AJR 194) urges the U.S. Senate to pass the federal "Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act." The SAVE Act would amend the National Voter Registration Act to require states to collect documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and identity when registering voters for federal elections, including documents like a passport or birth record. It also proposes using federal databases to verify citizenship and remove ineligible voters from rolls. New Jersey's legislature supports this as a measure to address documented errors in voter registration systems that mistakenly enrolled noncitizens, aiming to bolster election security and public confidence. The resolution itself has no legal effect but formally advocates for the federal bill's passage.

Maddy summaryBill A4771 requires individuals and businesses receiving New Jersey state benefits - including contracts, loans, tax breaks, grants, or licenses - to certify that they are authorized to be in the U.S. under federal law. It directly affects anyone seeking state financial assistance or privileges, including employers who must verify employees' work eligibility. The bill mandates the Department of Labor to create a standard certification form requiring this verification, with penalties only for knowingly false statements. State agencies must incorporate this form into existing application processes rather than creating a new system. The policy aims to ensure state benefits are reserved for those legally permitted to reside or work in the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities to install electronic monitoring devices (EMDs) in common areas when all residents and their authorized representatives consent. It also permits residents to install EMDs in private rooms with the consent of roommates in double occupancy rooms. The bill specifies that EMDs must be unobstructed and recording at all times, with common area footage retained for 90 days. Group home licensees must develop internal policies for EMD use, and residents can access footage related to incidents of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The bill aims to balance resident safety with privacy rights through voluntary, consensual use of EMDs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4735, "Illegal Alien Healthcare Transparency Act") requires New Jersey health care facilities to ask patients about their immigration status and submit monthly aggregate reports to the Department of Health. The reports must include the facility’s total costs for care provided to patients identified as "illegal aliens" (defined as individuals unable to prove lawful presence in New Jersey) and will be made publicly available online. It also makes it a fourth-degree crime to knowingly provide false information about immigration status when asked by a facility. The law aims to increase transparency around healthcare costs for this group, without changing eligibility for care.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill revises property tax lien foreclosure procedures to align with a recent Supreme Court ruling requiring property owners to retain equity beyond unpaid taxes. It allows property owners to protect remaining property equity by requesting a judicial sale (like mortgage foreclosures) or online auction through the county sheriff within 45 days of receiving foreclosure notice. If owners don't make this request, lien holders (municipalities or private investors) can take full property title without conducting a sale. Lien holders must clearly inform property owners about this option in bold text with foreclosure notices. The bill ensures any surplus funds from a sale would go to the property owner after lien holders are paid.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill increases the resource thresholds for certain Medicaid eligibility groups, including seniors, disabled individuals, and those eligible for nursing home or home-based services. It sets new limits at $40,000 for one-person households, $60,000 for two-person households, and $20,000 more per additional person for larger households. These changes apply to Medicaid pathways that currently have resource limits, such as the Medically Needy pathway, Medicare Savings Programs, and nursing home services. The bill aims to align these resource requirements more closely with the MAGI eligibility group, which does not have a resource test for individuals under 65 without disabilities. The NJ Workability Program, which already has no resource requirement, is not affected by these changes.