Asm. Greg McGuckin

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Bill A794 would eliminate supplemental payments for unused sick leave earned after the bill's effective date for public employees. It caps sick leave payments at $15,000 upon retirement, limits carry-over of unused vacation leave, and requires suspension of payments if an employee is indicted for certain crimes or forfeiture if convicted. The bill also prohibits using six or more consecutive days of sick leave in the year before retirement without medical verification, with penalties including unpaid leave and fines for violations. This bill affects state, local government, and school district employees across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryACR 44 is a non-binding resolution urging New Jersey's Governor to protect religious freedom during state emergencies. It references how during the 2020 pandemic, churches faced stricter restrictions than "essential" secular businesses like grocery stores, despite churches providing critical community services. The resolution cites constitutional protections for religious exercise under both the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions, and notes Supreme Court rulings in other states that found similar pandemic restrictions violated religious liberty. It does not create new law but formally requests the Governor prioritize religious freedom in future emergency declarations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Homestead School Property Tax Reimbursement Act," would provide New Jersey seniors aged 65 or older with a 50% reimbursement for the school portion of their property taxes on their primary residence. It phases in eligibility through income limits: $35,000 or less in the first year, $75,000 in the second year, and no income limit thereafter. Surviving spouses aged 55 or older who remain in the same home also qualify. Reimbursements would be funded from the Casino Revenue Fund and require annual applications by December 31.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents utilities from directly charging customers for infrastructure upgrades required due to customers' natural disaster mitigation projects (like reinforcing property against storms). Instead, it allows utilities to recover these costs through standard rate increases applied to all customers. To qualify, customers must provide a contractor's certification within 90 days confirming the project was for disaster mitigation. The bill affects homeowners who complete such projects and their utility providers, ensuring costs are shared broadly via regulated rates rather than direct billing.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A708 requires the state Department of Education (DOE) to create model policies for public school boards to notify parents before students encounter explicit content in curriculum. It mandates school boards to provide specific parental notification about such content, identify the exact materials involved, and offer alternative non-explicit materials if parents request them. The bill defines "sexually explicit content" as depictions of sexual conduct, nudity, or similar material but explicitly states it does not require book censorship in public schools. These policies must be implemented starting the first full school year after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Jobs Protection Act requires all employers to verify the work authorization of new employees using the federal E-verify system within 90 days of hire. The bill prohibits employers from intentionally or knowingly employing unauthorized aliens, with penalties ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per unauthorized worker for violations. First-time offenders face a $10,000 fine per unauthorized worker and three years of monitored probation requiring quarterly reporting of E-verify confirmations. Subsequent violations result in higher fines and extended probation periods, while proof of using E-verify creates a rebuttable presumption that employers didn't intentionally employ unauthorized workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for developers to file a plat or deed conforming with minor subdivision approval from 190 days to 280 days. It directly affects developers of minor subdivisions in New Jersey who must submit these documents to county recording officers. The key change is a 90-day extension of the standard filing period, providing more time for paperwork completion. The bill retains existing rules for extensions due to delays from other governmental approvals.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides New Jersey business and income tax credits to employers who hire immediate family members (spouse, child, or parent) of military service members killed in action. Employers receive a 10% credit on wages paid to eligible family members, capped at $1,200 per person per tax year, for full-time employment lasting at least nine consecutive months. The credit is nonrefundable but can be carried forward for up to 20 years and cannot be combined with other state tax credits for the same wages. It directly affects New Jersey businesses that hire qualifying family members of fallen service members, offering financial incentive for sustained employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey flood insurers participating in the federal National Flood Insurance Program to provide claimants with all documents related to their property damage claims. Specifically, insurers must share every report, draft, note, measurement, photo, or communication prepared by their engineers, adjusters, or contractors regarding the claim - starting with policyholders who held coverage on October 28, 2012 (the date of Superstorm Sandy). The law mandates full transparency of all claim-related materials, including preliminary versions, to affected policyholders. Insurers violating this requirement face fines up to $5,000 per violation, enforceable by the Banking and Insurance Commissioner.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the state tax deduction for New Jersey residents who contribute to the NJBEST college savings program. It raises the maximum annual deduction from $10,000 to $15,000 for taxpayers with gross income under $200,000. The bill also requires annual adjustments to both the deduction limit and income threshold based on the national consumer price index. These changes apply to contributions made in taxable years starting after the bill's enactment.