Asm. Greg McGuckin

Maddy summaryThis bill (A824) allows police officers to be assigned to public schools serving as polling places during elections. Local election officials (like district boards or county clerks) can request police presence at these school locations for security. The law prohibits officers assigned for this purpose from interfering with voters. It also requires detailed reporting of all such assignments to election officials and the Secretary of State. The bill amends existing election code to clarify this exception to previous restrictions on police at polling places.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New Jersey's daily juror pay from $5 to $40 per day for all jurors (both grand and petit) serving in state courts, effective immediately. It replaces the current system - where jurors received $5 daily plus $35 for days beyond three - with a flat $40 rate starting on the first day of service. The bill appropriates $6 million from the General Fund to cover this increase through the Administrative Office of the Courts. This change affects all eligible jurors except certain full-time government employees already compensated under separate provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1506) prohibits all public and private schools, as well as state, county, and local government entities, from requiring influenza vaccinations for anyone 18 years of age or younger. It specifically bans any requirement for flu vaccines or related immunity-providing injections, medications, or procedures for this age group. The law applies immediately upon enactment and covers all government employees, officials, and educational institutions. It directly affects minors under 18 and the institutions that serve them, removing mandatory flu vaccination requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey from using revenue generated by the 2016 increase in the petroleum products gross receipts tax for passenger rail or freight rail projects. It amends state law to explicitly exclude these rail projects from the list of eligible uses for this tax revenue. As a result, funds collected from this tax cannot be allocated toward rail infrastructure improvements, such as new tracks, stations, or equipment for either passenger or freight rail service. The change directly affects how the state funds transportation projects, ensuring this specific tax revenue supports other transportation priorities instead.

Maddy summaryACR 43 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit most emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor to a 14-day period during a declared state of emergency. These measures would automatically terminate on the 15th day unless the Legislature passes a concurrent resolution extending the period. The amendment does not apply to orders rescinding previous emergency actions, those required by federal law, orders affecting only the executive branch, National Guard commands, or orders issued under other existing legal authorities that already allow longer durations. This change would shift oversight from the Governor to the Legislature for extending emergency powers beyond two weeks.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) from making major changes to rail yards located near environmentally sensitive areas. Specifically, it blocks alterations within coastal zones, areas draining into Barnegat Bay or EPA-designated priority wetlands, or within 1,000 feet of freshwater/coastal wetlands or tidal water bodies. NJT may only proceed with such projects if the Governor grants written authorization after consulting the Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The law applies to projects requiring environmental permits submitted after March 31, 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates legal immunity for businesses against lawsuits claiming injury or damage from public health emergency exposure at their locations or during their managed activities. It applies to businesses operating under the employer definition (including corporations, partnerships, and groups managing employee relations) and directly affects individuals who might seek compensation for such exposure. The immunity covers claims related to governor-declared public health emergencies but explicitly excludes cases involving reckless conduct, willful misconduct, or intentional harm. This provision aims to protect businesses from certain liability without altering existing immunity protections under state or federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits retirement payments for unused sick leave to $15,000 and prohibits payment for sick leave earned after the bill's effective date. It requires public employees to provide medical documentation for six or more consecutive days of sick leave, with penalties including unpaid leave and potential termination for violations. The bill also suspends retirement payments if an employee is indicted for certain crimes and forfeits payments upon conviction for those crimes. These provisions apply to state, local government, and school board employees in New Jersey. The bill will take effect two months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill increases penalties for identity theft when the victim is a senior citizen (62 or older) or a veteran. For example, if a senior or veteran is the sole victim and the theft involves less than $500, a first offense becomes a third-degree crime (previously fourth-degree), and repeat offenses become second-degree crimes (previously third-degree). The bill also raises penalties for trafficking personal identifying information obtained from facilities serving seniors or veterans (like retirement communities or veterans' facilities), with higher quantities of stolen data leading to more severe charges. These changes make penalties stricter when vulnerable groups are targeted, without altering the core definition of identity theft.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey individual taxpayers to deduct up to $1,000 annually from their gross income for qualifying E-ZPass tolls paid on state toll roads or connecting interstate bridges/tunnels (e.g., Delaware River bridges, Port Authority routes). To qualify, the total E-ZPass tolls paid by an individual or household must exceed $1,000 in a tax year. The deduction excludes fines, penalties, administrative fees, employer reimbursements, and tolls already deductible as business expenses. It applies to all filing statuses and takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2017.