Asm. Greg McGuckin

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to create special "Domestic Violence Awareness" license plates featuring a purple ribbon and the phrase "Domestic Violence Awareness." Vehicle owners pay a $50 application fee and $10 annual renewal fee, with the revenue deposited into a dedicated fund. The fund, managed by the Department of Children and Families, provides annual grants to nonprofit organizations supporting domestic violence victims. Implementation requires 500 initial applications and $25,000 in private funding to cover startup costs before plates can be produced.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 28) urges the federal government to approve oil and natural gas pipelines within the U.S., including those previously denied or shut down (like the Keystone XL Pipeline, revoked by President Biden in 2021). It argues that approving such pipelines would enhance U.S. energy independence, reduce reliance on foreign energy sources (e.g., from Russia or Venezuela), and lower fuel costs while creating jobs. The resolution directs copies to federal leaders but does not create new law or directly affect residents. It focuses on advocating for pipeline approvals as a policy action, not on implementing specific regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill phases out mercury-containing vaccines in New Jersey over three years. Starting January 1, 2016, healthcare providers cannot administer flu vaccines with more than 0.5 mcg mercury per 0.25 mL dose to children under three or 1.0 mcg per 0.5 mL to older patients, and must eliminate all mercury-containing vaccines by January 1, 2018. "Trace amount" is defined as less than 0.0002% mercury concentration. An exception allows the health commissioner to authorize mercury-containing vaccines during disease outbreaks if needed for public health, requiring advance patient disclosure. The bill affects all healthcare providers administering vaccines in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to recover overpayments of Superstorm Sandy disaster relief funds (from the RREM and LMI programs) from affected homeowners. It requires the department to send detailed "Notices of Over-Disbursement" explaining the debt, repayment options (lump sum or flexible 60-month payment plans), and appeal rights. Low-to-moderate income homeowners unable to pay may request debt compromise based on income, assets, and living expenses, with decisions considering hardship factors. The bill also sets a 3-year limit for recovery actions and appropriates General Fund money to cover administrative costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides New Jersey taxpayers with a $1,000 annual credit against their gross income tax for tolls paid via E-ZPass on state toll roads, but only if total annual tolls exceed $1,000. It applies to individuals who use electronic toll collection (E-ZPass) for commuting or vehicle operation on New Jersey toll roads, excluding fines, fees, or reimbursed tolls. The credit reduces tax liability, with any excess refunded if the credit eliminates the tax due. It takes effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2020.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study whether the state's electric distribution system meets reliability standards. The BPU must assess if electric companies comply with existing safety and maintenance rules, compare New Jersey's system performance to other states, evaluate storm response efforts, and check infrastructure against national safety codes. Within six months, the BPU must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature with findings and recommendations for improving system reliability. The study directly affects electric public utilities operating New Jersey's power distribution network.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement officers to temporarily detain underage individuals (under 18) who unlawfully purchase or possess alcohol or cannabis, and notify their parents or guardians. For first-time violations, officers must provide a written warning to the minor and notify parents; for second violations, officers must provide a written warning and notify parents; for third or subsequent violations, officers must notify parents and provide referrals to community services. The bill prohibits arrest for these violations (except for other violations), requires officers to seize alcohol or cannabis items for destruction or training use, and mandates confidential record keeping with destruction after two years or upon the minor's 21st birthday, whichever comes first. It aims to address underage alcohol and cannabis use through a graduated response system focused on parental involvement and community resources rather than punitive measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey volunteer firefighters and first aid/rescue squad members to claim a $1,000 deduction from their state income tax. To qualify, volunteers must serve the entire tax year, meet specific participation thresholds (at least 60% of fire alarms/drills for firefighters or 10% of rescue alarms/drills for first aid/rescue members), and hold required certifications (Firefighter I or EMT training). Fire departments and first aid squads must submit annual lists of qualifying members to state agencies by March 31st. The deduction applies to taxable years starting after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits supplemental compensation for unused sick leave at retirement to $10,000 (down from $15,000) for public employees across New Jersey. It also restricts vacation leave carry-forward to one year, with exceptions for emergencies declared by the Governor. Current employees can retain any accrued sick leave benefits and vacation leave already accumulated as of the bill's effective date. The bill does not affect existing collective bargaining agreements or contracts. It applies to all public officers and employees in government positions, including those in political subdivisions and school boards.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts senior citizens (65+), blind individuals, and disabled persons from specific state fees when buying or selling their primary residence. It waives the State portion of the basic fee and general purpose fee for sales by these individuals and the 1% fee for purchases exceeding $1 million. The exemption applies only to one- or two-family homes owned and occupied by the qualifying seller or buyer, and excludes jointly owned properties where not all owners qualify. Fees saved through these exemptions would be redirected to New Jersey's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The policy change directly benefits qualifying homeowners in property transactions.