Asm. Greg McGuckin

Maddy summaryBill A1054 clarifies that size limit regulations for lobsters apply only to lobsters caught in New Jersey's marine waters, not to imported or exported lobsters. It amends state law to specify that restrictions on lobster size - used for managing commercial and recreational fishing - apply exclusively to lobsters taken from New Jersey waters. This affects lobster fishermen, seafood businesses, and the Department of Environmental Protection, which manages these regulations. The change ensures size rules target local catches without restricting lobsters brought into the state from other areas.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill A801 clarifies that residents of a private community and their authorized guests do not need a fishing license to fish in a lake owned by their community. The bill defines a "private community" as a group of homeowners or tenants (such as retirement communities or planned developments) that owns common property and restricts public access, and a "private community lake" as a manmade lake on that property, maintained exclusively by the community at their expense. This amendment explicitly adds to state law that fishing in such lakes does not require a license, aligning with existing legal intent but preventing confusion with enforcement. The change directly affects community residents and guests who fish in privately maintained lakes, ensuring they avoid unlicensed fishing citations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of household cleansing products (like soaps, detergents, and dishwashing liquids) sold in New Jersey to label the weight of each ingredient, including phosphorus, on product containers. It generally bans phosphorus compounds in these products except for specific uses: dishwasher detergents may contain up to 0.5% phosphorus, and food/dairy equipment cleaners may contain up to 8.7%. Violations carry fines of $500-$1,000 per offense, and the law takes effect one year after enactment. The bill directly affects manufacturers, retailers, and commercial establishments using these products.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to authorize current members of the New Jersey State Legislature to solemnize marriages and civil unions while serving in office. It directly affects all sitting state assembly members and senators, adding them to the existing list of authorized officiants (which includes judges, clergy, and certified civil celebrants). The key mechanism is an amendment to Section 37:1-13, explicitly including "every current member of the New Jersey State Legislature" in the list of individuals permitted to legally officiate weddings. This is a procedural change to officiant qualifications, not a substantive shift in marriage law.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would guarantee New Jersey registered voters the right to vote in person at their local polling place on election day. It would require voters to submit a written request to receive a mail-in ballot, rather than automatically receiving one. The amendment aims to prevent future laws or executive orders from restricting in-person voting options or sending mail-in ballots to all voters without an individual request. It does not change current voting methods but establishes these requirements as constitutional rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates two fees on high-value residential real estate transactions: the "general purpose fee" and a one percent assessment on properties selling for more than $1 million. It directly affects sellers (who would no longer pay the general purpose fee) and buyers (who would no longer pay the one percent assessment) of residential properties priced above this threshold. The general purpose fee was calculated in tiers based on property value, with rates ranging from $0.90 to $2.15 per $500 of value, while the one percent assessment applied to the full purchase price over $1 million. For example, a $1.5 million property purchase would save the buyer $15,000 under this bill. The bill would take effect for property transfers occurring on or after the second calendar month following its enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill criminalizes occupying an empty or vacant home without the owner's permission, addressing what the bill calls "squatting." It creates three specific offenses: forcibly entering a vacant dwelling (housebreaking), taking up residence without permission (unlawful occupancy), and reentering after a court-ordered eviction (unlawful reentry). All are classified as fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. The bill presumes a person knows they lack permission unless they provide a notarized rental agreement with the owner's contact details, changing the current process where owners must seek civil court eviction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to permit graduating high school students to wear a military sash or stole (issued by a U.S. military branch) during graduation ceremonies. It directly affects students who have completed all diploma requirements but are not necessarily active military members - unlike the existing law, which only covered dress uniforms for active service members. The key provision expands the allowable military attire to include sashes/stoles worn atop graduation robes, without requiring active service status or completion of basic training. The change applies immediately to all public school graduation ceremonies across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health practitioners in New Jersey - including clinical social workers, psychologists, counselors, and therapists - to complete suicide prevention training. New license applicants must complete four hours of approved training as a condition of licensure, while currently licensed practitioners must complete four hours within one year of the bill's effective date and every six years thereafter. The training must cover suicide prevention, assessment, screening, treatment, and management in clinical settings, and must be approved by the Division of Consumer Affairs. Practitioners must submit proof of completion to their respective licensing boards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3339, "Parents Bill of Rights Act") gives New Jersey parents and guardians the right to review and direct their child's education in public schools. It requires school districts to provide parents with a curriculum summary, allow them to review textbooks/media used, and permit opting children out of any curriculum conflicting with their conscience or beliefs - without academic penalties like grade loss or graduation delays. The law prohibits schools from interfering with these parental rights or denying requested information. It directly affects all K-12 public school parents/guardians and school districts across New Jersey.