Asm. Greg McGuckin

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2638) requires New Jersey's chief law enforcement officers or the Superintendent of State Police to notify federal immigration authorities when a non-citizen who is unlawfully present in the United States applies for a firearms purchaser identification card (FPIC) or handgun purchase permit. The notification requirement applies specifically to applicants who are undocumented non-citizens, as federal law (18 U.S.C. §922(d)(5)) prohibits firearm sales to such individuals. This bill incorporates the existing federal standard into New Jersey's state law by mandating that law enforcement agencies notify federal immigration authorities when they determine an applicant is unlawfully present in the U.S. The bill does not change who qualifies for firearm permits but adds a notification process for certain non-citizen applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's workers' compensation and temporary disability laws to exclude undocumented workers from receiving benefits. It specifies that only individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence, lawfully present for employment, or permanently residing in the U.S. under legal authority (including certain visa holders) qualify for coverage. The law removes eligibility for undocumented workers who do not meet these specific immigration status criteria at the time of injury or disability. This change aligns the state's benefit programs with federal immigration status requirements, responding to a prior court ruling that had allowed undocumented workers to access temporary disability benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill would shift the administration of affordable housing obligations from municipalities to the state-level Council on Affordable Housing (COAH), requiring COAH to calculate the statewide affordable housing need rather than relying on municipal or regional calculations. Municipalities would submit housing elements to COAH detailing their current housing stock and potential for affordable housing development, and COAH would grant "substantive certification" to qualifying municipalities, shielding them from exclusionary zoning lawsuits. The bill would require COAH to develop fair share plans for each municipality based on the statewide need and establish a mediation process for disputes about these plans. This change would replace the current system where municipalities determine their own affordable housing obligations with a centralized statewide approach.

Maddy summaryACR 58 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $2,500 over four years. It would raise the annual deduction to $1,000 in 2024, $1,500 in 2025, $2,000 in 2026, and $2,500 starting in 2027, with the amount remaining at $2,500 annually thereafter. This change directly affects honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses, who qualify for the deduction on real and personal property taxes. The amendment requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2512) clarifies that all first aid, ambulance, and rescue squads - whether volunteer or non-volunteer - have legal immunity from civil lawsuits when providing services in good faith. It removes a current limitation that only granted immunity to non-volunteer squads for advanced life support services, extending it to all services they provide. The immunity applies to the squad as an organization, not just individual members. This does not cover motor vehicle operations or incidents involving negligence.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state buildings (including government offices, state universities, and agencies) to separate and recycle specific materials like aluminum, cardboard, glass, paper, and plastic waste. It mandates that state entities provide recycling bins, clear signage, and educational resources for both employees and the public, along with establishing collection procedures. The rule does not apply to state parks or forests using a "carry-in, carry-out" trash program. The Department of Treasury, with the Environmental Protection Department, must create compliance guidance and ensure all state branches follow the requirements within 180 days of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2253) increases the annual amount credited to New Jersey's Shore Protection Fund from $25 million to $50 million. The fund receives the state portion of realty transfer fees collected when property deeds are recorded (calculated at $1.25 per $500 of property value). The change applies immediately to all future State fiscal years following enactment. This directly affects the Shore Protection Fund's annual funding level, doubling its baseline allocation from realty transfer fees.

Maddy summaryA2515 amends New Jersey's assault laws to specifically upgrade penalties for domestic violence-related assaults. It treats assaults against victims of domestic violence (as defined in the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991) as more serious offenses. Simple assault in these cases becomes a fourth-degree crime (with no presumption of non-imprisonment), while aggravated assault can range from third to first degree depending on the severity. Penalties range from up to 18 months in jail for fourth-degree offenses to up to 20 years for first-degree offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey school districts to provide certain motor vehicle services for prospective school bus drivers, including distributing commercial driver license manuals, verifying identification, processing fees, and administering knowledge tests. School districts cannot conduct the road test, which must still be handled by the Motor Vehicle Commission. The Motor Vehicle Commission is required to implement a program promoting these services at school facilities and coordinate with districts. The bill directly affects school districts and prospective school bus drivers by enabling schools to streamline key licensing steps.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals with a standard non-commercial driver's license (after completing required training) to operate Type S school buses without needing a commercial driver license, passenger endorsement, or school bus endorsement. Type S school buses are defined as vehicles designed for student transportation with a maximum seating capacity of nine passengers or less (excluding the driver) that are operated by schools or under school contract. School districts or transportation contractors must provide specific training on safety, student interaction, and other required topics before such drivers operate these vehicles. The bill also establishes penalties for operating while license is suspended/revoked and outlines procedures for suspending driving privileges for traffic violations.