Asm. Greg McGuckin

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates an exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. It would require these venues to become smoke-free, meaning no smoking would be permitted inside for employees, patrons, or visitors. The change directly affects casino operators, staff, and customers at all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities (such as those with slot machines, table games, or dedicated seating for betting). This policy shift extends the existing indoor smoking ban to these locations, removing a long-standing exemption.

Maddy summaryACR 31 is a New Jersey legislative resolution applying to Congress for an Article V Convention of States. It seeks to propose constitutional amendments limiting federal government powers, imposing fiscal restraints on spending, and restricting terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution is a continuing application, meaning it remains in effect until two-thirds of U.S. states make similar requests on the same issue. This is a procedural step, not a law; it does not change existing federal policy but requests Congress convene a convention to consider specific constitutional amendments.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A1052 requires all state troopers, county police officers, and municipal law enforcement officers to be issued tourniquets, funded through forfeiture funds collected under N.J.S.2C:64-6. It also mandates that all basic life support ambulances and mobility assistance vehicles licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health must carry tourniquets during patient transport or service. The Attorney General and Commissioner of Health may create guidelines to implement these requirements. The bill takes effect three months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing fentanyl in New Jersey. It reclassifies fentanyl offenses to match penalties for heroin and cocaine: possession of five ounces or more becomes a first-degree crime (10-20 year prison term, $500,000 fine, with mandatory minimum time ineligible for parole), 0.5 to five ounces becomes a second-degree crime (5-10 year term, $150,000 fine), and less than 0.5 ounces becomes a third-degree crime with a $75,000 fine (up from $15,000). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of fentanyl-related offenses under current law. These changes align fentanyl penalties with existing penalties for other high-level narcotics.

Maddy summaryThis bill would restore criminal penalties for individuals under the legal age to purchase alcohol or cannabis who possess or consume these substances in schools, public places, or vehicles. Currently, underage possession/consumption results in written warnings rather than criminal charges, but this bill would make it a "disorderly person offense" punishable by a minimum $500 fine and up to six months in jail. The bill also reinstates a six-month suspension of driving privileges for violations committed in motor vehicles. The sponsor states this change is needed because the previous non-punitive system has been ineffective, as shown by increased police reports of underage parties with alcohol and cannabis in beach communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $2,000 tax exemption for New Jersey volunteer firefighters, first aid, and rescue squad members who meet specific service and training requirements. To qualify, firefighters must serve the entire year, respond to at least 60% of fire alarms and drills, and hold Firefighter I certification; rescue and first aid members must respond to at least 10% of rescue alarms and drills and have approved training or EMT certification. Volunteer organizations must submit annual lists of eligible members to the state for verification by March 31. The exemption applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires courts to mandate installation of an ignition interlock device in a person's principal vehicle whenever a stay of sentence is granted for a DWI conviction or refusal to take a breathalyzer test pending appeal. The device must remain installed in the vehicle until the appeal process concludes. This applies to individuals convicted of DWI under New Jersey law (R.S.39:4-50) or refusal to take a breathalyzer test (section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512). The bill does not change the underlying penalties for DWI convictions but adds this condition for those seeking to delay their sentence while appealing.

Maddy summaryThis bill would establish the New Jersey Animal Abuser Registry, requiring individuals convicted of animal abuse offenses to register with law enforcement. Registered offenders must provide personal information, verify their address annually, and report changes in residence or employment. The registry would make certain information publicly available online for offenders deemed to have a moderate or high risk of re-offense, while restricting access for low-risk offenders. The registry aims to protect public safety by providing information about animal abusers to law enforcement and the public, based on research linking animal abuse to potential violence against humans.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to establish a voting integrity task force within the Division of Criminal Justice. The task force will investigate and prosecute voting fraud crimes, utilizing a coordinated strategy across state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies. It directly affects the Attorney General's office and law enforcement agencies by creating a dedicated unit focused on election-related fraud. The bill mandates this structure without altering voting procedures or eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1273) would require all New Jersey employers to verify new employees' work authorization using the federal E-Verify program before hiring. Employers with 100+ staff must comply by December 31, 2020; smaller employers must comply by December 31, 2021. It prohibits knowingly or intentionally employing unauthorized aliens, with penalties including civil fines ($100-$1,000 per violation) and potential business license suspensions for repeated violations. The law also mandates random state audits for compliance and requires employers to terminate unauthorized employees upon court order, with probation periods and quarterly reporting for first offenses.