Asm. Greg McGuckin

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state government buildings - including offices, agencies, and state universities - to separate and recycle specific materials like aluminum, cardboard, glass, paper, and plastic waste. State entities must provide recycling bins, signage, and education for both employees and the public, and arrange for collection and transportation of recyclables through licensed vendors. The rule does not apply to state parks or forests using a "carry-in, carry-out" trash program. The Department of the Treasury will create compliance guidance and coordinate with courts and the legislature to ensure all state branches follow the requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3691) would exempt income earned in the form of tips from New Jersey's state gross income tax. It directly affects service industry workers (such as servers, bartenders, and hair stylists) who receive tips as part of their earnings. The key provision amends New Jersey's tax code to remove "tips" from the list of taxable income categories under the definition of "gross income." As a result, tips would no longer be subject to state income tax, reducing the tax burden for affected workers. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Labor Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey hospitals and clinical laboratories to implement cultural competency training for staff collecting patient demographic data on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. It specifically prohibits collecting sexual orientation or gender identity data for patients under 18 unless the minor or their parent/guardian voluntarily provides it for medical treatment only. Hospitals and labs must electronically record these demographics using standardized categories (e.g., "gay/lesbian" for sexual orientation, "transgender male-to-female" for gender identity) and report the data to the state health department for disease surveillance. The bill directly affects healthcare providers in New Jersey who handle patient records, ensuring consistent, sensitive data collection practices while protecting minors' privacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey mail-in ballot outer envelopes from displaying any visible political party names, symbols, or designations to the public. It directly affects all voters receiving mail-in ballots in New Jersey elections, as county clerks must ensure envelopes contain no political information on their exterior. Key mechanisms require county clerks to use envelopes without visible political content when mailing ballots and to include specific voter instructions on the envelope's exterior. The bill amends existing election laws to mandate this change for both primary and general election mail-in ballots.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 292) provides tuition-free college credits for eligible retired New Jersey law enforcement officers and firefighters who retired due to service-related injuries or illnesses, as well as for their dependents if the officer or firefighter died in the line of duty. Retirees can take up to 16 credits per semester (max 8 semesters) at public or degree-granting private colleges, after applying for all available federal and state grants. The state reimburses institutions for tuition costs not covered by these grants. Dependents must be New Jersey residents, meet academic standards, and enroll in undergraduate or (for spouses with prior degrees) non-medical/graduate programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires companies, corporations, or testing facilities in New Jersey that use cats, dogs, or ferrets for product testing or research to assess these animals for adoption after testing ends and offer them to animal rescue organizations or private individuals if suitable. It mandates reporting details like animal numbers, assessment results, and adoption outcomes to the Department of Health, and establishes a database for rescue organizations. Facilities failing to comply face civil penalties of $10,000 for a first offense and $50,000 for a second, with potential testing bans for repeated violations. The law directly affects testing facilities and research institutions using these animals, aiming to increase adoption opportunities while creating clear reporting and enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A-1847 prohibits licensed health care professionals (including doctors, nurses, and therapists) from providing gender-affirming medical care - such as hormone therapy or surgery - to individuals under 21 years old. The bill defines these services as medical, surgical, or therapeutic care related to gender identity, excluding mental health or psychiatric services. Violations would result in professional disciplinary action under existing laws. The law takes immediate effect and applies to all covered health care providers statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force" within the Department of State, establishing a permanent 18-member group to address anti-Semitism. The task force includes legislative leaders, representatives from Jewish organizations (like Hadassah and the Anti-Defamation League), law enforcement (State Police and Bias Crimes Unit), and public members appointed by officials. Its core duty is to research anti-Semitic incidents and develop recommendations to protect Jewish communities, synagogues, and institutions. The bill cites rising anti-Semitic incidents in New Jersey (including 200 reported in 2018) as the basis for this action.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers who earn tips to deduct those tips from their gross income for state tax purposes. It directly affects service industry workers (like servers, bartenders, or hairdressers) who receive tips reported to their employers. To claim the deduction, workers must report tip income through the same documentation required by federal tax law (e.g., employer tip statements). The Division of Taxation will create rules to implement this change, and it applies to tax years starting after the next January following enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey financial institutions (state-chartered banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions) from requiring disabled veterans or their surviving spouses to disclose annual property tax obligations when applying for a mortgage on their primary residence. It applies specifically to "qualified veterans" (100% service-connected disability) and their surviving spouses who qualify for the disabled veterans' property tax exemption. Financial institutions must instead obtain a certification from the municipal assessor confirming the applicant meets all exemption eligibility requirements except property ownership (for new homes) or including ownership (for refinancing). The bill streamlines the mortgage process by removing this tax disclosure requirement, using a standardized form for assessor certifications.