Asm. Paul Kanitra

Maddy summaryACR 29 is a New Jersey legislative resolution requesting Congress to call an Article V convention of states. The bill seeks to propose constitutional amendments that would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. It functions as a continuing application, meaning New Jersey's request remains active until two-thirds of states make similar requests on the same issue. This is a procedural step (not a law) to initiate a potential constitutional convention process, directly affecting New Jersey's legislative action and the broader state-level effort to influence federal governance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all elementary and secondary schools in New Jersey that are 12,000 square feet or larger to install automatic fire suppression systems. It directly affects schools meeting this size threshold, which includes many larger public and private K-12 campuses. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Education (with input from Community Affairs) to create implementation rules, including prioritization for installations, and authorizes state funds - including bond proceeds from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority - to cover compliance costs. The law takes effect immediately, extending existing fire safety requirements (previously only for new schools) to all qualifying existing buildings.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill upgrades simple assault against a servicemember to aggravated assault and expands bias intimidation laws to cover crimes committed against servicemembers. It specifically defines "servicemember" as veterans or active members of the U.S. Armed Forces or New Jersey militia, adding them to the list of protected individuals under assault and bias intimidation statutes. As a result, assaulting a servicemember while in uniform or due to their status, or committing bias intimidation against them, will now be treated as a more serious offense with higher penalties. The bill directly affects servicemembers in New Jersey by strengthening legal protections against attacks on their person.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's voter registration commissioner to move voters with mail-in ballots returned as undeliverable to an inactive file. If such voters fail to vote in two consecutive federal general elections, they will be removed from the statewide voter registration system and transferred to a deleted file. Voters must receive notices about their inactive status, the removal decision, and final removal. The commissioner must retain undeliverable ballots for two years. The bill directly affects voters whose mail-in ballots cannot be delivered to their current address.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 872) prohibits requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or asking about vaccination status as a condition for accessing many services or activities. It directly affects individuals who have not been vaccinated by making it illegal for employers, schools, healthcare providers, businesses, and public venues to deny access, employment, or services based on vaccine status or refusal to disclose it. Key provisions ban such requirements across 15 areas, including employment, education, healthcare, business entry, and public spaces. Violators face civil penalties of $25,000 plus attorney fees for each violation. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's age requirement for municipal police officers to allow veterans to deduct military service time from their age. Specifically, veterans who served at least 10 days during a time of war may have up to two years of service deducted from their actual age, meaning their adjusted age must be 35 or younger to qualify. It directly affects veterans over 35 seeking police officer positions in New Jersey municipalities. The change caps the deduction at two years (previously unbounded) while maintaining the 35-year maximum age limit. The amendment updates existing law (N.J.S.40A:14-127) to clarify this provision.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mortgage lenders to maintain age-restricted residential properties (such as senior housing) during foreclosure proceedings. Lenders must notify local municipalities within 10 days of filing foreclosure papers, providing contact details for a local representative responsible for property upkeep if the unit becomes vacant. If the property falls into disrepair during foreclosure, municipalities can give lenders 30 days to fix violations before imposing penalties or seeking reimbursement for cleanup costs. The law specifically targets age-restricted units to prevent neglect that could disrupt vulnerable residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers to label household cleansing products (like soaps and detergents) with the weight and percentage of key ingredients, including phosphorus, that may harm health or the environment. It bans most products containing phosphorus compounds - except for limited amounts (0.5% for dishwashers, 8.7% for food/dairy equipment) - and prohibits commercial establishments (e.g., restaurants, hospitals) from using non-compliant products. Violations carry fines of $500-$1,000 per offense, with daily violations treated as separate offenses. The law directly affects manufacturers, retailers, and commercial users of these products in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 739) requires New Jersey to issue driver's licenses and ID cards to non-citizens with a distinct color and a clear statement that the document cannot be used for voting. It directly affects non-citizen residents who apply for or hold these licenses. The key provision mandates visual differentiation and a specific disclaimer on non-citizen licenses, while maintaining existing requirements for photo ID during license applications. The bill does not change voting ID rules (the title incorrectly mentions this), and it is currently in committee referral after introduction in January 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a rebuttable presumption requiring pretrial detention for defendants charged with sexual assault (N.J.S. 2C:14-2) or criminal sexual contact (N.J.S. 2C:14-3) when the victim is a minor. It directly affects individuals facing these specific child sexual abuse charges in New Jersey. The key mechanism shifts the burden: defendants must prove they shouldn't be detained (e.g., through bail or conditions), rather than the prosecution proving detention is necessary. This applies automatically unless the defendant successfully rebuts the presumption at a hearing. The bill does not change sentencing or penalties, only pretrial release decisions for these offenses.