Asm. Paul Kanitra

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1850) sets a flat 5.9% tax rate on New Jersey gross income above $37,500 for single filers or $75,000 for married couples filing jointly, while exempting all income below those thresholds from taxation. It directly affects New Jersey residents whose taxable income exceeds these filing-status-specific limits. The key provision replaces previous tiered tax brackets with a single flat rate for income above the exemption thresholds. This change simplifies the tax structure for higher earners while maintaining tax exemption for lower-income taxpayers. The bill was introduced in 2026 and referred to the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to prioritize principal forgiveness for environmental infrastructure loans to municipalities in coastal areas. It directly affects coastal municipalities needing funding for projects like wastewater treatment and water supply systems. The key mechanism establishes that these coastal communities will receive preferential treatment in the existing Interim Environmental Financing Program for eligible projects listed on the DEP's priority list. The change modifies how loan forgiveness is allocated within current financing programs, without creating new funding sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-700) increases penalties for fentanyl offenses by raising the quantity threshold that triggers the most severe criminal charges. Specifically, it makes possessing or distributing five ounces or more of fentanyl (including adulterants) a first-degree crime, requiring a mandatory minimum prison term of one-third to one-half the sentence with no parole eligibility. This directly affects individuals involved in large-scale fentanyl distribution or possession, as penalties for quantities under five ounces remain less severe. The change applies to fentanyl specifically, while other drugs retain their existing penalty thresholds under New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of members in New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It directly affects current and future retirees who are members of this system, restoring annual benefit increases tied to inflation. The key provision amends existing law to allow the retirement system's board of trustees to reinstate these automatic COLAs without requiring additional contributions from members, provided actuarial certification confirms the change won't harm the fund's long-term stability. The bill does not create new benefits but returns a previously reduced feature of the retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans most abortions after 20 weeks following fertilization (conception), requiring physicians to determine the unborn child's post-fertilization age before performing an abortion. It directly affects women seeking abortions after 20 weeks and physicians who perform such procedures. Key exceptions allow abortions for: (1) life-threatening medical conditions of the pregnant person; (2) rape (if reported to authorities and 48-hour counseling is obtained); or (3) incest involving minors (if reported). If an abortion occurs under an exception and the child survives, the bill requires a neonatal care specialist to be present to provide life-saving care.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's definition of "firearm" to explicitly clarify that BB guns are not considered firearms under state law. It directly affects recreational BB gun owners, manufacturers, and retailers by removing these devices from firearm regulations. The key provision updates the legal definition to exclude air guns using compressed air or CO2 to fire .177-caliber pellets at under 500 feet per second. This change prevents misclassification of BB guns under firearm laws, ensuring they are not subject to firearm licensing, registration, or possession restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 253) is a procedural measure requiring the Governor, Senate President, Senate Minority Leader, Speaker of the General Assembly, and Assembly Minority Leader to meet in person quarterly at the State House for at least two hours. The meetings must begin privately for discussion of state matters and legislation, followed by a public portion where officials report to the public and may answer questions. It does not change laws or policies but mandates regular, structured communication between the executive and legislative leadership. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey cities, counties, and their agencies from enacting minimum wage increases or mandatory paid sick leave requirements for private employers, including contractors and vendors working with local governments. It declares any local ordinance on these employment conditions "null and void," requiring the state to set uniform standards instead of allowing local variations. The bill does not change the existing state minimum wage (currently set at $15.00/hour for most workers by 2028), but prevents local governments from imposing higher rates or additional paid leave rules. It directly affects local governments' authority and private employers operating within the state.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 20) urges the U.S. Congress to remove federal court jurisdiction over cases where states require undocumented immigrant children to pay school tuition. It also asks the Supreme Court to overturn *Plyler v. Doe* (1981), which established that states cannot deny public education to undocumented children. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests federal action to return education policy authority to states. It directly addresses how states may fund education for undocumented students, referencing the Supreme Court's conflicting rulings on the issue. This is a non-binding request, not a legislative proposal.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Police Training Cost Recovery Act," requires municipal law enforcement agencies to reimburse a former employer when a Class Two special law enforcement officer leaves before a certain service period and joins another municipality within 120 days. Specifically, if an officer resigns after less than 30 days, the new agency must pay 100% of certified training costs; if they resign after less than two years, the new agency pays 50%. The bill mandates that the new agency notify the former employer immediately upon hiring and pay within 120 days of receiving certified cost documentation. It expands current law by requiring reimbursement for both Class Two special and full-time law enforcement appointments, not just Class Two roles.