Asm. Paul Kanitra

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tuition-free education for up to 16 credits per semester (maximizing eight semesters) at public or degree-granting private colleges to: - Retired law enforcement officers and firefighters who retired due to service-related injuries or illnesses, and - The spouse or dependent child of a New Jersey officer or firefighter who died in the line of duty. To qualify, applicants must be New Jersey residents, apply for all available federal and state student grants, and maintain academic standing. The state will reimburse institutions for tuition costs not covered by these grants, with spouses who already hold an undergraduate degree eligible for graduate studies (excluding medical, dental, and law programs).

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the penalty for stealing catalytic converters by one degree in New Jersey's criminal classification system. For example, a theft that would normally be a fourth-degree offense (for property valued between $200-$500) becomes a third-degree offense if a catalytic converter is stolen. The change applies automatically to any theft of a catalytic converter, regardless of its value or the circumstances of the theft. It directly affects individuals convicted of stealing catalytic converters by increasing the severity of their criminal charge.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public schools to integrate age-appropriate lessons about the September 11, 2001 attacks into Social Studies curricula for elementary, middle, and high school students. It mandates coverage of six specific topics: historical context, the timeline of events, first responder heroism, humanitarian aid following the attacks, global counterterrorism responses, and strategies for promoting tolerance and diversity. Additionally, every public school must hold an annual commemorative event focused on conflict resolution, diversity, and cultural tolerance. The New Jersey Commissioner of Education will provide schools with sample lesson resources to support implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) employees who need access to security-sensitive areas - such as those handling security operations - to undergo criminal history background checks and wear visible photo identification. Prospective employees must submit fingerprints for background checks and cannot be hired if disqualifying criminal records are found. Current security employees must wear photo ID cards displaying their name, photo, signature, date issued, and proof of employment at all times while on duty. The bill specifies that NJ Transit must notify applicants of background check results, allow a 20-day appeal period for disqualifications, and discard background records after 36 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's survivor pension program to include the spouses, children, or parents of volunteer emergency service workers (like firefighters, first aid, or rescue squad members) who died from COVID-19 during the 2020 public health emergency. It deems such deaths as "in the line of duty" if the volunteer tested positive for COVID-19 during the declared emergency, died from the virus, and had duties requiring public interaction or supervision during that period. Eligible survivors can now apply for the existing $15,000 annual pension retroactively, starting from the year after the volunteer's death. The change applies specifically to volunteers whose roles involved public contact during the 2020 emergency.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits one New Jersey state agency from imposing civil penalties (fines) on another state agency. It directly affects state agencies themselves by preventing internal enforcement actions between government departments or divisions. The key provision states that no state agency, division, board, bureau, or office may assess, impose, or enforce civil penalties against any other state agency. This is a procedural change to current law, eliminating the possibility of one agency fining another. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill suspends local and state fees for certificates of occupancy and related inspections for homes rented by individuals displaced by Hurricane Sandy (2012) and identified by FEMA. It applies to renters whose primary homes were destroyed by the hurricane, requiring municipalities and the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to halt fee collection for six months from the bill's enactment. Local governments may still charge these fees but must submit records to the State Treasurer for reimbursement from state funds. The suspension covers specific fees tied to housing safety certifications under existing state codes.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for municipalities to submit their midpoint status reports on compliance with affordable housing obligations under New Jersey's Fair Housing Act. It directly affects municipalities required to report on their progress implementing housing elements and fair share plans. The key provision adds one year to the existing timeline for submitting these midpoint reports, allowing more time for municipalities to gather and submit required data. This change applies to reports due during the certification period for approved housing elements. The bill does not alter housing requirements or obligations, only the submission deadline for compliance reporting.

Maddy summaryACR 44 is a non-binding resolution urging New Jersey's Governor to protect religious freedom during state emergencies. It references how during the 2020 pandemic, churches faced stricter restrictions than "essential" secular businesses like grocery stores, despite churches providing critical community services. The resolution cites constitutional protections for religious exercise under both the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions, and notes Supreme Court rulings in other states that found similar pandemic restrictions violated religious liberty. It does not create new law but formally requests the Governor prioritize religious freedom in future emergency declarations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Homestead School Property Tax Reimbursement Act," would provide New Jersey seniors aged 65 or older with a 50% reimbursement for the school portion of their property taxes on their primary residence. It phases in eligibility through income limits: $35,000 or less in the first year, $75,000 in the second year, and no income limit thereafter. Surviving spouses aged 55 or older who remain in the same home also qualify. Reimbursements would be funded from the Casino Revenue Fund and require annual applications by December 31.