Asm. Paul Kanitra

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that BB guns commonly used for recreation (which fire small pellets using air or compressed air at low speed) are not classified as firearms under New Jersey law. As a result, these devices will no longer require firearm permits, background checks, or other licensing under state law. The amendment specifically excludes such BB guns from the legal definition of "firearm" in New Jersey statutes. This change directly affects BB gun owners, retailers, and law enforcement by removing firearm regulatory requirements for these devices. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates two fees on high-value residential real estate transactions: the "general purpose fee" and a one percent assessment on properties selling for more than $1 million. It directly affects sellers (who would no longer pay the general purpose fee) and buyers (who would no longer pay the one percent assessment) of residential properties priced above this threshold. The general purpose fee was calculated in tiers based on property value, with rates ranging from $0.90 to $2.15 per $500 of value, while the one percent assessment applied to the full purchase price over $1 million. For example, a $1.5 million property purchase would save the buyer $15,000 under this bill. The bill would take effect for property transfers occurring on or after the second calendar month following its enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill criminalizes occupying an empty or vacant home without the owner's permission, addressing what the bill calls "squatting." It creates three specific offenses: forcibly entering a vacant dwelling (housebreaking), taking up residence without permission (unlawful occupancy), and reentering after a court-ordered eviction (unlawful reentry). All are classified as fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. The bill presumes a person knows they lack permission unless they provide a notarized rental agreement with the owner's contact details, changing the current process where owners must seek civil court eviction.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3339, "Parents Bill of Rights Act") gives New Jersey parents and guardians the right to review and direct their child's education in public schools. It requires school districts to provide parents with a curriculum summary, allow them to review textbooks/media used, and permit opting children out of any curriculum conflicting with their conscience or beliefs - without academic penalties like grade loss or graduation delays. The law prohibits schools from interfering with these parental rights or denying requested information. It directly affects all K-12 public school parents/guardians and school districts across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey local governments from authorizing noncitizens to vote in local elections, declaring any such ordinance, resolution, or rule null and void. It requires elected local officials to uphold their oath of office by not approving measures permitting noncitizen voting, as this violates their duty to "faithfully, impartially and justly perform all duties of office." The bill amends the Local Government Ethics Law to explicitly treat such violations as breaches of ethical conduct, subject to potential penalties. It directly affects all local governments (cities, towns, counties) and their elected officers, ensuring only U.S. citizens may vote in local elections under New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A827, "Anthony Maruca's Law," requires all state law enforcement officers to carry and be trained in using epinephrine auto-injectors for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions. The bill mandates that officers complete approved training to administer epinephrine and provides their departments with a one-dose supply per officer, to be kept in patrol vehicles or medical kits. It directly affects all permanent full-time law enforcement officers and their employing agencies across New Jersey. The law aims to ensure officers can provide immediate life-saving aid during anaphylactic emergencies, as highlighted by a case where officers were unable to assist due to lacking epinephrine.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A777) ensures religious services can continue during New Jersey Governor-declared state or public health emergencies. It directly affects religious institutions and congregants by preventing restrictions on gathering for worship, travel to places of worship, or penalties for practicing faith during emergencies. The key provision prohibits emergency declarations from infringing these rights, while still requiring religious groups to follow universal health/safety rules applicable to all essential businesses. The bill takes immediate effect and focuses solely on preserving religious assembly rights without altering general emergency authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A770) requires all registered New Jersey voters to show a photo ID at polling places when casting a ballot. Acceptable IDs include a valid New Jersey driver’s license, REAL ID, DMV "identification only" card, or U.S. passport. Voters without proper ID may be challenged but can still prove eligibility through signature verification or other means outlined in the bill. The law would take immediate effect and does not deny voting access if a voter provides acceptable identification or meets verification requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to allow any member who participated in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations to qualify for accidental disability retirement benefits if they develop a disability linked to that work. It presumes that health conditions from 9/11 exposure (like respiratory illnesses or PTSD) resulted from their duties if they worked at least eight hours at the site, or if they had a documented injury preventing further participation. Members who later retire on ordinary disability or service retirement can also seek recalculated benefits if they develop qualifying 9/11-related disabilities. The policy change applies to all PERS members, regardless of when they joined the system, removing previous restrictions that limited eligibility to specific roles like emergency medical technicians.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A772) requires that at least one member of New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) must reside in Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, or Ocean County. It amends the state law governing BPU appointments by adding this residency requirement for all new appointees. The change applies to all future appointments to the BPU, ensuring representation from these four coastal counties. This is a procedural change affecting BPU membership rules, not the board's policy responsibilities.