Asm. Paul Kanitra

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1273) would require local governments to notify municipal governing bodies when a sex offender registers in their area and prohibit certain sex offenders from living within 500 feet of schools, childcare centers, or playgrounds. It directly affects sex offenders convicted of crimes against minors under 18, local municipalities (through notification duties), and facilities where children gather. Key provisions include mandating police to forward offender addresses to town councils and banning residence near child-congregate areas, with exceptions for existing homes, correctional facilities, or court/parole board-approved cases. The bill expands New Jersey’s Megan’s Law to enhance public safety by restricting where certain sex offenders can live.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 694) requires that when New Jersey condemns a portion of beachfront property for dune construction or beach replenishment, the compensation paid to the property owner must include the increased value of the *entire* property due to the added safety and protection from storms provided by the dunes or replenished beach. It also specifies that any public access rights granted to the property as a result of the project cannot be used to reduce the property's assessed value for compensation purposes. The bill applies to all pending condemnation cases and amends the 1971 Eminent Domain Act to ensure fair compensation for beachfront property owners affected by these coastal protection projects.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A-532) would require public school districts to provide vouchers covering 75% of tuition at nonpublic schools for students whose parents withdraw them due to objections about curriculum content. It specifically protects objections related to material conflicting with parental beliefs about sex, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or morality. The voucher amount is calculated based on the district's per-pupil spending, prorated for remaining school days. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Education Committee (introduced January 13, 2026) and would directly affect parents who withdraw children over curriculum disputes and the school districts funding those vouchers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of the Ombudsman for Children within New Jersey's government (operating under the Attorney General's office but without departmental control). The ombudsman will investigate child welfare cases, monitor facilities like foster homes and group homes, and identify systemic issues in how the state cares for children at risk of abuse or neglect. Key mechanisms include a 24-hour hotline for public concerns, authority to access child welfare records, and reporting findings to the Governor and Legislature. The office directly affects children in state care, child welfare agencies, and service providers, aiming to ensure they receive appropriate protections and services.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 212) requires law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities to notify federal immigration authorities when non-citizens unlawfully present in the state are arrested or convicted of specific offenses. It mandates 24-hour notification to federal immigration authorities (including ICE and CBP) for arrests related to crimes like violent offenses (1st-4th degree), drug trafficking, theft, or robbery. Courts must also immediately contact federal authorities upon convicting such non-citizens, and probation officers or correctional facilities must provide similar notifications. The law directly affects non-citizens in New Jersey facing these charges, requiring state entities to facilitate deportation proceedings. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 304) requires courts to award pet owners at least $5,000 in damages for "pain and suffering" when a veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or facility is found liable for the death of a cat or dog due to negligence or malpractice. It applies directly to owners of cats or dogs whose pets die from veterinary errors, in addition to reimbursing the pet's monetary value and prior veterinary costs. The key provision mandates a minimum $5,000 court award for emotional distress, separate from financial reimbursements. The bill does not cover other pets, and the damages are only applicable if liability is established in court.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits setting snares or cable restraint traps on National Guard properties that are 150+ acres and located in municipalities with at least 1,500 people per square mile (based on 2020 census data). It directly affects individuals or entities setting such traps on these designated lands, including areas like the New Jersey National Guard Training Center. The law imposes civil penalties of $100-$200 for a first offense and $200-$500 for subsequent offenses, with each trap considered a separate violation. Enforcement is authorized for the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, with penalties collectible through summary court proceedings under New Jersey’s Penalty Enforcement Law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires county recording offices to notify property owners if a quitclaim deed is submitted for recording on their property, giving owners a 10-12 business day window to review the transaction before it's recorded. Property owners can proactively request this notification by providing contact details (mail or email) to the county office. The bill mandates that recording officers delay finalizing the deed for at least 10 business days after sending the notification, aiming to prevent fraudulent transfers. It directly affects property owners and county recording officers, adding a verification step specifically for quitclaim deeds.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A 3144 directs the Attorney General to create a formal agreement with federal authorities, enabling specific corrections officers to check inmates' immigration status at the time of incarceration. Only officers who volunteer, are approved by their employers, and complete required training would be designated for this role. If an inmate is found to be in the U.S. without legal authorization, officers would report this to federal immigration authorities (ICE), but they cannot take enforcement action themselves. The agreement would also outline training, federal funding for costs, and clarify legal protections for officers acting under this program. The bill is pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.