Asm. Luanne Peterpaul

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 10% tax credit against New Jersey's corporation business tax and gross income tax for commercial farm operators who donate eligible fruits and vegetables (fit for human consumption) to qualifying charitable organizations in New Jersey. To claim the credit, farms must obtain written verification from the charity detailing the donation's value, quantity, and origin, and submit it with their tax return. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to five years, but the total credit cannot exceed 50% of a farm's tax liability for the period. The bill also requires the state tax division to publish annual reports tracking credit usage, donation volumes, and beneficiary organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4475) establishes mandatory standards for court-ordered domestic violence counseling programs in New Jersey. It directly affects domestic violence offenders required by courts to participate in counseling and the counseling programs themselves. The bill requires all such programs to include four key components: risk assessments identifying escalation factors, education on power/control tactics, clear attendance tracking protocols, and regular reviews by the Department of Children and Families for funded programs. These standards ensure consistent accountability and program effectiveness for offenders mandated to attend counseling.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts community gardens from needing certain environmental permits when they manage organic waste through on-site composting systems. It applies to gardens using food waste collected separately from other trash, limiting weekly processing to 200 gallons (or scaled for properties over 5,000 sq ft). Gardens must use all compost on-site or distribute/sell it per New Jersey DEP rules for Class C recyclables. The exemption removes regulatory barriers under the state's Solid Waste Management and Recycling Acts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to create a loan program helping beginning farmers purchase essential farming capital like land, farm buildings, and equipment. Beginning farmers are defined as New Jersey residents with low or moderate net worth who are actively farming or planning to start farming. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria including New Jersey residency, property location within the state, relevant farming experience, and plans for active farm operation. Loans would be issued by NJEDA with terms and interest rates set by the agency, and borrowers may need to provide financial statements to ensure business viability.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to prioritize projects that include or allow for flood mitigation when funding land acquisition for recreation and conservation (known as "Blue Acres" projects) and certain environmental infrastructure projects. It mandates that these projects receive additional priority points in the ranking system used to determine which projects get funded through the Green Acres Program and environmental infrastructure programs. The change affects local governments, nonprofit organizations, and others applying for DEP funding for projects that protect against flooding while serving recreation, conservation, or infrastructure needs. The bill implements this by amending existing laws to require the DEP to factor flood mitigation into its evaluation criteria for funding applications.

Maddy summaryACR 138 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the 40th anniversary of New Jersey's Jersey Fresh program, a state-sponsored initiative established in 1984 to promote locally grown produce. The resolution recognizes the program's role in supporting New Jersey farms, increasing consumer awareness of seasonal produce, and serving as a national model for agricultural branding. It does not create new laws or policies but formally commends the program's success in connecting consumers with locally harvested fruits and vegetables across all 21 counties. The resolution directs copies to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and the State Board of Agriculture for their records.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes funding to protect the safety of cooperating witnesses - individuals who testify for the government to help prosecute crimes, including confidential informants. It expands New Jersey's Crime Victim's Bill of Rights to guarantee these witnesses assistance with psychological and practical challenges of testifying, protective measures before, during, and after trials, and court procedures ensuring their safety. The bill amends existing laws to allow the Victims of Crime Compensation Office to cover relocation and safety expenses, and authorizes the Victim and Witness Advocacy Fund to provide grants to organizations offering services like emergency shelter, medical advocacy, and safety planning for these witnesses and their families. These changes directly affect witnesses who cooperate with law enforcement in criminal cases, ensuring they receive concrete support and protection while navigating the justice system.

Maddy summaryAJR 89 is a symbolic joint resolution passed by the New Jersey legislature that unconditionally condemns all forms of hate, hate-based violence, and bias crimes targeting individuals based on race, religion, ethnicity, disability, age, marital status, gender, or sexual orientation. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but urges the Governor and Attorney General to continue existing efforts like supporting victims, improving hate crime reporting, enhancing security at vulnerable sites, and researching solutions. The resolution emphasizes New Jersey’s commitment to protecting citizens from hatred and promoting an inclusive community, reflecting the state’s ongoing stance against bias-motivated incidents. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct legal effect on individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryACR 148 is a concurrent resolution urging federal agencies to create clear guidelines for state and local law enforcement to address drone threats. It specifically requests the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Transportation develop protocols allowing police to independently investigate and respond to unidentified drones near sensitive locations like military bases and water reservoirs. The resolution responds to recent drone sightings over sites including New Jersey's Picatinny Arsenal and Trump National Golf Club, which current federal law prevents local authorities from addressing directly. It does not create new state authority but asks the federal government to expand existing frameworks. This resolution has no legal effect but formally requests federal action to enhance public safety coordination.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds $10 million in supplemental funding to New Jersey's FY2025 budget specifically for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Grant Program under the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. It directly provides state and local law enforcement agencies with grant money to purchase equipment or training needed to address unexplained drone sightings and ensure compliance with UAS regulations. The key provision is the allocation of $10 million to support local officials in safeguarding critical infrastructure against potential threats from unidentifiable drones. This is a funding mechanism, not a new regulation, focused on operational readiness for existing drone-related safety concerns.