Asm. Luanne Peterpaul

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey courts to consider specific factors when appointing guardians for adults who may be unable to make decisions for themselves. Courts must evaluate the individual's health and safety, the potential guardian's ability to care for them, any existing relationship, medical evidence of incapacity, reports from court-appointed counsel, and estate management needs. The court must base any guardianship decision on "clear and convincing evidence" and document the specific factors and evidence justifying the appointment. It applies to all types of adult guardianship (person, estate, or both) and directly affects vulnerable adults, courts, and potential guardians.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows restaurants, bars, distilleries, and breweries to use tents, canopies, tables, and other fixtures for outdoor dining on their own property (like parking lots or patios) or on public sidewalks. Owners must apply to their local zoning official with plans showing fixture placement and waste management, and must maintain a 4-foot pedestrian path on sidewalks while removing all fixtures daily. Outdoor dining is permitted year-round from April 1 to December 1, making temporary pandemic-era rules permanent, though winter regulations (December 2-March 31) remain unchanged. The bill does not override fire safety codes, alcohol laws, or municipal noise/operation rules, and applies only to businesses already licensed to serve food and beverages.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts horse-boarding businesses in New Jersey from charging sales tax on two specific services: (1) renting stalls in barns or stables for horses, and (2) basic maintenance or servicing of boarded horses. It directly affects stables and boarding facilities by clarifying that these charges are no longer subject to the state's 6.625% sales tax. The bill amends the existing tax code to exclude "charges for storing a horse... in a barn, stable, or other similar structure" from the taxable "space for storage" category. These exemptions apply to taxable years beginning January 1 after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a certification program for businesses owned and controlled by LGBTQ+ individuals in New Jersey. To qualify, a business must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by LGBTQ+ persons (including real, substantial management authority), not just formally registered. The Division of Revenue will process applications and maintain a public listing in the SAVI database for state contracting agencies to identify certified businesses. This creates a standardized process for certification but does not require state agencies to prioritize these businesses in contracts.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A4169 bill establishes a nine-member task force within the Department of Health to study health care needs and barriers faced by LGBTQI+ individuals, including transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex people. The task force will review current state/federal health policies, assess existing services and medical training, and identify ways to improve access and reduce discrimination in health care. Composed of health officials, community advocates, and legislative appointees, it must submit recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year. The task force expires upon report submission, with no funding provided for its operations.

Maddy summaryACR 129 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow New Jersey's Legislature to extend the veterans' property tax deduction to surviving spouses of veterans who were New Jersey residents at some point before or after military service, but not necessarily at the time of the veteran's death. Currently, the deduction only applies to surviving spouses who were residents of New Jersey when the veteran died. The amendment would permit the Legislature to provide this tax benefit to surviving spouses of veterans who maintained New Jersey residency prior to military service and after honorable discharge, even if they were nonresidents at the time of the veteran's death. This change would affect surviving spouses of veterans with historical New Jersey ties who no longer reside in the state. The amendment requires voter approval before taking effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4126) requires school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and school contractors to review the employment history of job applicants for positions involving regular student contact. Specifically, it mandates that applicants provide a list of their last 20 years of school-related employers and authorizations for background checks, and disclose any past allegations or findings of child abuse or sexual misconduct. Employers must verify this information with previous employers within 20 days, and applicants who provide false information face termination, civil penalties up to $10,000, or potential criminal charges. The law directly affects all New Jersey schools and contractors hiring staff with student contact, aiming to strengthen screening for potential risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides supplemental state aid to New Jersey school districts facing state aid reductions exceeding 1% of their 2023-2024 operating budget. It ensures districts subject to larger cuts under existing law (P.L.2018, c.67) receive funds equal to the difference between their proposed reduction and the 1% threshold. To qualify, districts must submit a plan to the Commissioner of Education detailing how they will fund operations without this aid in future years. The funding comes from the Property Tax Relief Fund and applies to the 2024-2025 school year, excluding vocational districts receiving separate stabilization aid.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A4135 (A4135) requires all counties to establish crisis intervention services programs for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and sheriff's officers. The bill mandates counties provide up to 12 counseling sessions (with possible additional sessions within one year) for first responders affected by critical incidents like witnessing trauma, dangerous child crime investigations, or life-threatening rescues. Employers cannot require use of paid leave for counseling attendance, and if deemed unfit for duty during counseling, employees receive full pay/benefits for up to 30 days per incident. Counties must report program data annually to the state, and the state will reimburse counties for program costs. The law expands eligibility to include volunteer firefighters, 9-1-1 dispatchers, and state-employed officers residing in or working within the county.

Maddy summaryThis bill would establish a certification program for businesses owned by LGBTQ+ individuals in New Jersey. To qualify, a business must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by LGBTQ+ persons, with specific documentation required to verify eligibility. Certified businesses would be listed in the SAVI database, making them eligible for state contracting opportunities and public recognition. The program formalizes an existing executive order (E.O. 295) that created this certification process, making it permanent rather than temporary. Businesses seeking certification would apply through the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, with appeal processes available for denials or revocations.