Asm. Alex Sauickie

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey to annually adjust its income tax brackets for inflation using the national consumer price index (CPI-U), preventing "bracket creep" where inflation alone pushes taxpayers into higher tax brackets without real income growth. The Director of the Division of Taxation would calculate these annual adjustments based on the CPI-U measure. This change would affect all New Jersey residents who pay state income tax by ensuring their tax brackets keep pace with rising prices. The bill follows the same model used for federal income tax brackets, which has been in place since the 1980s.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection from planting non-native species in landscaping at state parks and forests, effective three months after enactment. It establishes a $250,000 grant program to help local governments (counties and municipalities) replace non-native plants with native species in their public parks and forests, with each grant capped at $5,000 per project. Native plants are defined as species naturally occurring in New Jersey or the Mid-Atlantic region without human assistance. The program requires grantees to report on fund usage and program effectiveness to the governor and legislature annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates an exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. It would require these venues to become smoke-free, meaning no smoking would be permitted inside for employees, patrons, or visitors. The change directly affects casino operators, staff, and customers at all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities (such as those with slot machines, table games, or dedicated seating for betting). This policy shift extends the existing indoor smoking ban to these locations, removing a long-standing exemption.

Maddy summaryACR 31 is a New Jersey legislative resolution applying to Congress for an Article V Convention of States. It seeks to propose constitutional amendments limiting federal government powers, imposing fiscal restraints on spending, and restricting terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution is a continuing application, meaning it remains in effect until two-thirds of U.S. states make similar requests on the same issue. This is a procedural step, not a law; it does not change existing federal policy but requests Congress convene a convention to consider specific constitutional amendments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to consider energy security, diversity, and affordability when developing the state's Energy Master Plan. It mandates that the BPU conduct detailed economic and ratepayer impact analyses for all energy generation projects before approval, including cost breakdowns for infrastructure and financial effects on ratepayers. The plan must limit intermittent energy sources (like wind and solar) to no more than 50% of the state's energy mix. All analyses must use open-source modeling, include 30 days of public comment, and be published online for 10 years. These changes directly affect energy developers, ratepayers, and the BPU's planning process.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable tax credit for New Jersey residents who pay for care of qualifying elderly relatives. It allows eligible caregivers to claim 22.5% of up to $3,000 in qualified care expenses (such as home health services, adult day care, or home modifications) paid for a senior family member who is 60+ (or 50+ with Social Security Disability) and meets income requirements. To qualify, caregivers must have gross income under $100,000 (or $50,000 for certain filing statuses), and the credit is refundable - meaning it can be paid as cash if it exceeds tax liability. The credit applies to expenses not reimbursed by insurance or government programs and is in addition to any dependent deductions claimed.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing fentanyl in New Jersey. It reclassifies fentanyl offenses to match penalties for heroin and cocaine: possession of five ounces or more becomes a first-degree crime (10-20 year prison term, $500,000 fine, with mandatory minimum time ineligible for parole), 0.5 to five ounces becomes a second-degree crime (5-10 year term, $150,000 fine), and less than 0.5 ounces becomes a third-degree crime with a $75,000 fine (up from $15,000). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of fentanyl-related offenses under current law. These changes align fentanyl penalties with existing penalties for other high-level narcotics.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a New Jersey gross income tax deduction for capital gains realized when landowners sell certain real property interests to qualified conservation organizations for preservation purposes. The deduction applies to both full market value sales and "bargain sales" (where the sale price is below market value, with the difference treated as a charitable donation). The deduction amount equals the capital gain as determined under federal tax rules, covering transactions with groups participating in programs like Green Acres, Blue Acres, and farmland preservation. This policy aims to encourage land conservation by reducing tax liability on such sales, directly benefiting landowners who sell property for environmental preservation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows members of the New Jersey National Guard or U.S. military reserves called to active duty to retain eligibility for fire department positions after returning from service. It specifically ensures that if a service member met a municipality's fire department maximum age requirement at the closing date of a civil service exam, they are deemed to still meet that requirement when placed on a new eligibility list after military service. The provision applies when they submit proof of service and an application within 12 months of the original list's expiration, without requiring new exams. It directly affects military members seeking fire department employment in New Jersey municipalities governed by specific statutes (N.J.S.40A:14-12 or 40A:14-42 through 40A:14-44).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $2,000 tax exemption for New Jersey volunteer firefighters, first aid, and rescue squad members who meet specific service and training requirements. To qualify, firefighters must serve the entire year, respond to at least 60% of fire alarms and drills, and hold Firefighter I certification; rescue and first aid members must respond to at least 10% of rescue alarms and drills and have approved training or EMT certification. Volunteer organizations must submit annual lists of eligible members to the state for verification by March 31. The exemption applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment.