Asm. Rob Clifton

Maddy summaryACR 25 proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure funds from a 90-cent fee on phone bills (collected since 2004) are exclusively used for 9-1-1 and emergency response needs. The amendment would prohibit diverting these funds for general state budget purposes, mandating they cover specific costs like emergency equipment, training, operating 9-1-1 service centers, and implementing federal 9-1-1 requirements. It directly affects how New Jersey allocates nearly $100 million annually from this dedicated trust fund. The amendment requires voter approval to take effect, preventing future legislative use of these funds for non-emergency purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as an educational resource for New Jersey state agencies, schools, and law enforcement. It defines antisemitism as hatred toward Jews, including specific examples like Holocaust denial, harmful stereotypes (e.g., conspiracy theories about Jewish control), and double standards applied to Israel. The definition is explicitly non-binding and must be used while protecting constitutional rights like free speech. New Jersey lawmakers cite the state's high rate of antisemitic incidents - including ranking third nationally in 2023 - as the basis for this measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Honoring and Listening to Our First Responders Act" (HALO Act), creates a new misdemeanor offense for intentionally approaching within 25 feet of a first responder who has instructed you to maintain distance, with the purpose of obstructing their duties or threatening/intimidating them. It directly affects law enforcement officers, paid or volunteer firefighters, and emergency medical personnel (including ambulance/rescue squad members) by protecting their ability to perform official duties without interference. The key provision makes it punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both for violating this distance rule. The law does not prevent prosecution under other existing laws for the same conduct.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1841, the "Small Modular Nuclear Energy Incentive Act," creates a competitive bidding program to incentivize the construction of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) by offering payments per megawatt-hour of electricity produced. The Board of Public Utilities will administer this program, prioritizing projects at sites of retired nuclear, coal, or natural gas plants and including retraining for former plant workers. Eligible projects must interconnect to New Jersey's grid, with bids evaluated on price and site preference, aiming to support reliable, low-emission power generation while replacing fossil fuel infrastructure. The bill directly affects nuclear developers, utilities, and workers transitioning from retiring power plants.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2317) prohibits force-feeding geese, ducks, or other poultry via tube insertion to produce foie gras, except when done for the bird's health. It also bans selling or distributing foie gras unless the product comes from a state or jurisdiction that similarly bans force-feeding. Violations carry a written warning for first offenses and $100 civil penalties for repeat or ongoing violations, with each day of violation treated as a separate offense. The bill would take effect 60 days after enactment and applies to producers, sellers, and importers of foie gras within New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires group homes licensed by New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities (serving adults with developmental disabilities receiving Tier C+ services) to install electronic monitoring devices in common areas only when all residents and their authorized representatives unanimously consent in writing. It mandates that group homes must actively seek this consent, provide annual notices about the option, and allow residents to withdraw consent anytime without affecting housing placement. Devices must record continuously, retain footage for 90 days, undergo weekly inspections, and permit residents to review recordings upon request. The bill explicitly prohibits using refusal to consent as a barrier to housing and requires visitor notices at entrances.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1685) reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retirement benefits paid to members of New Jersey's state-administered retirement systems, including teachers' pensions. It directly affects current and future retirees in these systems by ensuring their benefits automatically increase each year to match inflation, rather than requiring separate legislative action for each adjustment. The key mechanism is amending existing law to restore the automatic COLA provision that was previously removed, linking benefit increases directly to the Consumer Price Index. This change simplifies the process and provides predictable income growth for retirees without requiring new votes for each adjustment. The bill is sponsored by Assemblywomen Reynolds-Jackson and Speight and co-sponsored by multiple legislators.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2656) increases the percentage of rental payments that count toward property tax deductions for tenants from 18% to 30%. It directly affects renters living in qualifying residential rental properties used as their principal residence. The key change modifies how "rent constituting property taxes" is calculated, allowing tenants to deduct a larger portion of their rent from gross income. This adjustment lowers taxable income for eligible renters but does not change the $15,000 deduction cap. The bill amends the Property Tax Deduction Act (N.J.S.A. 54A:3A-15 et seq.) and applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2020.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school staff (including those in after-school programs) to complete epilepsy and seizure disorder care training every five years. It directly affects school boards, administrators, and all school personnel who interact with students. The key provision mandates that training must be provided through a Department of Health-approved course from a nonprofit epilepsy support organization. This ensures staff can recognize seizures, provide appropriate care, and know when to seek help, as outlined in individualized health plans developed with parent input and physician guidance. The law applies to all schools in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies eligibility rules for New Jersey's State small business set-aside program, which helps direct state government contracts to small businesses. It specifies that employee count requirements apply only to businesses without a federal revenue standard (13 CFR §121.201), and changes how gross revenue is calculated: businesses must now use a 5-year average (instead of 3 years) of revenue history for eligibility. This directly affects businesses seeking state contracts under the program, requiring updated revenue reporting. The changes update the existing Set-Aside Act (P.L.1983, c.482) and supersede certain existing regulations.