Asm. Rob Clifton

Maddy summaryAJR 24 establishes a five-member study commission to examine the feasibility of implementing a unified smart card fare system across New Jersey's transit agencies. The commission, appointed by state leaders with specific expertise in transit technology, fare policy, and infrastructure, will analyze costs, benefits, and strategies for cross-agency compatibility. It must submit a report within one year, detailing recommendations for adopting a compatible system and improving fare policies to enhance customer value. The bill does not enact a new policy but sets up a study to inform future decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify reservoirs with documented history of causing or worsening downstream flooding. For these reservoirs, the DEP must study downstream flood risks and water supply needs, then set maximum water levels to balance flood prevention with community water access. Reservoir owners must create and follow an approved flood action plan (including flood gates) within 90 days of DEP rules. The Office of Emergency Management can also order immediate water level reductions during severe weather to prevent flooding, with the state indemnifying owners who comply with these orders and approved plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all school bus drivers (including those operating vehicles under school board or private school contracts for student transportation) to pass a physical performance test before receiving or renewing their school bus license. The test assesses specific abilities like exiting the bus quickly from front/back, operating doors/pedals, handling controls, and dragging 125 pounds to simulate evacuating students. It must be administered by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission for all initial licenses and renewals, with rules set by the commission. The law takes effect 13 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Homestead School Property Tax Reimbursement Act," would provide New Jersey seniors aged 65 or older with a 50% reimbursement for the school portion of their property taxes on their primary residence. It phases in eligibility through income limits: $35,000 or less in the first year, $75,000 in the second year, and no income limit thereafter. Surviving spouses aged 55 or older who remain in the same home also qualify. Reimbursements would be funded from the Casino Revenue Fund and require annual applications by December 31.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program to include payments in lieu of property taxes (PILOT) as eligible payments for the program. Currently, only property owners who pay actual property taxes qualify for the program, which helps seniors and disabled residents with property tax burdens. The bill would extend eligibility to large property owners like hospitals, universities, and other tax-exempt entities that pay PILOTs instead of traditional property taxes. This change would directly affect these entities by making them eligible for tax relief they currently cannot access. The policy change would make the program more inclusive for certain property owners seeking tax relief.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to process unemployment benefit claims within two weeks of filing, shortening the current three-week deadline. It mandates DOLWD to establish a dedicated telephone hotline available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with staffing to ensure callers wait no more than 30 minutes on average. The hotline would provide assistance with general unemployment program inquiries, claim filing instructions, and troubleshooting eligibility issues. DOLWD would need to hire additional staff as necessary to meet these new processing requirements, directly affecting unemployed New Jersey residents filing for benefits and employers who may be charged for benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A491) requires all school buses purchased by New Jersey school districts, nonpublic schools, or school bus contractors on or after July 1, 2020, to be equipped with a collision avoidance system. The system must include specific safety technologies like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, blind spot alerts, back-up cameras, and lane departure warnings. If the required technology is not readily available, the Commissioner of Education may delay the requirement and establish a compliance schedule. The law applies directly to entities purchasing new school buses, aiming to improve safety through mandated vehicle technology.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the state tax deduction for New Jersey residents who contribute to the NJBEST college savings program. It raises the maximum annual deduction from $10,000 to $15,000 for taxpayers with gross income under $200,000. The bill also requires annual adjustments to both the deduction limit and income threshold based on the national consumer price index. These changes apply to contributions made in taxable years starting after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A498) amends custody law to require courts to consider two additional factors when determining child custody: (1) any history of abuse, abandonment, or neglect, and (2) evidence of a pattern of abusive, threatening, intimidating, or controlling behavior by either parent over time. It directly affects parents and children involved in custody disputes by expanding the factors courts must weigh. The bill clarifies that a parent isn't deemed unfit unless their conduct substantially harms the child. The key change is adding these specific safety-related considerations to the existing list of custody factors.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1537) amends New Jersey law to expand permitted activities for breweries holding limited brewery licenses. It allows these license holders to host unlimited on-premises special events (such as weddings, trivia nights, and live music) without requiring permits or electronic notifications to the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The bill also permits up to 18 off-premises events annually (like beer festivals and races) with a director's permit, and removes the requirement for breweries to provide tours before serving alcohol on premises. Additionally, it eliminates the need for server certification under industry-recognized training programs and allows limited breweries to sell soda and coordinate with food vendors for food service on their premises.