Asm. Rob Clifton

Maddy summaryThis bill (A499) requires sellers to provide prospective buyers with detailed written disclosures about payments in lieu of property taxes (PILOT) before selling real property developed under New Jersey's Long Term Tax Exemption Law (P.L.1991, c.431). It mandates that sellers explain how PILOT payments are calculated, the agreement term length, and whether making PILOT payments affects eligibility for state property tax relief programs like the senior freeze or veterans' deductions. The disclosure must be provided prior to signing the sale agreement and signed by the buyer, with the municipality supplying the necessary details to the seller. This directly affects buyers of properties developed under tax-exempt financial agreements, ensuring they understand long-term financial obligations and potential loss of state tax benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1106) would allow New Jersey taxpayers to deduct expenses for functional improvements and repairs made to their primary residence from their gross income tax. It defines "functional improvements" as work that materially improves a home's operating condition or extends its useful life (e.g., roof replacement, HVAC upgrades), excluding cosmetic remodels or adaptations for new uses. Repairs must maintain the home's ordinary efficiency (e.g., fixing plumbing), not just aesthetics. The deduction applies to both homeowners and renters, covers all qualifying expenses without a dollar limit, and allows married couples filing separately to each claim half the deduction for shared home costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all state, local government, and school district employees to receive their pay via mandatory direct deposit into a bank account they designate, eliminating paper checks. It also mandates that retirement payments for public employees retiring after the effective date must be paid directly into a designated bank account. All pay and retirement information - including details about compensation and payments - must be accessible only through a secure online portal with restricted access, protecting confidentiality. The changes take effect January 1st following the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1443) establishes automatic disqualification from holding any public office or employment in New Jersey for individuals convicted of certain crimes related to their position. It requires courts to immediately issue disqualification orders alongside forfeiture orders when someone is convicted of offenses involving dishonesty, third-degree crimes, or crimes directly tied to their public role. The bill also mandates a central registry maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts to track all disqualified individuals. This applies to both state and local government positions, with limited exceptions for minor offenses that may be waived by a court.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to study rock salt usage for road de-icing and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within one year. The study must cover the DOT's past decade of rock salt use (including costs), efforts to reduce it (like temperature sensors and tracking systems), and how salt affects water quality, aquatic life, and public health. It also analyzes current alternatives to rock salt and evaluates feasible future options, including their environmental and financial impacts. The report will directly inform state decisions about road maintenance practices and potential policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Auditor to analyze the costs and benefits of certain state-funded programs and initiatives. It applies to any program or tax credit initiative receiving $1 million or more annually in state funding, including those run by accounting agencies or economic development authorities. The auditor must assess direct/indirect costs, tangible/intangible benefits, compare feasible alternatives, and conduct sensitivity testing. The findings must be reported to the Governor, Legislature, and made publicly available online. This provides lawmakers with data to evaluate program effectiveness and make informed budget decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A489) makes it illegal for unlicensed individuals to conduct door-to-door or digital outreach about buying or selling real estate, classifying such activities as consumer fraud under New Jersey's law. It directly affects unlicensed solicitors (e.g., non-brokers, non-salespeople) who approach homeowners to offer real estate services or transactions. The law requires anyone engaging in these activities to hold a valid New Jersey real estate license, with violations punishable by fines up to $20,000 per offense and potential court orders. Local governments retain authority to impose stricter rules on canvassing or solicitation through their own ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 10% tax credit for New Jersey businesses that pay gross income tax, allowing them to reduce their tax bill by 10% of qualified research and development (R&D) expenses exceeding a base amount. It specifically covers R&D spending conducted within New Jersey and includes payments to energy research consortia for energy-related research. The credit applies to businesses subject to the state's gross income tax, including those that qualify as small businesses under federal rules. The goal is to incentivize in-state R&D investment, aiming to spur technological innovation and economic growth in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the New Jersey Historical Commission to create a website program that helps historic sites and organizations (like museums, historical societies, and local government agencies) promote their projects to the public and collect donations for them. The program allows visitors to the commission’s website to donate directly to specific projects or organizations, with all funds going to the recipient site or organization for their designated use. The commission cannot offer financial returns or loans, and historic sites must retain ownership of their projects while reporting completion to the commission. The commission may monitor project progress but is not responsible for ensuring completion.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county election boards to use school buildings as polling places only when no other public, private, or commercial locations are available and accessible for voters with disabilities. It mandates that election boards first seek alternative sites like community centers or businesses before selecting a school, to minimize disruptions to school operations and ensure safety. The bill also specifies that any school used as a polling place must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that schools must be reimbursed for associated costs like lighting and janitorial services.