Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill allows eligible New Jersey educators (teachers in public or nonpublic K-12 schools) to deduct up to $1,200 from their taxable income for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. It defines "classroom supplies" as items like books, pencils, computers, lab equipment, and other daily teaching materials. The deduction applies only to expenses not covered by the school and takes effect after enactment for future tax years. The bill does not change tax rates but provides a direct tax benefit for educators covering out-of-pocket costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Anthony Maruca's Law," requires New Jersey law enforcement officers to complete training on administering epinephrine auto-injectors and carry one device during official duties. It mandates that police departments provide each officer with a one-dose epinephrine auto-injector device, to be stored in patrol vehicles or medical supply kits per health department guidelines. The law directly affects all sworn law enforcement officers in New Jersey who perform duties requiring emergency response. It creates a concrete policy change by ensuring officers have immediate access to epinephrine for anaphylaxis emergencies during their work.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that horse boarding charges (renting stalls in barns or stables for horses) are **not subject to New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax**. It amends the tax code to explicitly exclude "the lease or rental of a stall in a barn, stable, or similar facility for the boarding or stabling of horses" from the definition of taxable "space for storage." This directly affects **horse boarding businesses and their customers** by ensuring these services remain tax-exempt. The change removes ambiguity about whether such charges fall under the existing tax on storage services, aligning with prior exemptions for similar arrangements.

Maddy summaryAJR 112 establishes a 11-member Commission to review how pandemic-related rules and orders (like Executive Order 103) affected small businesses in New Jersey. The Commission, appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker, will analyze impacts on small businesses (defined as having ≤100 full-time employees), investment, economic growth, and recovery. It must hold at least three public hearings and issue reports with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature after each meeting. The Commission expires when the state’s public health emergency ends. This resolution does not create new laws but mandates a review of existing pandemic policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools (including district, charter, and renaissance schools) that employ school psychologists and offer in-person counseling to students in grades K-12 to also provide remote counseling sessions as an option. Schools must allow students to attend sessions remotely unless a school psychologist determines in-person counseling is necessary for the student's well-being. Students retain the right to choose in-person sessions if they prefer, and the bill defines "school psychologist" as someone holding a specific New Jersey certification. The law takes effect immediately for the next full school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1381) proposes to expand New Jersey's cyber-harassment law to make it a more serious offense when an adult (18 or older) harasses a minor online, removing the previous requirement that the offender must impersonate a minor. The key change clarifies that targeting minors online with threats, lewd content, or criminal threats becomes a third-degree crime (with potential 3-5 year prison time), while other cyber-harassment remains a less severe fourth-degree offense. It also requires courts to order minors convicted of cyber-harassment to complete educational programs about online safety, and imposes fines on parents who fail to ensure their minor complies with these court orders. The bill aims to strengthen protections for minors by broadening criminal penalties and adding accountability for both offenders and parents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school districts to integrate age-appropriate lessons about the September 11, 2001 attacks into Social Studies curricula for elementary, middle, and high school students. It mandates specific content, including the historical context, timeline of events, recognition of first responders and Flight 93 passengers' sacrifice, and lessons on humanitarian aid and tolerance. Additionally, schools must hold annual commemorative events focused on conflict resolution, diversity, and cultural acceptance. The Commissioner of Education will provide sample resources to support implementation, with the law taking effect in the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new first-degree crime called "home invasion" for entering a residence with intent to commit certain serious offenses (like robbery or violence) when others are present, carrying a mandatory 10-30 year prison sentence. It also upgrades residential burglaries to second-degree crimes when committed with aggravating factors like presence of occupants or weapons. Additionally, the bill requires juveniles accused of home invasion or carjacking to be tried in the county where the incident occurred, rather than their residence county. These changes directly affect individuals committing these offenses and juvenile court proceedings in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care professionals to provide new or expecting parents who receive positive test results for Down syndrome or other conditions diagnosed before birth (prenatally) or after birth (postnatally) with written information about outcomes and referrals to support services. The state Department of Health must establish a hotline, maintain a website with resources, and expand peer support programs to connect parents with community assistance and evidence-based information. The bill coordinates with a federal law and seeks federal funding to implement these services without requiring state funds for initial implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent "Veteran Obituary Fund" within New Jersey's Department of the Treasury to cover costs for veterans' obituaries. Taxpayers can deduct donations to the fund (up to $50,000 annually) from their state income tax, with property donations over $500 requiring an independent appraisal. The fund accepts money or property donations from any source, which the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs administers to pay for veteran obituaries. It directly affects New Jersey taxpayers who donate to the fund and veterans' families, as it ensures obituary costs - averaging several hundred dollars - are covered without burdening families.