Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill requires transportation network companies (like ride-hailing services) in New Jersey to: 1) Send electronic notifications to riders within 48 hours of account changes (e.g., password, email, or phone number updates) or unusual ride patterns (e.g., sudden spikes in prearranged rides), 2) Provide 24/7 live customer service via digital channels or phone to resolve account issues and dispute unauthorized charges, and 3) Submit annual written compliance descriptions to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. It directly affects riders (end-users) and transportation network companies operating in New Jersey, focusing on transparency and accessibility for account management and billing disputes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey residents applying for a driver's license, permit, or non-driver ID card at the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide proof of U.S. citizenship to be automatically registered to vote (or update an existing registration), with an option to decline. It mandates that the MVC collect voter registration information from these applications and transmit it electronically to the Secretary of State, except for online/mail renewals until electronic transmission becomes feasible. The bill also requires an initial audit of voters registered through MVC since May 2021 and annual audits of new MVC voter registrations to verify eligibility, with reports to the Governor, Legislature, and Secretary of State.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-2262) increases tuition credit amounts for volunteer firefighters and first responders in New Jersey. It raises the annual credit from $600 to $1,250 per year of service, with a total maximum of $5,000 over four years (up from $2,400), for active members of volunteer fire companies or first aid/rescue squads, their spouses, and dependent children. The existing requirement that volunteers must agree to serve four years in exchange for the credit remains unchanged. The credit applies to tuition at county colleges, vocational schools, or technical institutes, subject to course availability.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A377) strengthens oversight of New Jersey's three State veterans' memorial homes (Menlo Park, Vineland, and Paramus) by requiring stricter operational standards. It mandates that home administrators have clinical long-term care experience, requires infection control plans and staff training on hygiene and protective equipment, and requires annual financial audits plus unannounced inspections. The bill directly affects the facilities' management and staff, focusing on improving healthcare safety and accountability. These provisions aim to ensure consistent, high-quality care through concrete regulatory measures rather than new funding or services.

Maddy summaryBill A 376 allows New Jersey counties to create voluntary registries for senior residents (65+ years old) to receive additional emergency assistance. Counties must establish a central registry collecting basic contact and medical information, conduct public awareness campaigns, and maintain data privacy protections. Each county may also prepare and distribute emergency supply kits to registered seniors, with kit contents determined locally. The bill does not require all counties to implement these measures but provides state funding for kit preparation upon approval.

Maddy summaryBill A 2851 prohibits electric utilities in New Jersey from including "solar subscription fees" in community solar subscribers' monthly bills. These fees, paid to companies managing community solar projects (called "subscriber organizations"), would be removed from utility bills under the bill's requirements. The law directs the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to mandate that utilities develop a method to eliminate these fees, which currently appear alongside energy credits on subscriber bills. The bill affects community solar participants and the organizations that manage their enrollment in solar projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a nonrefundable 10% tax credit for New Jersey taxpayers who donate to eligible schools for specific purposes. It allows credits up to $500 per year for donations funding student meal programs, medical supplies for student treatment, or playground equipment (including shade structures). The credit applies to donations made to public or nonpublic elementary/secondary schools, with taxpayers required to obtain written documentation from the school to claim the credit. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A-833, "Judy and Nikki's Law," mandates life imprisonment without parole for anyone convicted of murdering a child 16 years old or younger. This law directly affects defendants found guilty of such murders by replacing the standard 30-year minimum sentence with a mandatory life sentence. The key provision requires courts to impose life without parole when the victim is under 16, regardless of the circumstances of the crime. The bill applies immediately to all cases where sentencing occurs after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey county commissioners to create a "Sharing Resources" program offering grants and loans to local municipalities. It directly affects towns and cities studying shared services (like combining police or waste management) or consolidation (merging with another municipality), covering costs for feasibility studies, consultants, and one-time startup expenses. Counties must exclude debt financing from the program, set cost-effective award limits, and provide technical support for applicants. Funding can come from state, federal, or private sources, or county taxes, with the Commissioner of Community Affairs setting application guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey public and private institutions of higher education from receiving state funding if they boycott or divest from Israel-supporting businesses or Israeli entities. Specifically, it blocks state operating aid, student scholarships, and certain bonds if an institution boycotts Israeli goods, boycotts companies doing business with Israel, divests due to a company's support for Israel, or supports the BDS movement. Exceptions apply for divestment due to "prudent economic reasons." The law directly affects all higher education institutions in New Jersey, including their endowment funds and departments. It takes effect immediately upon passage.