Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that only licensed nurses may use the title "Nurse" or related abbreviations like "R.N." or "L.P.N." in New Jersey. It prohibits unlicensed individuals or organizations from representing themselves as nurses or using these titles, including in professional communications or credentials. The law applies to all unlicensed people seeking to misrepresent their qualifications, reinforcing existing licensing requirements under New Jersey's nursing statutes. Violations carry penalties of $200 per offense, increasing to $500 for repeat violations. (Note: This bill amends prior laws rather than creating new licensing standards.)

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution (AR 60) urges the U.S. Congress to support policies examining pollution differences between U.S. and foreign manufacturers, particularly highlighting that goods produced in China and Russia generate 300-400% more carbon emissions than equivalent U.S. goods. It argues that U.S. manufacturers, which are more carbon-efficient (44% more efficient than the global average), face unfair competition from countries like China - accounting for over 30% of global emissions - where lax environmental standards subsidize exports. The resolution seeks to make trade policy consider carbon emissions, aiming to reward U.S. firms for environmental performance and reduce reliance on high-emission imports. It does not create new laws but requests Congress investigate these pollution disparities and develop accountability measures through trade policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's open public records law for requests made for commercial purposes. It defines "commercial purpose" to exclude news media, educational, and government organizations, while including any use expecting profit (e.g., resale, leasing, or commission-based activities). Key provisions require public agencies to charge a special service fee for commercial requests, extend the response time from 7 to 10 business days for such requests, and impose penalties for failing to certify whether a request qualifies as commercial. It directly affects businesses and individuals seeking public records for profit, while exempting journalists, researchers, and nonprofits. The bill does not change access for non-commercial requests or alter existing confidentiality exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to repeal a 2018 directive (No. 2018-6) that limited local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The directive previously prohibited police from sharing certain information with immigration officials - such as notifying them about detained individuals' release dates or extending detention solely based on immigration requests - when immigration enforcement was the sole purpose. The bill directly affects state, county, and local police departments by removing these restrictions on sharing information with federal immigration authorities. It aims to restore full cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies, as specified in the directive's current provisions. The repeal would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A-1260) requires manufacturers and sellers of internet-connected devices to include digital blocking technology that automatically restricts access to obscene material, child pornography, revenge porn, and websites linked to human trafficking or prostitution. It directly affects device companies and minors (who must have blocking active unless they pay a $20 opt-out fee to deactivate it). Key provisions include mandatory blocking of harmful content, a 5-day window to unblock mistakenly blocked material upon consumer report, and quarterly fees ($20 per device) sent to fund the state’s Human Trafficking Commission. The bill is not yet law - it was introduced January 2026 and referred to committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Veterans' Healthcare Services to create and maintain emergency plans specifically for state-run Veterans' Memorial Homes. The plans must identify potential emergencies, outline response steps, establish standardized procedures for all homes (including training), and ensure timely information sharing with residents, families, and staff. It directly affects Veterans' Memorial Homes across New Jersey and their residents. The law takes immediate effect and does not override existing federal or state emergency regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill gradually reduces New Jersey's Corporation Business Tax (CBT) rate for corporations filing tax returns. It lowers the standard tax rate from 7% for tax years ending after December 31, 2020, to 5% in 2021, 3% in 2022, and 2.5% in 2023. Small New Jersey S corporations with net income under $100,000 will see reduced rates (3.5% for 2020-2021, 2.5% for 2021 onward). The changes apply to corporations calculating tax under existing law, modifying the rate schedule in Section 5 of P.L.1945, c.162.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey residents to deduct state fuel taxes paid for personal vehicle use from their gross income tax. It applies to individual filers (single, married filing jointly, or married filing separately) who pay New Jersey motor fuel taxes for personal vehicle operation, with a yearly cap of $1,000 for 2020 and $2,000 for subsequent years. The deduction excludes taxes reimbursed by employers or already deductible through other tax provisions (like business expenses). This directly reduces taxable income for qualifying individuals but does not change tax rates or provide refunds.

Maddy summaryThis bill waives New Jersey's business formation and registration fees ($125 for for-profits, $75 for non-profits) for veterans establishing new businesses or non-profits. It applies to veterans who were honorably discharged after at least 90 days of service, including reserve members, and requires submission of a DD-214 or discharge certificate as proof. The fee exemption covers only the initial setup costs, not ongoing renewal fees. This policy directly affects veterans seeking to start businesses by reducing their immediate financial barriers to entrepreneurship. The bill mirrors similar legislation enacted in Pennsylvania in 2016.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State veterans' memorial homes to maintain minimum direct care staff-to-resident ratios based on resident needs and facility size. The Division of Veterans’ Healthcare Services must establish these ratios, review them quarterly, and ensure each home meets the set standard. "Direct care staff" includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nurse aides working within their scope. The bill does not override existing health department or federal staffing rules for non-direct care staff and allows homes to exceed minimum staffing levels at any time.