Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryACR 73 is a New Jersey legislative resolution declaring that proposed Department of Labor rules modifying the ABC test for independent contractor classification are inconsistent with the Legislature's intent. The resolution states the Department's proposed rules - such as redefining digital app usage as control evidence or devaluing standard business practices like liability insurance - undermine the original ABC test's purpose. This procedural resolution, filed under constitutional review authority, gives the Department 30 days to amend or withdraw the rules before the Legislature could seek to invalidate them. It directly affects the Department of Labor's rulemaking process and the classification of workers under New Jersey's unemployment compensation law.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Bill A 879 exempts from state gross income tax certain income received by surviving spouses and unmarried children of New Jersey-resident military members who die in active duty under specific conditions. It applies to surviving spouses (who are New Jersey residents and have not remarried) and unmarried children under 19 (or qualifying as federal dependents) who were claimed as dependents by the deceased service member or surviving spouse. To claim the exemption, survivors must annually certify their eligibility to the state tax authority, which then issues written proof to employers to prevent tax withholding on their wages. The exclusion covers income received during the taxable year and takes effect for years beginning after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 18-member Special Education Transportation Task Force to study and recommend best practices for transporting students with special education needs. The task force will focus on improving responses to medical and behavioral emergencies during transportation, safety protocols, access to necessary equipment, and communication with families. Composed of education officials, disability advocates, school staff, and parents, the group must submit its recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 12 months of forming. The bill does not create new laws but sets a process for evaluating and improving existing transportation practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts residential customers in New Jersey from paying state sales and use tax on natural gas and electricity purchases. It directly affects homeowners and renters who pay for home energy services. Utilities must deduct the tax amount from monthly bills before charging customers, effectively removing the tax from their bills. The Division of Taxation and Board of Public Utilities will create implementation rules, and the law takes effect immediately. This change reduces costs for residential energy consumers by eliminating a state tax on these essential services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to submit an annual report to the oversight board of each veterans' facility, in addition to its existing report to the Governor and Legislature. The report must summarize the Ombudsman's activities related to veterans' facilities, document significant care and service problems, analyze trends, and include recommendations to improve care quality and protect residents' rights. It mirrors the existing annual report format but focuses specifically on veterans' facilities, as defined in state law. This directly affects veterans' facilities and their oversight boards by mandating regular, detailed updates on facility care quality. The bill does not change current reporting requirements for general long-term care facilities.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires the Department of Education to study student caregivers in high schools. The study will examine challenges faced by students caring for family members at home, absenteeism rates among these students, and how caregiving impacts graduation rates and college enrollment. Within one year, the Education Commissioner must submit a report with findings and any recommendations for potential support programs. The bill directly affects high school students in public and nonpublic schools who serve as primary caregivers.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2865) allows resident homeowners to deduct the full cost of purchasing and installing a qualifying whole-house backup generator at their primary residence from their gross income tax. The generator must be permanently connected, run on natural gas or propane, operate only during power outages, and comply with all state and local installation regulations. It directly affects New Jersey homeowners who own a primary residence and install such a generator, providing a tax benefit for these expenses. The deduction applies to the year the generator is purchased and installed, and the bill takes immediate effect.

Maddy summary"Madalyn's Law" requires New Jersey school districts to include age-appropriate toxic shock syndrome education in health classes for grades 4-12 starting in the 2020-2021 school year. It also mandates that owners of public restrooms with two or more toilets in commercial buildings (like shopping centers) install clear signage about toxic shock syndrome symptoms and risks near tampon dispensers or in visible locations. Violations carry $100 penalties per offense. The law excludes elementary school restrooms (grades below 5) and directs the Department of Health to create public awareness materials and signage standards.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A 3160 creates special license plates displaying Autism Awareness messaging for motor vehicle owners. Vehicle owners applying for these plates must pay a $50 initial fee plus a $10 annual renewal fee, with all fees deposited into the "Autism Awareness License Plate Fund." The fund directs monies annually to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey for autism research, in consultation with the Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism. The bill specifies that initial costs for plate design and implementation cannot be covered by state funds, requiring contributions from the Governor's Council or other donors.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes mandatory penalties for burglary, robbery, or theft committed during a state of emergency declared under New Jersey's Disaster Control Act. It requires courts to impose a minimum six-month prison term or six months of community service (in addition to standard penalties) for these specific crimes when they occur during emergencies like natural disasters or war threats. The law applies to individuals who commit these acts while an emergency is ongoing, as defined by the Governor's emergency orders. It directly affects people charged with burglary, robbery, or theft during declared emergencies, with penalties enforced through municipal courts.