Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill adds "Sikhism" to New Jersey's list of protected classes under the state's bias intimidation law (N.J.S.2C:16-1), explicitly including Sikhs in legal protections against hate crimes motivated by religious bias. It directly affects Sikh residents and community members who face discrimination or violence due to their religious identity, such as attacks targeting turbans, beards, or gurdwaras. The key mechanism amends the statute to cover offenses committed "because of their membership within a protected class," including Sikhism, and creates a legal presumption that bias was a motivating factor in such crimes. The bill also appropriates $100,000, likely for educational or support programs related to Sikh community awareness, though specific funding details aren't outlined in the text.

Maddy summaryThis bill (AR 18) directs New Jersey's Attorney General to repeal and amend specific parts of the 2018 Law Enforcement Directive (No. 2018-6), which previously restricted state and local law enforcement from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities like ICE. It specifically targets the restriction on sharing citizenship/immigration status details, allowing law enforcement to coordinate with federal immigration agencies when necessary for public safety. The bill preserves exceptions for T-Visa (human trafficking victims) and U-Visa (crime victim) certification procedures. It directly affects New Jersey police departments, sheriffs' offices, and state law enforcement agencies by removing legal barriers to cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill creates a 17-member Military Suicide Prevention Task Force within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Department of Human Services. The task force includes military leaders, veterans, mental health experts, and representatives from state agencies, with specific requirements for veteran representation and expertise in areas like PTSD and military sexual trauma. Its key duties are to review military suicide issues, identify evidence-based prevention strategies, recommend state actions (including legislation), and submit biannual reports to the Governor and Legislature. The task force directly affects active-duty service members, veterans, and state agencies responsible for military and veteran services in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the tax on cigars in New Jersey to a maximum of $0.50 per cigar, replacing the previous percentage-based tax structure for this product. It directly affects cigar manufacturers, retailers, and consumers who purchase cigars within the state. The key change specifies that the tax on cigars cannot exceed $0.50 per unit, regardless of wholesale price, while maintaining existing tax rates for other tobacco products like e-liquids and snuff. The bill amends New Jersey's tobacco tax law (P.L.1990, c.39) to clarify this cap for cigars specifically.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-129) would expand an existing exemption to allow honorably discharged veterans to park for free in municipal metered spaces when their vehicle displays a veteran-specific placard issued by New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Currently, only disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients receive this parking fee exemption. The bill specifies the exemption applies when the veteran is driving or a passenger, but not if the vehicle is parked more than 24 hours in one location. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans who use MVC-issued veteran placards in New Jersey municipalities with parking meters.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $2 million grant program for New Jersey public schools to promote limited student use of cell phones and social media during school hours and school events. Schools applying for grants must submit plans to reduce device distractions, while the Department of Education will develop best practices covering age-appropriate policies, emergency exceptions, and device storage options. Participating schools must annually report on how the program affects academic performance, behavior, and student well-being, with the Department compiling statewide results. The program targets all public schools in New Jersey, with grants awarded competitively based on regional diversity and need.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an 11-member Open Public Records Act (OPRA) Study Commission to examine how New Jersey's public records law operates in practice. The commission will review OPRA's real-world implementation, assess impacts of technology and court rulings, balance public access with privacy concerns, and analyze commercial use of records, while comparing New Jersey's system to other states. It directly affects government records custodians, citizens requesting records, and public officials responsible for OPRA compliance. The commission must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature and Governor within one year of its first meeting, after which it will expire.

Maddy summaryBill A-102 requires advisory or temporary committees, councils, panels, or task forces (created by law) to meet at least once yearly to maintain activity. If they fail to meet or lack a quorum annually, the Secretary of State deems them inactive, terminating all member appointments and prohibiting them from using state, county, or municipal staff or resources. This applies to all such bodies established by statute or resolution, streamlining inactive entities without requiring new legislative action. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to create a public career and education guide for undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities attending state colleges. The guide must detail campus resources (like disability career centers, internships, and accommodations such as note-takers or accessible housing), provide job-seeking guidance (including disclosure strategies, accommodation requests, and workers' rights), and list disability-focused support organizations. It will be developed with input from the Labor Commissioner and college leaders, then made freely available online. The bill directly supports students with disabilities in navigating both academic and career pathways.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to promote New Jersey-made craft alcohol (beer, cider, mead, liquor) and the retailers who sell it. It establishes a "Certified Jersey Craft Alcohol Beverage Retailer" program requiring retailers to derive at least 10% of annual sales from NJ craft beverages to earn certification and use special signage. The program includes grants of up to $2,500 annually for certified retailers to support capital improvements or marketing, funded by 50% of tax revenue from craft beverage sales. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will manage the program, develop application guidelines, and track grant usage. The bill directly affects craft beverage producers (with specific licenses) and eligible retail businesses selling their products.