Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3826) proposes key changes to New Jersey's behavioral health care system. It requires Medicaid to pay residential behavioral health providers at rates matching Medicare (100% of Medicare rates starting July 2024), mandates annual cost-of-living adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index, and creates two new grant programs: one for facility maintenance and another to fund training and internships for behavioral health professionals. These provisions directly affect residential behavioral health providers, Medicaid beneficiaries, and the behavioral health workforce by increasing provider payments and supporting facility upkeep and staff development. The bill aims to improve access to and quality of care within the state's Medicaid program.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows homeowners in New Jersey to claim a 25% tax credit against their state income tax for costs of rehabilitating qualified historic properties. It directly affects homeowners who own and occupy as their primary residence a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, or a locally designated historic district. To qualify, rehabilitation costs must equal at least 50% of the property's equalized assessed value, with no more than 60% of costs covering interior work, and the total credit for a property is capped at $25,000 over ten years. The credit reduces the homeowner's tax liability for the year the credit is certified, with excess amounts refunded as overpayments.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $2 million home purchase grant program for New Jersey veterans who served at least 90 days in federal active duty. It directly affects eligible veterans meeting three criteria: NJ residency, intent to buy a NJ primary residence, and proof of qualifying military service. The program provides up to $10,000 in matching grants (dollar-for-dollar) to cover closing costs, equity payments, or other home purchase expenses, with no income requirements. Veterans may also receive priority if eligible for other state homebuyer programs. The program is administered by the agency in coordination with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to redirect unspent funds from a 2024 settlement with Orsted (the company behind canceled offshore wind projects) to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). These funds - specifically unexpended, unencumbered, or unobligated money from the settlement - must be used by the BPU to provide ratepayer relief to electricity customers. The BPU will determine the exact timeline, method, and form of this relief through a rulemaking process. The bill does not create new policy but mandates the use of existing settlement funds to lower electricity costs for consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates tax credits for New Jersey businesses that employ members of the New Jersey National Guard or reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces. Employers receive a $1,500 credit per service member not on deployment, or $2,500 for those who have completed deployment or returned from activation. The credits apply to both the corporation business tax and gross income tax, with specific rules for partnerships and S corporations. It directly affects New Jersey businesses hiring these service members, providing financial incentives based on their deployment status.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires youth camps, recreation departments, and youth sports organizations (like Little League, soccer leagues, and police athletic leagues) to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) available on-site at all youth athletic events and practices held on their home fields. Organizations can comply if a certified first responder with an AED is present. The bill also provides legal immunity for organizations and their staff (including volunteers and coaches) who acquire or use AEDs under this requirement. These rules take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A2736 updates criminal laws to address nonconsensual deepfake pornography. It makes it a crime (third or fourth degree) to create or share deepfake images of someone in private moments without consent - such as deepfake porn videos or images of private body parts - using advanced AI technology to mimic real people. The law directly affects victims of nonconsensual deepfakes and individuals who create or distribute such content. Key provisions define "deepfake" clearly, prohibit sharing these images (including online), and set fines up to $30,000 for violations. The bill does not cover law enforcement or retail fitting room exceptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's tax brackets for married couples filing jointly (and similar taxpayers like heads of household), raising the threshold for the lowest tax rate from $20,000 to $40,000 for 2020+ tax years. It directly affects married couples filing jointly by reducing their tax burden on income between $20,000-$40,000 annually, eliminating a previously higher tax rate that disproportionately impacted these filers. The key change updates Section 54A:2-1, subsection (a)(7), shifting the first tax bracket to apply to income under $40,000 (previously $20,000) and adjusting subsequent rates accordingly. This policy change specifically targets the "marriage penalty" where joint filers paid more tax than separate filers at certain income levels.

Maddy summaryACR 25 proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure funds from a 90-cent fee on phone bills (collected since 2004) are exclusively used for 9-1-1 and emergency response needs. The amendment would prohibit diverting these funds for general state budget purposes, mandating they cover specific costs like emergency equipment, training, operating 9-1-1 service centers, and implementing federal 9-1-1 requirements. It directly affects how New Jersey allocates nearly $100 million annually from this dedicated trust fund. The amendment requires voter approval to take effect, preventing future legislative use of these funds for non-emergency purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as an educational resource for New Jersey state agencies, schools, and law enforcement. It defines antisemitism as hatred toward Jews, including specific examples like Holocaust denial, harmful stereotypes (e.g., conspiracy theories about Jewish control), and double standards applied to Israel. The definition is explicitly non-binding and must be used while protecting constitutional rights like free speech. New Jersey lawmakers cite the state's high rate of antisemitic incidents - including ranking third nationally in 2023 - as the basis for this measure.