Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill would change New Jersey's income tax system to a flat tax rate of 5.9% for taxable income over specific thresholds. For single filers, married individuals filing separately, and estates/trusts, the tax would apply to income over $37,500. For married couples filing jointly, heads of household, and surviving spouses, the tax would apply to income over $75,000. Taxpayers with income below these thresholds would not owe any income tax under this bill. This would replace New Jersey's current progressive tax system, which has rates ranging from 1.4% to 10.75% across multiple income brackets.

Maddy summaryThis bill (AJR 233) designates May of each year as "Skin Cancer Awareness Month" in New Jersey. It directly affects all New Jersey residents by promoting public education about skin cancer prevention and early detection. The key mechanism requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities focused on skin cancer risks and protective measures like sun protection and regular skin exams. The resolution takes immediate effect and does not create new regulations or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to restart the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (RREM) program using remaining unspent funds. It directly helps Superstorm Sandy-impacted homeowners who still need financial assistance for rebuilding or recovery but haven't received full support through previous programs. The DCA must accept new grant applications to fund these unmet needs, as defined under existing law (P.L.2015, c.102). The bill ensures leftover state funds are used to support affected homeowners rather than being reallocated elsewhere. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) from issuing any form of financial assistance - including grants, loans, tax credits, or subsidies - to support wind energy projects. It amends several existing programs, including the Global Warming Solutions Fund and the Emerge Program, to remove wind energy projects from eligibility. The bill also repeals a provision that previously allowed tax credits for offshore wind projects. As a result, wind energy developers will no longer qualify for these EDA-funded incentives. The change applies to all applications submitted to the EDA on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryACR 174 declares that New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) rules implementing California's "Advanced Clean Cars II" (ACC II) program are inconsistent with the Legislature's 2003 intent. The resolution cites that the 2003 law (P.L.2003, c.266) only authorized DEP to adopt rules for California's LEV II program, not the newer ACC II program, and that DEP failed to provide required notice to environmental committees before adopting the rules. Under the resolution, the DEP has 30 days to amend or withdraw the ACC II rules, or the Legislature could pass another resolution to invalidate them. This action focuses on procedural compliance with existing law, not the environmental policy itself. The bill directly affects DEP's regulatory authority and car manufacturers subject to the emissions rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school districts and charter schools to verify the work authorization of teaching staff and school employees using the federal E-Verify system. Starting with hires for the next full school year after enactment, schools must check eligibility at hiring and annually thereafter. It directs the state education commissioner to provide guidance on the requirement and federal E-Verify rules to school boards. The bill explicitly allows schools to hire noncitizen teachers with valid limited certificates under existing state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits electric utilities in New Jersey from including "solar subscription fees" in community solar subscribers' monthly electricity bills. It directly affects community solar subscribers (people who participate in shared solar projects) and subscriber organizations (entities registered with the Board of Public Utilities that manage these programs). The key mechanism requires the Board of Public Utilities to mandate that utilities remove these fees - defined as charges paid to subscriber organizations - from consolidated utility bills. The change would eliminate an additional fee currently added to subscribers' bills alongside standard energy charges.

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution 203 honors the life of political activist Charles "Charlie" Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10, 2025, during a Turning Point USA event. The resolution condemns his killing and reaffirms New Jersey's commitment to protecting the right of all Americans to peacefully assemble and express political views without fear of violence. It has no legal effect but serves as a symbolic statement of support for free expression and opposition to political violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4603) allows commercial farmers in New Jersey to recover reasonable legal costs and attorney fees when defending against complaints they win under the "Right to Farm Act." It directly affects farmers who successfully prove a complaint was filed in bad faith and that their farming activity met the Act's legal standards. Key provisions require farmers to apply to their county agriculture board or the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC), which must then determine if the complaint was filed in bad faith (by a preponderance of evidence) and if the costs/fees are reasonable before ordering the complainant to pay. The change provides a specific remedy for farmers facing frivolous legal challenges, strengthening existing protections under the Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4577) requires all New Jersey state departments, agencies, and the Office of Information Technology (OIT) to submit annual reports detailing plans to improve digital services for the public and enhance remote work capabilities for employees. Departments must outline strategies like user research for cohesive online/mobile/in-person service experiences and upgrading hardware/software for remote work. The OIT must also provide annual reports with specific recommendations, including transitioning to cloud services, integrating data into a single portal, ensuring secure access, and moving remote work tools to web portals instead of Virtual Private Networks. The goal is to improve government efficiency and maintain operations during emergencies.