Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits to New Jersey-based small businesses during their first three years of profitability. Qualified businesses (those registered in NJ, with no more than 50 employees in their first year, and under $100,000 net income) receive credits equal to 75% of their tax liability in the first year, 50% in the second year, and 25% in the third year. Businesses must obtain pre-approval from the Division of Taxation before applying for these credits, and the credits can only be used to offset tax liability for the specific year they apply to. The bill aims to reduce tax burdens during critical early years of business operation to support growth.

Maddy summaryAJR 52 designates May of each year as "Law Enforcement and Correctional Police Officer Appreciation Month" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the month with activities honoring these officers' service. It does not create new laws, funding, or programs but serves as a symbolic recognition of their roles and sacrifices.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Open Public Records Act to address requests for government records made for commercial purposes. It allows public agencies to charge a special service fee (based on actual direct costs) for commercial requests, extends the response time from 7 to 14 business days for such requests, and requires requestors to certify if their request is for commercial purposes. Failure to certify a commercial request intentionally results in a $500 penalty. The bill specifically excludes news media, scholarly organizations, and government entities from the definition of "commercial purpose."

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1506) prohibits all public and private schools, as well as state, county, and local government entities, from requiring influenza vaccinations for anyone 18 years of age or younger. It specifically bans any requirement for flu vaccines or related immunity-providing injections, medications, or procedures for this age group. The law applies immediately upon enactment and covers all government employees, officials, and educational institutions. It directly affects minors under 18 and the institutions that serve them, removing mandatory flu vaccination requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New Jersey Dog Trainer Licensure Board within the Division of Consumer Affairs to regulate professional dog training services. It requires dog trainers who provide training for compensation to obtain a license or provisional permit, with requirements including holding certification from an approved program, being at least 18 years old, and demonstrating good professional character. The board will establish rules for licensing, including requiring compliance with standards that prohibit harsh training methods, and will handle disciplinary actions for violations of the law. Exemptions include military K-9 training, law enforcement K-9 training, and services provided by kennel clubs to members under specific conditions. The board will consist of nine members with specific professional backgrounds and will set fees for licensing and renewal.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes mandatory six-month prison terms or six months of community service for individuals convicted of burglary, robbery, or theft during a declared state of emergency in New Jersey. These penalties apply in addition to standard criminal penalties under New Jersey law and cover emergencies like natural disasters or public safety threats declared by the Governor. The law specifies that prosecution must occur in the local municipal court, with the state required to prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. It directly affects anyone committing these specific property crimes during an active emergency period.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Bring Veterans to New Jersey Program" within the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to help New Jersey employers recruit veterans. It requires participating employers to provide up to $5,000 in relocation assistance to eligible veterans (reimbursed by the state), who must relocate to New Jersey for a job and stay employed for at least 12 months. Veterans must create profiles through a contracted nonprofit to be matched with employers, and employers document eligible expenses before reimbursing veterans directly. If a veteran leaves before 12 months due to circumstances like layoff or family emergency, the program allows for partial or full forgiveness of repayment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create an educational program about state and federal human trafficking crimes, aimed at informing the public. It allocates $75,000 from the state general fund specifically to fund this program. The program will provide information on existing laws related to human trafficking offenses under both state and federal statutes. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's menhaden purse seine fishery quota system by changing the historical data period used to calculate individual transferable quotas (ITQs) from 2014-2018 to 2011-2018, extending the calculation window from five to eight years. It directly affects commercial fishing vessels holding a Menhaden Landing License for purse seine fishing, as their initial quota share will now be based on a longer average of past landings. The bill also specifies that if enacted during an open fishing season, vessels that haven't harvested their full quota will follow the new ITQ rules for the remainder of that season. This change aims to provide a more stable baseline for quota distribution under the existing framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts year-round retail sales of specific school-related items from New Jersey's sales tax, including computers under $3,000, school supplies (like pens and notebooks), art supplies, instructional materials, and school computer supplies under $1,000. It also creates a $500 annual deduction from gross income for eligible K-12 teachers (public or private schools) who pay out-of-pocket for unreimbursed classroom supplies, such as books, art materials, or technology. The tax exemption applies to all sales after the fourth month following enactment, replacing the previous temporary back-to-school sales tax holiday. The bill directly affects students (through reduced costs for school items) and teachers (through tax relief for classroom expenses).