Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1499) pauses deadlines for county planning boards to review and approve subdivision and site plan applications during declared emergencies. It suspends all statutory timeframes for planning board actions - including decisions on appeals - while a state of emergency (declared by the President, Governor under specific laws, or via the Emergency Health Powers Act) is active, plus an additional 60 days after the emergency ends. This prevents automatic approvals due to inaction during emergencies, directly affecting developers submitting applications and county planning boards. The suspension applies to all planning board decisions governed by existing law (P.L.1968, c.285), ensuring no applications are deemed approved during the paused period.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1520) prevents public colleges and universities from requiring students taking all online classes to get vaccinated for COVID-19 or monkeypox. It specifically prohibits institutions from making these vaccinations a condition for enrollment or continued attendance if a student has no in-person campus presence. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 1% tax credit against New Jersey's corporation business tax for corporations that pay New Jersey small businesses for subcontracted work performed in the state. It directly affects corporations paying qualifying subcontractors, defined as New Jersey-based businesses with fewer than 50 employees that are not affiliates of the paying corporation. The credit equals 1% of the amount paid to these small businesses for work subcontracted to fulfill the corporation's own contracted duties. The credit is limited to 50% of the corporation's tax liability and cannot reduce the tax below the statutory minimum.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1553) extends the deadline for college students to apply for a temporary substitute teacher credential in New Jersey. It changes the current application window - originally set to end June 30, 2023 - to June 30, 2026, allowing students enrolled in accredited colleges with at least 30 completed semester credits to apply under this pathway. The bill also extends the deadline for the Commissioner of Education to issue a report on this credential pathway, requiring the report to be submitted within one year of the new deadline (June 30, 2026). This directly affects college students seeking substitute teaching roles who meet the credit and age requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of State to create a real-time database tracking election incidents like civil rights violations or voter fraud reported during elections. The database must organize incidents by location, date, and type, then share summaries with officials like the Attorney General and U.S. Attorney. It also mandates that polling places display voter information notices containing the U.S. Attorney Election Hotline, New Jersey Election Hotline, and county election contact numbers. Additionally, mail-in ballot instructions must include these same phone numbers, and the Secretary must publish an annual report on all reported incidents after each election.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts qualified veterans from paying application and issuance fees for firearm-related permits and licenses in New Jersey. It removes fees for firearms purchaser identification cards ($5), handgun purchase permits ($2), handgun carry permits ($20), and machine gun/assault firearm licenses ($75). Qualified veterans are defined as New Jersey residents certified by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs as having service-connected disabilities, or recipients of the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart Medal. The bill amends New Jersey's firearm laws to waive these fees for eligible veterans while maintaining all other requirements for firearm permits and licenses. This change applies to all firearm-related applications submitted to either the Superintendent of State Police or local police departments.

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution 59 (AR 59) is a non-binding resolution urging New Jersey schools and colleges to include veterans and active military members in discussions about military service, military values, and leadership. It directly affects all K-12 schools and higher education institutions across New Jersey. The resolution encourages schools to invite veterans and service members to share their experiences, particularly during Veterans Month in November, to help students understand military values like integrity and service. It does not create new legal requirements but formally requests that educational institutions incorporate these perspectives into relevant curriculum or events.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires crisis hotline centers contracted with New Jersey's Department of Human Services to employ staff with prior experience working with military veterans. The Commissioner of Human Services must include this requirement in rules governing staffing qualifications, training, and experience for these centers. These centers are part of the state's 24/7 mobile behavioral health crisis response system, which provides emergency mental health services. The policy change specifically adds veteran experience as a staffing criterion without altering other existing service requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an annual four-day sales tax holiday in New Jersey for retail purchases of tangible personal property. It exempts sales tax during the period from 12:01 a.m. on the Friday after Thanksgiving through 11:59 p.m. on the following Monday (covering Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday). The exemption applies to most retail goods sold during these dates, directly benefiting consumers who shop for items like clothing, electronics, and toys during this holiday shopping window. Retailers must comply with the tax exemption during this specific period, while the state maintains alignment with the Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public high schools to add specific financial literacy instruction to their existing curriculum. It mandates teaching students about applying for college financial aid, understanding higher education costs and funding options (like loans and grants), student loan rights/responsibilities, and assessing cryptocurrency investment risks while warning against "get rich quick" scams. The instruction must be included in courses covering financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy. The law takes effect immediately, applying to the first full school year after enactment.