Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Assembly Resolution (AR 54) urges all New Jersey institutions of higher education to protect freedom of expression and open debate on campus. It directs these colleges and universities to foster environments where students, faculty, and guests can engage in dialogue without fear of censorship or punishment for holding differing views. The resolution emphasizes that such protection is essential for providing a quality education and preparing students for democratic citizenship, though it does not create new legal requirements or penalties. (Note: As a resolution, it has no force of law and serves only as a recommendation to higher education institutions.)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's unclaimed property administrator to check if a claimant owes unpaid child support before releasing funds. If a claimant is identified as a child support debtor, the state must hold the property or funds until the child support obligation is satisfied. The bill prioritizes child support judgments over all other claims against the unclaimed property. It applies to any unclaimed property (like forgotten bank accounts or dividends) being paid to a claimant, ensuring child support debts are addressed before funds are distributed. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to offer property tax bills, construction permits, and payment receipts via email as an optional delivery method. It directly affects property owners, permit applicants, and mortgage servicers who can choose to receive documents electronically or continue receiving paper copies by mail at no extra cost. Municipalities must adopt an ordinance to provide email delivery but cannot make it the sole option, requiring them to maintain standard mail delivery for all. The law establishes a process for municipalities to implement this option while ensuring no one is forced to use email. It does not require any municipality to adopt electronic delivery, preserving existing paper-based systems.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 55) urges Congress to repeal the $10,000 cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, which was imposed by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It directly affects New Jersey residents who itemize federal tax returns, as 41% claimed the deduction pre-2017 (with an average deduction of $19,089) and the state argues the cap disproportionately harms "donor state" New Jersey, which received only 79 cents back per federal dollar paid in 2018. The resolution has no legal effect but requests Congress restore the unlimited deduction to address tax disparities. It is a symbolic request, not a legislative proposal with binding authority.

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution 58, introduced by Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger, is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. President and Congress to investigate environmental and labor risks in lithium mining for battery production. It highlights environmental concerns like high water usage, carbon emissions, and landscape damage in major lithium-producing countries (e.g., Australia, Chile, Argentina), and labor issues including child labor in cobalt mining (used in lithium batteries) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The resolution does not create legal requirements but calls for federal action to address these supply chain impacts. It is directed at the federal government, with copies sent to the President, Congress, and New Jersey's congressional delegation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program for New Jersey school districts to create or expand in-district special education programs and services. The grants aim to reduce the need to place students with disabilities out-of-district - where districts pay higher costs for external placements - by funding program development like staff training, equipment, and curriculum. School districts must submit detailed proposals showing how their programs will lower out-of-district placements and costs, with the Commissioner of Education selecting recipients across regional areas. The program requires participating districts to track outcomes, including cost savings and student performance, and report on effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature within three years.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1556) creates a 10% nonrefundable gross income tax credit for New Jersey taxpayers who donate to eligible schools, capped at $500 per year. Donations must fund specific school needs: student meals (free/reduced programs), medical supplies for student treatment, or playground equipment (including shade structures). To claim the credit, taxpayers must obtain written documentation from the school verifying each donation. The credit applies to donations made to public or nonpublic elementary/secondary schools in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution (AR 56) urges New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics to examine and audit legal aid organizations that provide free legal services to low-income residents, particularly those receiving state funding. It specifically requests the Office review complaints about client mistreatment, threats, or sexual intimidation by legal aid attorneys. The resolution does not create new laws but formally asks the agency to ensure these organizations meet service standards for vulnerable clients. It applies only to legal aid groups serving disadvantaged communities, not all attorneys.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to create a program offering one-time grants of up to $10,000 to veterans who purchase business franchises in the state. It directly affects veterans who are approved by the EDA for participation and become franchisees operating within New Jersey. Key provisions include requiring veterans to apply for approval, prioritizing those applying within six months of the bill's effective date, and mandating annual reporting to verify the funds were used for franchise purchases within the state. The EDA will administer the program using a dedicated fund supported by state appropriations and eligible private donations.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's immunization registry enrollment process from automatic to requiring parental consent. Currently, newborns (born after January 1, 1998) are automatically enrolled in the New Jersey Immunization Information System unless parents opt out. The bill would require parents or legal guardians to actively provide written consent for any child under 18 to be enrolled, rather than having to opt out of automatic enrollment. It applies to all minors and newborns born after the bill's effective date, while maintaining the registry's purpose for health coordination and school/childcare requirements. The change shifts enrollment from default inclusion to explicit parental permission.