Asm. Wayne DeAngelo

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts privately owned real property (like land or buildings) from New Jersey property taxes when leased to state, county, or municipal entities (including schools and agencies) for specific public purposes. It applies to properties used for government operations, stadiums, historical exhibits, or school district leases to nonprofits or other government bodies - provided the lease agreement specifies public use. The exemption applies only to existing leases meeting these criteria, not to new leases or private uses. Property remains taxable if not actively serving a listed public purpose during the lease term.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Chief Administrator, with input from the Department of State, to negotiate a reciprocity agreement with the Republic of Ireland. If enacted, it would allow New Jersey license holders to obtain an Irish driver's license without tests (subject to agreement requirements), and Irish license holders to get a New Jersey license without tests. The key provision eliminates the need for driving knowledge or skills tests for eligible individuals already holding valid licenses from either jurisdiction. It directly affects residents of New Jersey and Ireland who hold valid driver's licenses and wish to drive in the other country. The agreement would take effect immediately upon signing.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program promoting women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and LGBTQ-owned energy businesses. The program must establish annual targets for energy purchases from these businesses, starting at 5% in the first year and increasing to 25% by the fourth year for businesses and public entities using third-party energy providers. To qualify, businesses must be certified by state or national organizations (like the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council), registered in New Jersey, and file annual reports. The BPU must track progress, publicly post approved businesses on its website, and update the public on the program’s results.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to display a person's full legal name - including Roman numerals - on specific driver's licenses, identification cards, and permits. It directly affects residents whose legal names (as recorded on birth certificates) include Roman numerals (e.g., "John Smith III"), ensuring their name appears exactly as documented without omitting the numeral. The MVC must display the full legal name if applicants provide standard verification documents proving identity, age, and residence. This change applies to all standard licenses, permits, and REAL ID documents without altering existing name-change procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5440) requires New Jersey state agencies like the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, and the Board of Public Utilities to review and potentially raise income limits for residential customers to qualify for utility bill payment assistance and energy efficiency programs. It mandates that these agencies increase the income thresholds within one year of the bill's effective date. Agencies may seek public input or collaborate with other departments to determine appropriate increases. The change would directly help low-to-moderate income households by expanding eligibility for programs that reduce energy costs. The bill expires once the required income threshold increases are finalized.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs unclaimed electric, gas, and water utility deposits held in the Unclaimed Utility Deposits Trust Fund to be paid to Statewide nonprofit public utility assistance organizations meeting specific criteria. These organizations must have at least 200 partner organizations with physical presence in every county, a board with at least five utility representatives, and a multilingual call center offering assistance in 150 languages. The bill also allocates $25 million from societal benefits charge revenues to fund utility assistance grants for households in need. Organizations receiving funds must report annually on the number of households served, average assistance amount, recipient income levels, and verification methods used.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the construction of new crematories within 1,000 feet of public or private schools, residentially zoned areas, or specific recreational spaces like parks, playgrounds, beaches, or conservation areas. It applies to all new crematory construction applications submitted after the bill's effective date, requiring the Cemetery Board to deny permits that violate these location limits. The restriction does not apply to crematories operated within funeral homes under existing law. This policy change directly affects developers and applicants seeking to build new crematories in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey financial institutions (like banks, credit unions, and mortgage servicers) to allow homeowners (mortgagors) to choose biweekly payments (every two weeks), bimonthly payments (twice monthly), or extra payments directly to their mortgage principal - without penalties. It mandates that any amount paid beyond the annual required total in biweekly plans must reduce the principal balance. The law applies to all new mortgage agreements signed six months after enactment and affects homeowners seeking more flexible repayment options to potentially pay off loans faster. It does not change existing mortgage terms but expands payment choices for future agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1825) establishes guidelines for health insurance plans regarding "step therapy" protocols, which require patients to try lower-cost medications before coverage is provided for a preferred medication selected by their doctor. It requires insurers to base these protocols on clinical guidelines developed by expert panels with conflict-of-interest safeguards, and creates a clear process for patients to request exceptions when step therapy would be harmful or ineffective. Insurers must grant or deny exception requests within 72 hours (24 hours in emergencies), and must report on exception requests and outcomes to the state insurance commissioner. This affects all health insurance carriers in New Jersey, including those offering SHBP, SEHBP, and Medicaid plans, as well as the patients and healthcare providers who use these plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows members of New Jersey's State Police Retirement System (SPRS) to purchase retirement credit for time spent in military service academies (such as West Point or the Naval Academy), in the New Jersey State Police Academy, or as a class two special law enforcement officer before joining the police force. It amends existing law to permit purchasing credit for these specific service periods by paying into the retirement system's annuity savings fund, with options for installment payments over up to 10 years. The bill specifies that credit purchased for military academy enrollment, police academy training, or special law enforcement officer employment will be treated the same as actual police service for retirement benefit calculations. This applies to current and future SPRS members who want to count these pre-service periods toward their retirement eligibility and benefits.