Rep. Anthony Verrelli

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to increase the state Earned Income Tax Credit benefit from 40 percent to 60 percent of the federal amount, starting with the 2022 tax year. The change directly affects low- to moderate-income residents who file state tax returns and are eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. By raising the multiplier, the legislation ensures that qualifying individuals receive a larger refundable tax credit against their state income tax liability. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, expanding financial support for workers and families without altering the underlying federal eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Safe and Sanitary Rental Housing Act" to strengthen landlord accountability and improve living conditions for tenants in New Jersey. It requires landlords to register with local authorities or the state housing department within 30 days, providing detailed contact information for maintenance staff and emergency responders. Additionally, the law prevents courts from evicting tenants unless the landlord has been properly registered for at least 90 days and mandates that rental subsidies be withheld until housing violations are fixed. These measures aim to ensure that rental properties meet minimum safety and sanitation standards while making it easier for tenants to reach responsible parties during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Responsible Collective Negotiations Act to include certain New Jersey institutions of higher education, such as Rutgers, Kean, Montclair State, Rowan, and NJIT, in the law's coverage. Previously, these colleges were excluded from specific rules that apply to other public employers, meaning their labor negotiations and employee data sharing were handled differently. The change removes this exclusion, bringing these universities in line with requirements regarding negotiation subjects, confidentiality of union communications, and the periodic sharing of employee contact information. Ultimately, the legislation ensures that state colleges and universities follow the same collective bargaining standards as other public agencies in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to identify and publicly post on its website employment opportunities with minimal entry barriers for people returning to work after incarceration. It directly affects formerly incarcerated individuals who face employment challenges like employer stigma and lack of educational opportunities. The key mechanism is DOLWD's ongoing duty to list jobs that have low barriers to entry and high demand. The bill aims to improve reintegration into the workforce by making accessible job listings available to this population, without specifying how employers will be engaged or how success will be measured.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state departments and agencies currently occupying offices at Riverview Plaza in Trenton to relocate to other suitable locations within the city. To facilitate this move, the legislation mandates that these agencies terminate their leases and actively cooperate with landlords to fill the resulting vacant spaces with new tenants as quickly as possible. Additionally, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority is tasked with attracting private businesses to the vacated property by offering priority consideration for state business assistance programs and providing enhanced financial incentives. The bill also authorizes the Economic Development Authority to coordinate with various other state agencies to secure necessary resources for workforce development, transportation improvements, and housing expansion to support the redevelopment of the area.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to prioritize funding for two types of projects: (1) land acquisition for recreation and conservation, and (2) environmental infrastructure projects that include or enable flood mitigation. It directly affects local governments, nonprofits, and communities seeking DEP grants under the Green Acres program, which uses constitutionally dedicated funds. Key provisions mandate that DEP establish criteria prioritizing projects that protect floodplains, reduce flood risk, conserve natural resources, and support recreational access. The bill amends existing laws to ensure these factors are explicitly considered when ranking eligible projects for funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies New Jersey's Attorney General's "Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities" directive into law. It directly affects all New Jersey state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies and officers by prohibiting them from: (1) stopping or detaining people based solely on immigration status, (2) asking about immigration status except during specific criminal investigations, and (3) sharing personal information with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement purposes. The law clarifies that officers' primary duty is enforcing state criminal laws, not federal immigration law, and emphasizes that this does not prevent enforcing state criminal laws. The goal is to build trust in immigrant communities and ensure law enforcement resources focus on public safety rather than immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes the "Privacy Protection Act" to limit how government agencies and healthcare facilities collect and share certain personal information. It prohibits them from requesting details like immigration status, citizenship, social security numbers, or tax IDs unless necessary for specific public services, benefits, or healthcare delivery (with healthcare exceptions for patient safety). The bill requires written consent in the person's preferred language for sharing any collected data, detailing exactly what will be shared, why, and confirming consent is voluntary without retaliation. It also bans selling or sharing vehicle license plate data except under court orders, subpoenas, or with explicit written consent, and mandates government entities to update privacy policies within one year.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3114, the "Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act," requires police officers and other law enforcement personnel to reveal their faces and show official identification before detaining or arresting someone during public interactions. Officers must wear non-concealing uniforms, display a photo ID card, show a numbered badge, or verbally state their name and agency. Exceptions include undercover work, medical masks (with physician approval), smoke protection during emergencies, or when safety or an investigation is at risk. The law applies to all state, county, and municipal officers and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders Policy within the New Jersey Executive Branch to coordinate statewide efforts related to substance use disorder treatment and prevention. The office will report directly to the Governor and is responsible for reviewing and unifying programs across state, county, and local agencies, while also managing grant distributions to counties and municipalities. Key provisions include the requirement to submit an annual comprehensive master plan, evaluate existing funding mechanisms, collect data for tracking, and convene regular meetings with various state commissioners to improve service coordination. The office will have the authority to request information and resources from any state department to fulfill its duties.