Asm. Anthony Verrelli

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners or operators of public community water systems in New Jersey to regularly test drinking water for Legionella bacteria. Specifically, they must test a random 0.1% sample of service lines every three months and a random 1% sample of water system facilities (like storage tanks and treatment plants) monthly. Test results must be reported to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and if Legionella levels exceed DEP-established standards, systems must notify affected customers and remediate within 30 days (completing remediation within six months). The DEP will develop testing best practices and safety standards to guide implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's school transportation policy by lowering the mandatory mileage threshold for preschool through fourth-grade students. Under the change, school districts must now provide free bus transportation to students living more than 1.5 miles from their public school (down from the previous 2-mile limit for this grade group). The bill maintains existing distance requirements for older students: 2 miles for grades 5-8 and 2.5 miles for grades 9-12. It directly affects public school students in preschool through fourth grade who live beyond the new 1.5-mile distance from their assigned school.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates tax credits for New Jersey businesses that hire formerly incarcerated individuals. Businesses can claim a credit equal to 10% of qualified wages (up to $1,200 per person) for employees who are employed for at least 185 business days. To qualify, businesses must hire at least 25% formerly incarcerated individuals as new employees, maintain 50% of such employees from the previous year, and conduct targeted recruitment efforts. The bill also prohibits using the same wages for multiple tax credits and allows the tax authority to recapture credits plus a 50% penalty if businesses replace existing workers solely to claim the credit.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a five-year pilot program for "creative crosswalks" in New Jersey, where public schools can submit student-designed crosswalks using colors and textures to improve visibility and beautify existing crosswalks. Public schools must apply with municipality approval, and up to 10 schools (with regional diversity) will be selected yearly to replace standard crosswalks with student-designed options. The program requires state officials to report on safety and participation after the pilot ends, focusing on low-cost, creative engagement for students.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipalities to complete a special review of their master plans and development regulations before approving applications for "large warehouses" (defined as facilities storing goods before sale or redistribution, per upcoming state guidelines). It mandates that planning boards deliver a special report to the municipal governing body within 90 days of an application, delaying the standard 45-day application review period until 91 days after the report is received. Additionally, if a municipality hasn’t completed a full property revaluation in the prior 60 months, it must conduct one within 24 months after a large warehouse receives a certificate of occupancy. The bill directly affects developers seeking large warehouse permits and municipalities managing land-use planning and property assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2854) expands New Jersey's Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) Program to include adult students enrolled in career and technical education programs at county vocational school districts. It permits these students to receive financial aid covering remaining tuition and fees after other state, federal, and institutional grants are applied, provided they meet income limits ($0-$65,000 annual adjusted gross income), enroll in programs of at least four months, and maintain academic standing. The grant supports up to two years of study for eligible adult vocational students, aligning their access with traditional community college students under the CCOG Program. This change directly affects adult learners seeking industry-recognized certifications or licenses through county vocational programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey taxpayers to exclude certain retirement plan contributions from their state gross income tax. It applies to contributions made to 401(k) plans, traditional IRAs, qualified pension plans, government deferred compensation plans (457 plans), and the federal Thrift Savings Fund. These contributions would be taxed upon withdrawal rather than at the time of contribution, effectively reducing taxable income for eligible taxpayers in the year they make contributions. The change would apply to contributions made in taxable years beginning January 1 following the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a New Jersey nurse aide workforce development program to support individuals seeking certification. It requires the Department of Health to provide free information on certification benefits, requirements, and cost protections - such as no fees for certification exams during training for those employed in long-term care facilities, and reimbursement for training costs within 12 months of hiring. A one-year pilot program will reimburse eligible nurse aide students up to 25% of training costs after course completion. All resources will be centralized on a dedicated Department of Health website, using available funds and expiring 365 days after the pilot begins.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to provide outreach and services to human trafficking victims using state resources, collaborating with victim support organizations like the Victims of Crime Compensation Office. It authorizes a pilot program to fund service providers in urban areas with the highest crime rates and communities near major ports that have significant minority populations. The pilot program must be evaluated after implementation to determine if it should be continued, expanded, or made permanent. The bill applies statewide but targets specific communities for initial service delivery through the pilot.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year Gun Court Pilot Program in Mercer County's Superior Court. It allows cases involving guns or dangerous weapons used in crimes to be referred to this specialized court, where judges must have expertise in criminal law and violent crime sentencing. The Administrative Office of the Courts will administer the program, monitor its impact on sentencing and court workload, and report to the legislature after 12 months and at the program's conclusion. The pilot aims to evaluate whether such a specialized court could be expanded statewide.