Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $65 million from the General Fund to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to purchase specific properties from New Jersey Transit (NJT). The EDA must buy these properties at appraised "highest and best use" value and can develop, lease, or sell them for commercial or residential use to maximize economic potential. NJT retains a 33% share of proceeds from any future sale or lease of these properties. The EDA must notify the Joint Budget Oversight Committee before purchasing or developing the properties, requiring a joint presentation with NJT about the transaction terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill phases out New Jersey's sales tax exemption for zero-emission vehicles (EVs) in two steps: a temporary 3.3125% tax applies to EV sales from October 2024 through June 2025, then the standard 6.625% sales tax applies starting July 2025. It also repeals the annual sales tax holiday for school supplies, computers, instructional materials, and sport/recreational equipment that previously exempted these items during a ten-day period each September. The bill directly affects EV buyers (who will pay tax instead of exemption) and retailers selling those specific school/sports items (who lose the tax holiday period). These changes implement policy adjustments proposed in the Governor’s 2025 budget.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's down payment assistance program to provide additional support for first-generation homebuyers. It increases the maximum down payment assistance to $20,000 for first-time homebuyers, with an extra $7,000-$10,000 specifically for first-generation homebuyers (defined as individuals whose parents never owned residential property and who may have been in foster care). The program requires recipients to use the home as their primary residence for five years, complete homebuyer counseling, and repay the loan if they move before the five-year term. The assistance is structured as a zero-interest, forgivable loan if all conditions are met.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's down payment assistance program to better support first-generation and first-time homebuyers. It increases the maximum zero-interest, forgivable loan amount from $15,000 to $20,000, adds an extra $7,000-$10,000 for first-generation homebuyers (defined as those without parental home ownership history or who were in foster care), and requires recipients to use the home as their primary residence for five years. The program must allocate at least 50% of annual funding to first-generation homebuyers, with detailed reporting on recipient demographics and program effectiveness. This directly affects low-to-moderate income homebuyers seeking to purchase single-family homes through the state’s housing agency.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two new benefit programs under New Jersey's Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) cash assistance program. It provides eligible participants with a $14 monthly benefit for menstrual hygiene products (tampons, pads, or cups) for individuals aged 18-50, and a $30 monthly benefit per child under 36 months for diaper products. Benefits are added to participants' existing WFNJ electronic cards on the same schedule as regular benefits, with unspent funds carrying over monthly. The $2.5 million appropriation funds these programs, which directly affect low-income WFNJ recipients and their dependent children.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's film and digital media content production tax credit program to expand eligibility for tax credits. It specifically modifies the definitions of "qualified film production expenses" and "qualified digital media content production expenses" to include wages paid to employees who are exempt from New Jersey income tax due to reciprocity agreements with other states, such as Pennsylvania residents. The bill also updates the definition of "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include these workers. These changes apply retroactively to January 1, 2024, allowing taxpayers who received tax credit certificates before this date to surrender them for new certificates under the revised terms. The changes directly affect film and digital media production companies operating in New Jersey that employ workers from states with income tax reciprocity agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the Child Care Facilities Improvement Program grants - funded by federal Coronavirus Relief Funds - to licensed child care centers only, removing eligibility for registered family child care homes. The program provides grants of $50,000 to $200,000 for facility improvements to centers licensed by the Department of Children and Families before June 4, 2021. The change ensures federal funds are used exclusively for licensed centers, while the state plans a separate state-funded program for family child care providers to simplify administrative processes. This adjustment aligns with the sponsor’s goal of reducing compliance burdens for family child care providers through dedicated state resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a 2.5% fee on corporations with New Jersey taxable income exceeding $10 million for tax years 2024-2028, excluding S corporations and public utilities. It requires affected businesses to pay this fee in addition to their existing corporate business tax. All revenue collected (minus funds constitutionally reserved for open space/farmland) will fund New Jersey Transit’s operating expenses and help cover the state’s share for federal transit capital projects starting in 2026. The fee is calculated on the same income base used for corporate business tax, with no credits allowed except for prior overpayments or estimated payments.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for teacher candidates in New Jersey to pass a basic skills test (such as the Praxis Core) to obtain certain teaching certificates. Specifically, it eliminates the need for candidates seeking a certificate of eligibility, certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, provisional certificate, or standard instructional certificate to complete a Commissioner-approved test of basic reading, writing, and math skills. The change directly affects individuals pursuing teaching certification in the state by streamlining the certification process. It repeals the existing law requiring these tests, making certification more accessible for educators meeting other standard qualifications. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's requirements for inspecting residential rental properties for lead-based paint hazards. It mandates that municipalities inspect rental units at tenant turnover or every three years (with lead-safe certifications now valid for three years), while repealing an outdated provision requiring the Department of Community Affairs to conduct these inspections. The bill also modifies inspection methods based on local child blood lead level data and requires municipalities to report lead hazard findings to the Department of Community Affairs. These changes aim to streamline lead hazard inspections while maintaining protections for tenants, particularly children, from lead paint exposure.