Asm. Roy Freiman

Maddy summaryAJR 45 is a ceremonial resolution designating March 31 of each year as "Jack Antonoff Day" in New Jersey. It honors Jack Antonoff, a Bergenfield-born musician and producer known for his work with Taylor Swift and other artists, as well as his advocacy for LGBTQ youth through the Ally Coalition. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day. It does not create new laws or allocate funds - only recognizing Antonoff's contributions to music and LGBTQ+ support. This is a symbolic gesture, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryAJR 46 designates the first week of May each year as "Children's Mental Health Awareness Week" in New Jersey. The bill requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the week with activities promoting awareness. This procedural resolution does not create new programs or funding but formally recognizes the week to support existing efforts addressing children's mental health. It directly affects New Jersey state officials and the public through the Governor's annual proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 738) expands New Jersey's Wounded Warrior Caregivers Relief Act to provide a tax credit for family caregivers of veterans with service-connected disabilities, regardless of when the disability occurred. It directly affects New Jersey residents who are relatives (up to third degree by blood) caring for a veteran who was honorably discharged and resides with them in New Jersey for at least six months of the year. The credit equals 100% of the veteran's federal disability compensation, capped at $675 per year, and applies to caregivers earning under $100,000 (jointly) or $50,000 (single). The bill revises the definition of "veteran" to include all honorably discharged veterans, not just those with disabilities from post-9/11 service. It was introduced on January 13, 2026, and refers to the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $34 million from constitutionally protected business tax revenues to fund farmland preservation grants. It provides counties with planning incentive grants covering up to 80% of the cost to acquire development easements on farmland, directly affecting eligible counties like Burlington, Gloucester, and Somerset. The funds are distributed through the State Agriculture Development Committee to support local efforts in preserving agricultural land. The grant amounts vary by county, with some receiving up to $8.5 million total. This policy change enables counties to protect farmland through permanent easements without requiring new tax revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts the tax levy cap for New Jersey school districts that experience reductions in state school aid. It ensures these districts are not required to raise local property taxes as much when state funding decreases, by linking their required local tax levy directly to their state aid amount. The key mechanism requires the state commissioner to calculate each district's "required local share" based on their state aid level, preventing districts from facing higher tax increases during funding shortfalls. This policy directly affects school districts receiving state aid that may see reduced payments, providing them relief from mandatory tax hikes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1656) requires all outdoor lighting fixtures installed or replaced by New Jersey state agencies or on projects receiving state funds to meet specific environmental and energy efficiency standards. It mandates fully shielded fixtures with a BUG rating of U0, a maximum color temperature of 2,700 Kelvin (with limited exceptions), motion sensors, and minimal light trespass. The law aims to reduce light pollution, glare, and energy use while preserving public health and the natural night environment. It directly affects state agencies, state-funded construction projects, and all outdoor lighting installations under their jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryBill A 1645 clarifies that veterinarians are excluded from New Jersey's telemedicine and telehealth law. The bill amends existing statute (P.L.2017, c.117) to explicitly state that veterinary services are not covered under the definition of "health care provider" for telehealth purposes. This means veterinarians providing remote care will not be subject to the same licensing, standards, or regulatory requirements as human medical providers using telehealth. The change directly affects veterinarians and the veterinary care industry by removing them from the scope of the telehealth law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Planning Commission to create a model ordinance for siting warehouses (like distribution centers) and update local zoning rules to align with it. Municipalities must adopt these model rules when updating their master plans and zoning, with the state providing $5 million in funding through the Department of Community Affairs to support this transition. The law directly affects local governments, which will need to revise their land-use regulations to incorporate the new warehouse siting standards. It aims to standardize warehouse development planning while giving communities flexibility to adapt the model to local needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education to create a public online portal displaying how state school funding is calculated for all school districts. The portal will show historical aid amounts, allow users to adjust variables like enrollment or property values to estimate impacts, and explain complex funding formulas in plain language. It will cover all state aid types - including special education, transportation, and categorical programs - and include district-specific data like local shares and enrollment. The portal must link to relevant laws, district budgets, and the annual Educational Adequacy Report. This transparency tool directly affects school districts and the public by making funding mechanisms accessible and understandable.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that certain licensed professionals in New Jersey may be treated as independent contractors under state law if they have a written agreement designating them as such. It specifically applies to licensed insurance producers, securities professionals (like broker-dealers and investment advisers), freight drivers at marine terminals/rail facilities meeting unemployment law exemptions, and others meeting specific criteria. The law prevents these professionals from being reclassified as employees for any purpose under state law during the term of their written agreement and prohibits requiring additional tests to maintain independent contractor status. It applies retroactively to all existing agreements for enforcement purposes.