Asm. Craig Coughlin

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's bias intimidation law by adding computer criminal activity, initiating false alarms, and cyber-harassment to the list of offenses that qualify as bias intimidation. It removes an unconstitutional provision from current law that was struck down by the New Jersey Supreme Court in State v. Pomianek. The bill establishes additional penalties for bias intimidation convictions, ranging from $250 to $2,000 depending on the severity, with these funds going to a new "Bias Crime Prevention Fund" to support investigations, community response, and educational programs about bias crimes. It also creates a mechanism for victims to receive treble compensatory damages if they prove harm was caused by bias intimidation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Non-Profit Loan Guarantee Pilot Program through the Economic Development Authority (EDA), providing loan guarantees to eligible non-profit organizations for constructing new facilities. To qualify, non-profits must be IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations with 10+ years of operation, prior state financial assistance, and must demonstrate plans to create 10+ full-time jobs and generate sufficient revenue (e.g., through ticket sales or donations) to repay loans. The EDA will use a dedicated fund - financed by the Economic Recovery Fund, loan repayments, and other EDA funds - to guarantee loans up to $15 million per organization for up to 20 years, with participating banks providing the actual financing. The EDA must report annually on program demand, effectiveness, and recommendations for improvement.

Maddy summaryA2515 amends New Jersey's assault laws to specifically upgrade penalties for domestic violence-related assaults. It treats assaults against victims of domestic violence (as defined in the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991) as more serious offenses. Simple assault in these cases becomes a fourth-degree crime (with no presumption of non-imprisonment), while aggravated assault can range from third to first degree depending on the severity. Penalties range from up to 18 months in jail for fourth-degree offenses to up to 20 years for first-degree offenses.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1584) requires dealers or lessors to terminate a private motor vehicle lease immediately upon the lessee's death if the vehicle was registered in New Jersey. It prohibits charging any fee for this early termination (though reasonable fees for excessive wear/mileage specified in the lease may still apply). The bill also prevents leases from forcing surviving family members, guardians, or estate representatives to buy the vehicle, continue the lease, or pay for remaining terms. Dealers must include written notice of this termination right in lease agreements, with a $500 penalty for failing to do so. The law applies to leases signed after enactment and excludes commercial vehicles and surviving co-lessees who signed the lease.

Maddy summaryThe Food Desert Elimination Act provides tax incentives to supermarkets and grocery stores that open their first location in designated food desert communities across New Jersey. It offers a tax credit equal to the property taxes paid by the store for the first four years (initial opening plus three subsequent years) to businesses establishing the first supermarket or grocery store in a designated food desert area. The bill also creates a special permit allowing these stores to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption, with different rules than standard liquor licenses. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will designate up to 75 food desert communities based on criteria including poverty rates and access to healthy food. This program aims to increase access to fresh produce and nutritious food for residents in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new corporate classification called "Garden State Corporation" for manufacturers operating primarily in New Jersey. To qualify, a corporation must have its facilities in New Jersey, include employee-elected board members (50% of the board) chosen by all NJ-based employees with equal voting rights, and amend its governing documents accordingly. Qualifying corporations receive tax credits against the state business tax: up to 60% in the first five years if also a benefit corporation, or 35% if not, with reduced credit years if both statuses apply. The tax benefits last up to nine years, ending after the ninth consecutive year of status.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits supplemental compensation for unused sick leave earned after its effective date by public employees in New Jersey. For employees with collective bargaining agreements, unused sick leave earned after the effective date has no monetary value if they had $7,500 or more in unused sick leave prior to that date; otherwise, it can be used for health care benefits through monthly payments over five years or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement for medical expenses. The bill also limits vacation leave carry-forward to one year for all public employees. It suspends payments for unused sick leave if an employee is indicted for certain crimes and forfeits payments if convicted, applying to State, local government, and school district employees, including those in independent authorities and public institutions of higher education.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A2773 requires domestic violence offenders to surrender firearms and have their firearm permits revoked upon conviction or when a restraining order is issued. It mandates courts to order immediate firearm surrender within 5 business days, allowing 10 days for licensed dealers to take possession of surrendered firearms. Law enforcement must properly store surrendered firearms and may charge defendants for storage costs. The bill also requires courts to search domestic violence records before issuing restraining orders to check for firearm ownership and ensures records are cross-referenced to prevent offenders from retaining firearms.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to deduct up to $45,000 annually from their gross income for specific property cleanup costs. It covers lead paint removal (by certified contractors), asbestos abatement (by licensed contractors), lead pipe/plumbing replacement, soil remediation, leaded window replacement, and water treatment system costs for sodium/chloride-contaminated well water. The deduction applies to primary residences, owner-occupied homes, or rental units, with requirements including municipal affidavits for lead/asbestos work and proof of contamination for water treatment. The provision expires December 31, 2025, and is available regardless of taxpayer income.

Maddy summaryThis bill affects public employees in New Jersey who are married to other public employees. It requires that when both spouses work for public employers and are eligible for health benefits, the spouse with the higher annual compensation must select coverage with their employer, and the other spouse cannot receive benefits from their employer. The bill also prohibits public employers from making payments to employees who waive health coverage, which was previously permitted under certain circumstances. This change applies to state, local government, school board, and other public employer health benefit plans.