Asm. Craig Coughlin

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of seasonal rental units (like vacation homes rented for up to 125 days through platforms such as Airbnb) to inform prospective renters before booking if a pet is regularly present or will be present within two weeks of the stay. It directly protects renters with pet allergies or sensitivities by preventing unexpected exposure to pet-dander environments. If owners fail to disclose, renters can cancel their booking, leave within 12 hours of arrival, and receive a full refund of deposits or payments. The law takes effect January 1, 2025, and applies to all seasonal rentals excluding those for migrant or seasonal workers.

Maddy summaryAJR 89 is a symbolic joint resolution passed by the New Jersey legislature that unconditionally condemns all forms of hate, hate-based violence, and bias crimes targeting individuals based on race, religion, ethnicity, disability, age, marital status, gender, or sexual orientation. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but urges the Governor and Attorney General to continue existing efforts like supporting victims, improving hate crime reporting, enhancing security at vulnerable sites, and researching solutions. The resolution emphasizes New Jersey’s commitment to protecting citizens from hatred and promoting an inclusive community, reflecting the state’s ongoing stance against bias-motivated incidents. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct legal effect on individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution expresses the New Jersey General Assembly's support for the "Breakfast Bowl," an annual football game between Montclair State University and Rowan University designed to raise awareness about food insecurity in New Jersey. The resolution recognizes the universities' existing food insecurity initiatives, including Montclair's Red Hawk Pantry and Rowan's SHOP food pantry, which provide fresh produce and food assistance to students and community members. The winner of the game will also determine whether New Jersey's signature breakfast meat is called "Pork Roll" or "Taylor Ham" until the next year's event.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Stay NJ property tax credit program, providing eligible senior citizens (65+ years old) with a property tax credit equal to 50% of their property tax bill, up to a maximum of $6,500 for tax year 2026 (with annual adjustments based on property tax increases). The program targets New Jersey residents with annual income under $500,000 who own or rent their principal residence as a homestead. Eligible claimants will receive the greater of the Stay NJ credit or the combined ANCHOR rebate and homestead property tax reimbursement, with a single application process to replace current multiple programs. The credit will be implemented starting in 2026, with applications accepted February 1 through October 31 each year.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 3838 allows the Director of the Division of Pensions and Benefits to temporarily transfer funds between two health benefits funds when the target fund (for dependents and employer health benefits) falls below a 10-day funding threshold. The Director can move funds from the main health benefits fund to cover up to 30 days of anticipated payments, including premiums, claims, and other charges, based on six-month averages. Transferred funds, plus interest, must be repaid within 120 days (with possible extensions up to 365 days total) to the target fund. The Director must notify the State Health Benefits Commission within 30 days and provide monthly reports to the State Treasurer detailing transfers, balances, and repayments.

Maddy summaryAR 167 establishes a 12-member Assembly Select Committee on Ballot Design in New Jersey. The committee, with six members appointed by the Speaker and six by the Minority Leader, will review studies, court decisions, and best practices related to primary and general election ballot design. Its sole purpose is to examine ballot design research to inform future election administration in the state. The committee will expire upon completion of its work and has no authority to change election laws or voting procedures.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 165) urges the U.S. federal government to create legislation providing proportional property tax relief for veterans with service-connected permanent disabilities. It proposes that veterans receive tax relief based on their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating (e.g., 30% disability would yield 30% tax relief), limited to their primary residence and veterans earning under $200,000 annually. The resolution highlights that New Jersey currently offers full property tax exemptions for veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities, but this federal standard would extend similar proportional benefits to veterans nationwide. It does not create new state law but calls for federal action to ensure consistent support for veterans across all states.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Director of the Division of Pensions and Benefits to temporarily transfer funds between two state health benefits funds when available funds fall below 10 days of anticipated payments. It directly affects the State Health Benefits Program, which covers New Jersey State employees, their dependents, and participating employers. The Director may transfer funds sufficient to cover up to 30 days of payments (based on six-month averages), with repayment required within 120 days (extendable up to 365 days total). The bill mandates monthly reporting to the State Treasurer on all transfers and balances to ensure transparency and timely repayment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury and Department of Human Services (DHS) to annually identify unspent state funds available for NJ FamilyCare, evaluate care quality for beneficiaries, and create a prioritized list of the 12 most urgent improvements needed. It directly affects low-income residents enrolled in NJ FamilyCare (which includes Medicaid and children's health insurance) by mandating that state officials assess funding gaps and quality issues. The key mechanism is an annual report to the Governor and Legislature detailing available funds, care deficiencies, and specific cost estimates for implementing top priority changes. The bill does not allocate new funds but directs existing resources toward addressing identified care shortcomings.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (ACR 115) urges the U.S. Congress to pass the "Universal School Meals Program Act of 2023." If enacted, that federal bill would provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to all public school students, regardless of family income, and eliminate school meal debt while reimbursing schools for past unpaid meals. It directly affects all school children in the U.S., particularly those from food-insecure households, by ensuring consistent access to meals without financial barriers. The resolution highlights that 12 million children faced food insecurity at the pandemic's peak and aims to make universal school meals a permanent federal policy.