Asm. Don Guardian

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $2.5 million Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program using federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It provides grants to organizations like internet providers, non-profits, and local governments to build or improve broadband infrastructure in rural New Jersey areas lacking adequate service (defined as 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload). Grants are capped at $75,000 per project, require a 25% private matching contribution, and prioritize projects targeting unserved areas. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will administer the program and report annually on grant distribution and outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits to small business employers (under 25 employees and $1 million annual revenue) and farm employers in New Jersey for increased costs of mandatory insurance. Specifically, it credits businesses for the difference between their current-year expenses on workers' compensation, temporary disability, and unemployment insurance versus what they paid in the prior year. The credit is capped at $12,000 annually per business and applies to both corporation business tax and gross income tax filings. The program runs from 2020 through 2029, helping qualifying small employers offset rising insurance costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $1,000 refundable tax credit for New Jersey taxpayers (or their dependents) who pay tuition for approved nurse aide training programs. To qualify, individuals must complete the training - based on the state's curriculum and approved by the Department of Health - and work 12 consecutive months as a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) at a licensed long-term care facility. The credit is claimed in the tax year following this employment requirement and reduces tax liability, with any unused portion refunded if it brings tax owed to zero. It directly supports people entering the CNA workforce, aiming to address staffing shortages in nursing homes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows large food waste generators (those producing 52+ tons annually) to dispose of source-separated food waste at sanitary landfills that capture landfill gas for renewable energy production, instead of sending it to dedicated recycling facilities. It applies to generators within 25 miles of a recycling facility who choose this alternative path, requiring landfills to deliver gas to facilities generating Class I renewable energy or renewable natural gas meeting quality standards. The policy expands disposal options while maintaining the core requirement for source separation. Generators must continue this disposal method to remain compliant, with waivers available if recycling costs exceed disposal costs by 10% or more.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's Child Tax Credit program, providing refundable tax credits to low-income residents with children. It directly benefits households with taxable income up to 250% of the federal poverty level, offering $582 per younger child (under age 6) and $187 per older child (ages 6-24) for families at or below 100% poverty level, with credits phasing out gradually as income rises. Key provisions include allowing claims using either Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), ensuring credits don't reduce eligibility for state benefits, and requiring annual reporting on credit usage. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly committee and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to prioritize principal forgiveness for environmental infrastructure loans to municipalities in coastal areas. It directly affects coastal municipalities needing funding for projects like wastewater treatment and water supply systems. The key mechanism establishes that these coastal communities will receive preferential treatment in the existing Interim Environmental Financing Program for eligible projects listed on the DEP's priority list. The change modifies how loan forgiveness is allocated within current financing programs, without creating new funding sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a nine-member "Business Tax and Incentive Task Force" to study New Jersey's tax policies and business incentives compared to other states. The task force will examine how tax structures and incentives impact business growth, job creation, and investment in New Jersey relative to other states, and assess the effectiveness of current programs. It must produce a final report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 180 days of organizing. The bill does not change tax laws but creates a study mechanism to inform future policy decisions affecting businesses and economic development.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of members in New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It directly affects current and future retirees who are members of this system, restoring annual benefit increases tied to inflation. The key provision amends existing law to allow the retirement system's board of trustees to reinstate these automatic COLAs without requiring additional contributions from members, provided actuarial certification confirms the change won't harm the fund's long-term stability. The bill does not create new benefits but returns a previously reduced feature of the retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey county Surrogates to create electronic systems for accepting digital signatures on specific probate documents, such as applications for probate, executor qualifications, and asset affidavits. It explicitly excludes wills from coverage and defines "qualifying documents" as common forms used in probate proceedings. The Supreme Court and Court Administrative Director can issue implementing rules, and the law takes effect immediately. This change directly affects individuals and legal professionals handling probate cases by enabling digital submissions for designated forms.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state employers and contracted service providers to verify applicants' history of child abuse or sexual misconduct for positions involving regular contact with children under 18. Applicants must disclose past investigations, disciplinary actions, or license suspensions related to such misconduct and provide employer contact details for verification. Employers must contact previous employers (within the last 20 years) to confirm this information through written, phone, or electronic means. False disclosures may result in employment denial, termination, or a $500 civil penalty.