Asm. Don Guardian

Maddy summaryThis bill (A125) establishes an annual grant program to support county 9-1-1 emergency call centers (PSAPs) in New Jersey. It redirects 10% of the $0.90 fee collected from telephone bills - currently deposited into the 9-1-1 Trust Fund - to provide financial aid for counties to purchase, maintain, and upgrade PSAP technology. The Office of Information Technology, with input from Emergency Management, will distribute the grants and report annually to the Governor and Legislature. This directly affects all New Jersey counties operating public safety answering points that handle emergency calls.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey electric utilities to create an interest-free loan program enabling residential customers to purchase standby emergency power generators. The program provides loans up to $8,000 per generator, with repayment managed through an "energy resilience fee" added to customers' monthly bills - itemized separately and based on usage (e.g., flat fee or surcharge). Utilities must establish a revolving loan fund and recover implementation costs through their regular revenue, while the fee itself is not considered utility revenue or subject to taxes. It directly affects residential utility customers in New Jersey who choose to participate in the program to finance generator purchases from private vendors.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill provides a $500 annual tax credit against gross income tax for volunteer firefighters who have been actively serving for three consecutive years. It directly affects volunteer firefighters employed by incorporated volunteer fire companies or part-paid fire departments in the state. To qualify, a taxpayer must have been an active member for the entire current tax year and the two prior years. The credit reduces the taxpayer's state income tax bill by up to $500 but cannot lower the tax below zero.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey state agencies to prioritize in-state businesses when awarding public contracts for goods or services. Specifically, if an in-state business's bid is within 5% of the top bid (which may be from an out-of-state business), the contract must be awarded to the in-state business. If no in-state bid meets this 5% threshold, the contract goes to the top bidder regardless of location. The bill also allows agencies to split large contracts into smaller parts to increase opportunities for New Jersey businesses to compete.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state departments, agencies, authorities, and instrumentality websites to include a prominent link allowing the public to submit complaints about service issues, performance, or customer service. The head of each state entity must periodically review these complaints and assess actions to address the underlying problems. The law takes effect immediately upon passage. (3 sentences)

Maddy summaryThis bill creates county-level "ATV Law Enforcement Task Forces" in all 21 New Jersey counties to coordinate efforts against illegal ATV use. Each task force, led by the county prosecutor, must study ATV laws, develop mutual aid plans for coordinated enforcement (including ATV seizure authority), and submit findings to the Attorney General within six months. The $1 million appropriation funds these task forces and their mutual aid plans, which must align with existing law allowing municipalities to declare illegally operated ATVs as forfeitable property. The plan requires law enforcement agencies to implement these coordinated strategies, with the Attorney General reporting recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within three months of receiving the task forces' findings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new criminal penalties for using drones to assist in other crimes in New Jersey. It specifically prohibits operating drones to further offenses like petty disorderly conduct (4th degree crime), violent crimes (one degree higher than the underlying offense), or surveillance at correctional facilities (3rd degree crime). The law also bans drone use for wildlife hunting, interfering with first responders, or operating under the influence, all classified as offenses. Upon conviction, the drone, controller, or associated digital device must be forfeited to authorities. The bill directly affects anyone operating drones in these prohibited ways, including individuals using drones for criminal activity or reckless behavior.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's parking law to allow disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients to use designated disability parking spaces by displaying their valid disabled veteran or Purple Heart license plate or placard. It directly affects veterans and Purple Heart recipients who hold these specific plates issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The key provision removes the requirement for these individuals to obtain a separate disability identification card or additional special plates to park in disability zones. The change takes immediate effect and ensures they can access these parking spaces using only their existing veteran or Purple Heart credentials.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 89) urges Congress and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to maintain current funding levels for ambulance services used by veterans. It specifically warns that proposed funding cuts could force veterans to pay $400-$600 per ambulance ride (the average cost in New Jersey), potentially deterring them from seeking emergency care. The resolution highlights that 338,012 veterans in New Jersey rely on federal reimbursement for these services, and rural areas - already facing hospital closures - would be disproportionately affected if costs shift to state/local governments. It does not change federal policy but formally requests the VA and Congress preserve existing reimbursement rates.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement officers to temporarily detain underage individuals (under 18) who unlawfully purchase or possess alcohol or cannabis, and notify their parents or guardians. For first-time violations, officers must provide a written warning to the minor and notify parents; for second violations, officers must provide a written warning and notify parents; for third or subsequent violations, officers must notify parents and provide referrals to community services. The bill prohibits arrest for these violations (except for other violations), requires officers to seize alcohol or cannabis items for destruction or training use, and mandates confidential record keeping with destruction after two years or upon the minor's 21st birthday, whichever comes first. It aims to address underage alcohol and cannabis use through a graduated response system focused on parental involvement and community resources rather than punitive measures.