Asm. Don Guardian

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) by expanding which municipalities require a CAFRA permit for certain coastal developments. It adds cities of the fourth class ranked in the top 2% of the Department of Community Affairs' 2020 Municipal Revitalization Index to the list of qualifying municipalities subject to existing permit thresholds. Development in these cities now triggers CAFRA review for projects meeting specific size criteria (e.g., 75+ residential units or 150+ commercial parking spaces), mirroring requirements for larger cities or designated qualifying municipalities. The change applies to development beyond 500 feet from the water's edge.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey residents to purchase special license plates featuring the horse (the state animal) for their vehicles. Owners would pay a $50 application fee and a $10 annual renewal fee, with fees covering costs and funding a dedicated fund. The State Animal License Plate Fund, managed by the Department of Agriculture, would support horse health programs and equine therapy services for people with special needs. The program requires at least $25,000 in private funding and 500 initial applications before launching, and would expire if these conditions aren't met within 12 months.

Maddy summaryAJR 55 designates March 16 each year as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize service dogs that assist veterans with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. The resolution directly affects veterans, service dog organizations (such as Paws Healing Heroes in Glassboro), and the public by raising awareness of these animals' role in veteran support. Its key mechanism is an annual designation requiring the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public observance. This is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with funding or regulatory changes, and it takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryACR 96 proposes amending New Jersey's constitution to create an elected Taxpayer Advocate position, directly affecting all New Jersey taxpayers. The advocate would be elected every four years (at gubernatorial election times) in a non-partisan race, with duties including reviewing tax-related bills and regulations before they advance, then recommending changes to minimize tax burdens on residents. The role would require the advocate to provide public information on tax matters and advocate for taxpayers' interests before the Legislature and executive agencies. This constitutional change would establish a permanent, independent office focused on protecting taxpayer interests through proactive review of tax policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $2.5 million Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program through New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA). It provides grants of up to $75,000 per project to qualified applicants (like corporations, nonprofits, or local governments) to expand broadband infrastructure in rural areas lacking reliable service (defined as speeds below 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload). Applicants must contribute at least 25% private funding and prioritize projects addressing unserved areas. The EDA must report annually on grant distribution, applicants, and outcomes, with funds sourced from federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act monies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2612) would exempt New Jersey residents aged 65 and older from paying any fees for hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses, permits, certificates, or stamps. Currently, residents aged 65-69 pay reduced fees for some licenses, while those 70 and older are exempt from fishing license requirements. The bill would extend full fee exemptions to all hunting, trapping, and fishing-related fees for residents 65 and older. This change would eliminate both license fees and associated issuance fees for eligible residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed beverage producers (like breweries, wineries, and distilleries) to sell their products at seasonal farm markets with a permit. It requires separate permits for each market, with daily permits costing up to $25 and annual permits up to $75. The permit enables off-premises sales and limited sampling, but explicitly excludes roadside farm stands (defined as single-farmer sales directly from their farm). The permit is tied to the producer's existing license and must be renewed annually.

Maddy summaryACR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the annual income limit for New Jersey seniors (65+) and disabled citizens to qualify for a $250 property tax deduction. It raises the current $10,000 income limit to $20,000 starting in 2015, with future limits automatically adjusted each year based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) changes. This affects low-income homeowners aged 65+ or permanently disabled individuals who own or rent in qualifying housing. The amendment would update a provision last changed in 1983, requiring implementing legislation to define CPI adjustments after 2015.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires State employers and contracted service providers to conduct comprehensive background checks for all employees in positions involving regular contact with children. It mandates applicants disclose any history of child abuse or sexual misconduct investigations, and requires criminal history checks for specific offenses like child molestation, sexual assault, and abuse. Employees or applicants with substantiated child abuse convictions or certain criminal histories would be permanently disqualified from these positions, though rehabilitation evidence may allow exceptions for other offenses. The policy aims to prevent individuals with relevant histories from working with children in State-related positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits to New Jersey small businesses (fewer than 25 employees and under $1 million annual revenue) and farm employers (hiring farm labor) for increased mandatory insurance costs. The credit equals the difference between current-year costs for workers' compensation, disability, and unemployment insurance versus the previous year's costs for the same employees and wages. Credits are capped at $12,000 annually per business and available only for tax years 2020-2029, with unused portions carryable for up to four years. Businesses must apply through the Division of Taxation, and credits reduce corporate business tax or gross income tax liability.