Rep. Don Guardian

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes a county-level "ATV Law Enforcement Task Force" in each of the state's 21 counties. The task forces, led by county prosecutors and including sheriffs, police chiefs, and park law enforcement, must study ATV laws, develop coordination plans for enforcement, and recommend policies within six months. The bill appropriates $1 million to fund these efforts, enabling law enforcement agencies to seize illegally operated ATVs under new mutual aid agreements. It requires task forces to submit findings to the Attorney General, who will then report to the Governor and Legislature with recommendations for future legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners or operators of venues holding 1,000+ people (like stadiums, arenas, and concert halls) to maintain at least one automatic external defibrillator (AED) on-site. It mandates that AEDs be accessible at all times, properly stored and maintained, with clear signage and staff trained in CPR and AED use. Venues must also develop emergency response protocols and notify emergency services about AED locations. The law aims to improve survival rates for cardiac events - where immediate defibrillation can increase survival by up to 90% - by ensuring rapid access to life-saving equipment at large public gatherings.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes the "Rural Business Development Program" administered by the Economic Development Authority (EDA), providing grants to rural small businesses that operate sustainable farms and food systems in designated rural census tracts. It appropriates $35 million from federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to create a dedicated "Rural Business Development Fund" for grants aimed at retaining or creating local jobs. Businesses receiving grants must report every six months on how funds were used to support employment. The program requires the EDA to set application rules, funding criteria, and reporting requirements for participating businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum weekly reimbursement limit for personal care assistant services under New Jersey's WorkAbility Program from 40 hours to 112 hours per calendar week. It directly affects employed, permanently disabled New Jersey residents who qualify for the program by meeting income thresholds (under 250% of federal poverty level for earned income) and having a disability certified by Social Security or the state. The key change allows these individuals to receive significantly more hours of covered personal care support through existing Medicaid contracts managed by the state. This adjustment aligns with federal Medicaid program requirements and aims to provide greater flexibility for participants in the WorkAbility Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that if the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) sells or leases the Atlantic City International Airport, the sale or lease terms must preserve employees' existing rights and benefits. Specifically, it mandates that employees retain all benefits under current union contracts, civil service status (if applicable), pension credits, and accumulated leave (such as sick or vacation time) transferred to the new owner or operator. The bill also requires that current employee representatives continue to serve affected employees until they choose new representatives through formal processes. These provisions directly protect SJTA airport employees and their employment conditions during ownership changes.

Maddy summaryACR 103 proposes a constitutional amendment to provide a $250 annual property tax deduction on the primary residence for New Jersey law enforcement officers who suffer permanent disabilities directly from their job (not requiring total disability). The deduction would also extend to surviving spouses aged 65+ who remain unmarried and reside in the same primary home after the officer’s death. The Legislature would define eligible "law enforcement officers" in implementing legislation. This change would directly affect officers with qualifying work-related disabilities and their surviving spouses, without altering other tax rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey horse racetracks (both running and harness) to partner with Atlantic City casinos or their internet gaming affiliates, enabling racetrack locations to serve as venues for placing internet casino wagers. It requires racetracks to submit agreements to the Division of Gaming Enforcement for approval, which must be granted without unreasonable delay. The Division will set minimum standards for equipment and locations at racetracks, while casinos must compensate racetracks for these services under the agreement terms. This change specifically affects racetracks seeking new revenue streams and casinos expanding their internet wagering access, without subjecting racetrack-based internet gaming to the New Jersey Racing Commission.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires state agencies and local governments (like cities, counties, and their departments) that use automated phone systems to provide public contact to offer callers a simple option: press "0" during business hours to speak with a live person or leave a message. It applies to any government entity legally required to maintain a public phone line, ensuring people aren’t stuck in automated menus. The key change is mandating this "press 0" feature as a standard part of their phone service setup. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment, giving agencies time to implement the change.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state government buildings - including offices, agencies, and state universities - to separate and recycle specific materials like aluminum, cardboard, glass, paper, and plastic waste. State entities must provide recycling bins, signage, and education for both employees and the public, and arrange for collection and transportation of recyclables through licensed vendors. The rule does not apply to state parks or forests using a "carry-in, carry-out" trash program. The Department of the Treasury will create compliance guidance and coordinate with courts and the legislature to ensure all state branches follow the requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3691) would exempt income earned in the form of tips from New Jersey's state gross income tax. It directly affects service industry workers (such as servers, bartenders, and hair stylists) who receive tips as part of their earnings. The key provision amends New Jersey's tax code to remove "tips" from the list of taxable income categories under the definition of "gross income." As a result, tips would no longer be subject to state income tax, reducing the tax burden for affected workers. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Labor Committee.