Asm. Don Guardian

Maddy summaryThis bill allows each New Jersey county's Surrogate (probate court official) to create electronic systems that accept digital signatures for specific probate documents. It covers forms like applications for probate, executor qualifications, surety bonds, and asset affidavits, but explicitly excludes wills. The Surrogate must establish these systems to replace paper-based processes for these designated forms. The Supreme Court may issue rules to support implementation, and the law takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A131) provides free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, as well as free admission to New Jersey state parks and forests, for disabled veterans and specific military personnel. It expands current law by extending free park access to disabled veterans (previously only covered for licenses) and removing residency requirements for active military members stationed in New Jersey. Eligible individuals include disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities, active duty military members regardless of residency, members of NJ National Guard units, and retired NJ National Guard members. The bill amends existing statutes to clarify these benefits and requires the Division of Fish and Wildlife to establish documentation standards for verification. These provisions apply to both New Jersey residents and non-residents meeting the criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals with developmental disabilities aged 21+ who previously couldn't access special education due to behavioral issues (now resolved) to attend approved special education programs if they would benefit. It also permits these individuals to simultaneously participate in both an adult day program (providing daily habilitation services) and an employment program (offering sheltered work training) after transitioning from child services to adult services. To qualify, they must meet each program's eligibility requirements and have their personalized care plan document authorization for both programs. The bill directly affects adults with developmental disabilities in New Jersey who are transitioning from youth to adult service systems.

Maddy summaryACR 58 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $2,500 over four years. It would raise the annual deduction to $1,000 in 2024, $1,500 in 2025, $2,000 in 2026, and $2,500 starting in 2027, with the amount remaining at $2,500 annually thereafter. This change directly affects honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses, who qualify for the deduction on real and personal property taxes. The amendment requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state buildings (including government offices, state universities, and agencies) to separate and recycle specific materials like aluminum, cardboard, glass, paper, and plastic waste. It mandates that state entities provide recycling bins, clear signage, and educational resources for both employees and the public, along with establishing collection procedures. The rule does not apply to state parks or forests using a "carry-in, carry-out" trash program. The Department of Treasury, with the Environmental Protection Department, must create compliance guidance and ensure all state branches follow the requirements within 180 days of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2253) increases the annual amount credited to New Jersey's Shore Protection Fund from $25 million to $50 million. The fund receives the state portion of realty transfer fees collected when property deeds are recorded (calculated at $1.25 per $500 of property value). The change applies immediately to all future State fiscal years following enactment. This directly affects the Shore Protection Fund's annual funding level, doubling its baseline allocation from realty transfer fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $450,000 from the Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund - funded by fines from convicted drug offenders - to the Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program. The program, established by law (P.L.2012, c.46), uses fishing activities to engage youth in drug prevention efforts. The funding covers implementation costs, and the bill encourages annual appropriations from the same fund or other sources to maintain the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed organizations in New Jersey - such as charities, churches, veterans' groups, and civic clubs - to conduct a new type of raffle game called "Queen of Hearts." The game uses a board with 54 shuffled playing cards; a randomly drawn winner selects a card. If the card isn't the Queen of Hearts, the winner gets a cash prize immediately, and the game continues weekly until the Queen is chosen. If the Queen is selected, the winner receives half the prize, with the rest kept by the organization. The state's gambling control commission will establish rules for how these raffles must be run.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly passed Resolution AR 45, urging Congress to pass H.R.3339, which proposes establishing a national infrastructure bank. The resolution does not create new funding but calls for federal action to address infrastructure gaps. It highlights concerns about aging systems in New Jersey (like 29% of roads in poor condition) and nationwide needs cited by groups like the American Society of Civil Engineers. The proposed bank would generate capital by trading U.S. Treasury Bonds for preferred stock, similar to a commercial bank, to fund projects including transportation, broadband, and energy grids. This resolution directly affects Congress, urging it to advance H.R.3339.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend New Jersey's tax code to exclude certain retirement contributions from gross income tax calculations. Specifically, it would exclude contributions to qualified pension plans, deferred compensation plans, and provide a deduction for qualifying individual retirement account (IRA) contributions. Currently, private sector employees benefit from tax deferral on retirement contributions, but public sector employees (including government workers, school employees, and nonprofit staff) do not have the same tax treatment. The bill would extend similar tax advantages to these workers, making retirement savings more accessible for them. It would apply to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment.