Asm. Annette Quijano

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 165) urges the U.S. federal government to create legislation providing proportional property tax relief for veterans with service-connected permanent disabilities. It proposes that veterans receive tax relief based on their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating (e.g., 30% disability would yield 30% tax relief), limited to their primary residence and veterans earning under $200,000 annually. The resolution highlights that New Jersey currently offers full property tax exemptions for veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities, but this federal standard would extend similar proportional benefits to veterans nationwide. It does not create new state law but calls for federal action to ensure consistent support for veterans across all states.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A586 (A586) expands the state's affordable housing voucher program to cover homeownership expenses, such as mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance, instead of only rental assistance. It directly affects low-income households, seniors aged 62+, and veterans who qualify for the state's Rental Assistance Program (SRAP), requiring the Department of Community Affairs to reserve funds for this homeownership option. The bill mandates local housing authorities administering federal Section 8 vouchers to implement this homeownership program, which they currently aren't required to do. This change takes effect six months after enactment to allow time for implementation. The policy shift aims to help eligible residents transition from renting to homeownership using state-funded vouchers.

Maddy summaryThe "Free Means Free Act" (A2477) prohibits businesses in New Jersey from advertising products as "free" if they later charge fees that make them non-free, such as cancellation, return, or restocking charges. It requires businesses to clearly disclose the "ultimate cost" at the point of sale - defined as the total amount a customer pays including all fees (like activation, shipping, or cancellation charges) and the product's retail value. This applies to products sold with contracted services (e.g., phones bundled with phone plans) and mandates specific disclosures about fees and subsidies. Violations can result in fines up to $20,000 per offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires rental car companies in New Jersey to delete renters' personal information from vehicle computer systems when a vehicle is returned. It defines "personal information" to include navigation history, phone data, and garage door codes, and mandates deletion using NIST-approved protocols or the vehicle manufacturer's factory reset option. Rental companies failing to comply face civil penalties of $500 for a first violation and $1,000 for subsequent offenses. The law applies to all businesses renting vehicles short-term to the public, including hourly or daily rentals. It directly affects renters whose data could remain in vehicle systems and rental companies responsible for implementing the deletion process.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act, prohibits state and local government agencies from collecting immigration status information unless strictly necessary for service eligibility and from assisting federal immigration authorities. It requires government entities to adopt policies protecting sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and shelters from immigration enforcement activities, ensuring immigrants can access public services without fear. The law mandates law enforcement training on these restrictions, prohibits detaining individuals based on immigration status, and requires annual reporting on interactions with federal immigration authorities. It also establishes a public awareness campaign to inform immigrants of their rights under the law.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, established by this bill, provides water bill payment assistance to households with monthly income at or below 60% of the state median income. It appropriates $25 million from the General Fund to fund direct financial assistance, debt relief for past water bills, and water efficiency measures for eligible households. Public water utilities, local authorities, and municipal utilities must enter into vendor contracts with the Department of Community Affairs to participate in the program and provide assistance to qualifying customers. The program aims to prevent water service disconnections due to inability to pay and restore service to disconnected households. The Department of Community Affairs must submit annual reports detailing program participation, funding use, and outcomes.

Maddy summaryAJR 198 designates October 1 of each year as "All Hair is Good Hair Day" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution recognizes the cultural significance of hair diversity and aims to address historical stigmatization of certain hair types, particularly within Black and marginalized communities. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance through community programs, promoting acceptance of all hair types as equally valid and beautiful. The bill does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a commemorative statement of cultural affirmation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Second Chance Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to connect formerly incarcerated individuals with employment opportunities through labor organizations. The program requires labor unions to identify job pathways in their trades and develop plans for hiring returning citizens, directly benefiting individuals recently released from prison who face high barriers to employment. It aims to reduce recidivism by addressing a key factor cited in the bill: the lack of viable jobs for this population, which correlates with higher reoffending rates. The program operates under the State Employment and Training Commission and mandates consultation with labor organizations to create sustainable career opportunities. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Travel and Tourism to create and maintain a public website featuring information on the state's historic sites, districts, and roadside markers. The website must include an interactive map, driving directions from all compass points, tour schedules, photos, contact details for site owners, and links to local historical marker programs. It mandates regular updates when new sites are added by state agencies and allows public submissions for new roadside markers through an electronic form. The initiative aims to improve public access to New Jersey's historical resources for tourists and residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health and the New Jersey Board of Nursing to provide homemaker-home health aide and nursing assistant certification exams in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Tagalog. It directly affects individuals seeking these certifications, particularly non-English speakers who may face language barriers during testing. The law mandates that both written and oral exams be available in these languages to ensure accessibility. The agencies can adopt additional rules under existing administrative procedures to implement this requirement, which takes effect six months after enactment.