Asm. Michele Matsikoudis

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 28) urges the federal government to approve oil and natural gas pipelines within the U.S., including those previously denied or shut down (like the Keystone XL Pipeline, revoked by President Biden in 2021). It argues that approving such pipelines would enhance U.S. energy independence, reduce reliance on foreign energy sources (e.g., from Russia or Venezuela), and lower fuel costs while creating jobs. The resolution directs copies to federal leaders but does not create new law or directly affect residents. It focuses on advocating for pipeline approvals as a policy action, not on implementing specific regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1130) excludes veterans' benefits from income calculations when determining how much a veteran must pay for psychiatric care in New Jersey facilities. It directly affects veterans receiving treatment in state psychiatric hospitals, county psychiatric hospitals, or psychiatric units of county hospitals. The key mechanism modifies existing law to ensure veterans' benefits (like disability compensation) are not counted as income when applying the sliding scale fee for charity care. This change reduces the financial obligation for veterans by excluding these benefits from the income calculation used to determine payment amounts. The bill amends R.S.30:4-60, which governs financial responsibility for psychiatric facility care.

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 New Jersey joint resolution designates September 22 of each year as "John Basilone Day" to honor the WWII hero and New Jersey native. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities. The resolution focuses solely on commemorating Basilone's military service and sacrifice, with no new state requirements or funding. It is a ceremonial designation with no direct impact on laws, regulations, or affected groups beyond public recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the registration fee for wheelchair trailers in New Jersey. It specifically applies to non-commercial trailers designed solely to carry wheelchairs, weighing no more than 2,000 pounds, and drawn by a motor vehicle. The law defines "wheelchair trailer" as a vehicle without motive power that meets these criteria and cannot be used for commercial purposes. This change directly affects residents who rely on such trailers for personal mobility, removing a financial barrier to registration.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey volunteer firefighters and first aid/rescue squad members to claim a $1,000 deduction from their state income tax. To qualify, volunteers must serve the entire tax year, meet specific participation thresholds (at least 60% of fire alarms/drills for firefighters or 10% of rescue alarms/drills for first aid/rescue members), and hold required certifications (Firefighter I or EMT training). Fire departments and first aid squads must submit annual lists of qualifying members to state agencies by March 31st. The deduction applies to taxable years starting after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey county clerks to remove voters from mail-in ballot lists if the USPS returns election mail to the voter, the voter hasn't used mail-in ballots for two years, or the USPS indicates their address has changed or is undeliverable. Before removal, county clerks must notify voters in writing about the reason for potential removal and how to continue receiving mail-in ballots. Voters have 30 days to respond to the notice; if they don't, they're removed from the list and sent a notice with an application to re-apply. This affects voters who typically receive mail-in ballots but haven't used them or have changed addresses. The bill aims to maintain accurate voter lists while preserving voters' ability to continue receiving mail-in ballots.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 1% tax credit against New Jersey's corporation business tax for corporations that pay New Jersey small businesses for subcontracted work performed in the state. It directly affects corporations paying qualifying subcontractors, defined as New Jersey-based businesses with fewer than 50 employees that are not affiliates of the paying corporation. The credit equals 1% of the amount paid to these small businesses for work subcontracted to fulfill the corporation's own contracted duties. The credit is limited to 50% of the corporation's tax liability and cannot reduce the tax below the statutory minimum.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits medical students, residents, and trainees from performing certain examinations on female patients who are anesthetized or unconscious without the patient's informed consent. It requires a supervising health care practitioner to first obtain the patient's consent or confirm the exam is medically necessary. Female patients must be allowed to choose whether to undergo such examinations before or after anesthesia if the exam relates to their procedure or is deemed necessary beforehand. The law applies to all clinical settings where these examinations occur and takes effect 180 days after enactment.