Asm. Nancy Muñoz

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to issue special childhood cancer awareness license plates for motor vehicles. Vehicle owners who choose these plates would pay a $50 one-time application fee and a $10 annual renewal fee, with the excess funds (after covering production and administrative costs) deposited into a dedicated fund for childhood cancer research. The fund, managed by the state, would annually provide grants to the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research. The program requires the WITH Grace Initiative to secure initial funding (up to $25,000) and 500 applications before plates are issued, and it can be discontinued if costs exceed fees for two consecutive years.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey officeholders from simultaneously holding multiple elective offices (such as a state assembly seat and a mayoral position) or an elective office and a salaried appointive position (like a county commissioner role). Current officeholders who hold such dual positions may continue until the expiration of the next term for the elective office, after which they must hold only one office. The bill amends existing laws to eliminate the previous exception allowing continuous service in multiple offices. It applies to all elected and appointed positions across state, county, and municipal government. The changes take effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to claim a state income tax deduction for charitable donations made to qualifying New Jersey-based organizations. It mirrors the federal deduction limit (under IRS Section 170) for donations that would be deductible on federal returns, without requiring taxpayers to itemize federal deductions. To qualify, organizations must be registered under New Jersey's Charitable Registration Act or meet specific in-state presence requirements (maintaining an office, employing staff, and providing services in New Jersey). The deduction applies to donations made in tax years beginning January 1 following enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A981) excludes settlements and awards for gender-based pay discrimination from taxable income in New Jersey. It directly affects employees who win legal claims or settlements against employers for unequal pay or discriminatory employment terms based on gender. The law ensures these compensation awards - whether paid as a lump sum or over time - do not count as gross income for tax purposes. This prevents victims from facing higher tax bills on funds meant to correct past pay discrimination. The exclusion applies to claims under federal, state, or local law regarding compensation, wages, or employment conditions.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes a statewide Customer Service Initiative requiring all state government agencies to improve public interactions. Each agency must create a written plan within six months of the bill's effective date, including specific response time standards, customer service training for employees, and metrics to track progress. Agencies will display a "Customer Service Promise" online and in offices - detailing five principles (friendly, timely, accurate, accessible, and transparent service) - alongside public comment sections and surveys. The initiative mandates annual reviews of agency plans by a Governor-appointed panel, public reporting of service metrics via the Department of State website, and inclusion of customer service goals in employee evaluations.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A1034 revises the definition of child abuse or neglect to include acts committed by non-parental caregivers (such as teachers, staff, or volunteers in institutions), not just parents or legal guardians. It requires the Division of Child Protection and Permanency to refer children under 18 who engage in problematic sexual behaviors (defined as committing or facilitating sexual abuse against others) to treatment centers or behavioral health providers. Services are voluntary unless the division determines a high risk of future behavior and the child or parent refuses care, in which case they become mandatory. The bill mandates detailed documentation of service types, reasons for referral, acceptance status, timing, and outcomes in each child's case plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's tax foreclosure process to protect property owners' equity. Currently, when a property owner loses a tax sale foreclosure case, they lose all equity built up in the property (e.g., from mortgage payments or appreciation). Under the bill, after a court approves the foreclosure, the sheriff must hold an internet auction of the property instead of transferring ownership to the tax lien holder. Auction proceeds first cover the tax lien holder's costs (property taxes, interest, and court fees), then any municipal liens, and any remaining funds are returned to the former owner.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes unemployment benefit eligibility for seasonal workers in New Jersey. It states that workers in seasonal industries (defined as those operating less than 36 weeks per year, excluding construction) won't be eligible for benefits during gaps between seasons if they have a reasonable assurance of returning to work. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development has the authority to designate which industries qualify as seasonal. However, workers denied benefits under this rule who weren't offered a job for the next season can receive retroactive payments for weeks they filed claims. The bill amends existing unemployment insurance law to clarify eligibility for seasonal workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey to allocate the "nondedicated" portion of realty transfer fees (paid when property is sold) to municipalities for property tax relief. The nondedicated portion refers to fees not already designated for specific purposes like shore protection, affordable housing, or the Highlands Protection Fund. The bill includes a 5-year phase-in period where the State initially retains 80% of these funds in the first year, gradually decreasing to 0% by the fifth year. Municipalities must use these funds exclusively to reduce property tax levies, with oversight by the Division of Local Government Services to ensure compliance. This would provide municipalities with additional resources to help lower property tax burdens on residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public employees in New Jersey who hold multiple government positions (such as state jobs, school board roles, or local government positions) to select health care coverage from only one public entity. It prohibits these individuals from accepting payment to waive benefits with other public employers. The law applies to anyone eligible for health benefits through more than one public employer due to their various public roles. Key provisions mandate a single choice of coverage and ban financial incentives for waiving benefits with other employers. The bill takes effect December 31 following its enactment.