Asm. Nancy Muñoz

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit Act to expand eligibility by changing the definition of "eligible municipality." Previously, municipalities needed to qualify for state aid and have at least 30% of real property value exempt from local property taxes. The bill now allows any municipality with a commuter rail station to qualify, removing the property tax exemption requirement. This change broadens the potential locations where businesses can receive tax credits for capital investments of at least $50 million and employment of 250+ full-time employees in transit hub locations. The title of the act is also updated to remove "Urban" to reflect this expanded scope.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Healthcare Choice Act allows health insurers licensed in other states to offer individual health plans to New Jersey residents and small group health plans to New Jersey employers under specific conditions. To provide coverage in New Jersey, out-of-state insurers must offer the same plans in their home state, obtain a certificate of authority from the state insurance commissioner, and join New Jersey's guaranty association. The bill requires clear disclosures about how these plans differ from standard New Jersey plans and ensures marketing and claims processes meet state standards without imposing stricter rules than for local insurers. This aims to increase consumer choice and competition in the health insurance market while maintaining regulatory oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A294) establishes the "Commission on People with Disabilities" in New Jersey. The commission, consisting of 25 members (13 voting with disability representation requirements and 12 non-voting ex-officio state agency representatives), will advise the state government on policies affecting people with disabilities. Its key duties include suggesting legislation, serving as a government contact point for disability needs, coordinating with state agencies on service delivery, and preventing employment discrimination. The commission must submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature. (Note: This is a procedural bill creating a body, not a policy change.)

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to explicitly state that knowingly allowing a person who has committed a sex offense against a child to live in the same household as a child constitutes endangering the welfare of a child. It directly affects caregivers or individuals with legal responsibility for a child's care, making it a crime for them to permit such a residence. The key change clarifies the existing statute (N.J.S.2C:24-4) to include this specific scenario, which was previously ambiguous. The policy change ensures that allowing a known child sex offender to reside with a child is treated as a criminal act, with penalties varying by the offender's role.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for knowingly harboring or concealing a sex offender who has not complied with registration requirements under Megan's Law. It directly affects individuals who provide shelter or assistance to unregistered sex offenders, such as family members or others who are aware of the offender's non-compliance. The key provision mandates a minimum prison term without parole eligibility: 3 years for a third-degree offense (typically involving more serious underlying crimes) or 1 year for a fourth-degree offense. This change applies specifically to cases where the harboring involves sex offenders subject to Megan's Law registration, not general hindrance of law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A986) creates an exemption from New Jersey's standard 3-day cancellation period for home improvement contracts when a homeowner faces a bona fide emergency. It allows homeowners to waive their right to cancel by signing an emergency authorization form provided by the contractor, who must also give a written cost estimate upfront. If work costs exceed the estimate, the contractor must get additional written permission. The bill defines "bona fide emergency" broadly to include immediate threats to safety or habitability, such as failures in heating, plumbing, or electrical systems, and permits contractors to take urgent safety steps without the form if death or serious injury is imminent.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the state tax deduction for New Jersey residents who contribute to the NJBEST college savings program. It raises the maximum annual deduction from $10,000 to $15,000 for taxpayers with gross income under $200,000. The bill also requires annual adjustments to both the deduction limit and income threshold based on the national consumer price index. These changes apply to contributions made in taxable years starting after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's requirements for mobile intensive care programs and paramedic licensure. It creates new licensing categories including advanced paramedics (requiring at least a bachelor's degree in paramedicine), paramedic assistants, mobile intensive care nurses, and specialty care transport nurses. The bill establishes the Advanced Life Support Oversight Board to set standards for licensure, scope of practice, and medical protocols. It also allows mobile intensive care programs to provide mobile integrated health services like chronic disease management and post-discharge follow-up in addition to emergency care.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to expand the definition of "veteran" to include service in the global war on terror, specifically adding operations like Noble Eagle that were previously excluded. It changes the requirement from a 14-day in-country service standard to a 90-day active service requirement regardless of location. This change would make more individuals eligible for benefits including civil service hiring preferences, retirement system benefits, and property tax deductions. The bill affects multiple statutes that define veteran status for various benefits programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill redirects 50% of fiscal year 2023 transportation and security aid currently allocated to "remote school districts" to "in-person school districts." Remote districts are defined as those certifying (under penalty of perjury) they offered in-person instruction on 50% or fewer school days during 2021-2022; in-person districts must certify 75% or more in-person days. The redistributed funds will be distributed equally per student to qualifying in-person districts. The bill applies to existing aid already allocated for the 2022-2023 school year, not new funding. It requires school superintendents to provide certification to determine district classifications.