Rep. Erik Peterson

Maddy summaryAJR 119 designates November 7 of each year as "Shwachman Diamond Syndrome Awareness Day" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution directly affects residents of New Jersey living with Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS), a rare genetic disorder impacting bone marrow, pancreas, and skeletal development. The bill requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day with awareness activities. It aims to increase public understanding of SDS, support affected individuals, and promote further research into the condition. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal recognition of the disorder.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to create special "250th Anniversary Revolutionary War" license plates for motor vehicles. Vehicle owners who apply (paying a $50 one-time fee plus a $10 annual fee) can display these plates, with all fees deposited into a dedicated fund. The fund, managed by the Department of Treasury, uses these monies to support the preservation of Revolutionary War sites across New Jersey. The design and implementation involve coordination between the Motor Vehicle Commission and the New Jersey Historical Commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a provisional license for new motor vehicle dealers in New Jersey, allowing them to operate temporarily while their full license application is processed. It directly affects new dealers who are setting up businesses, enabling them to begin selling vehicles before meeting all permanent licensing requirements. The bill amends state law (R.S.39:10-2 and R.S.39:10-19) to define the provisional license, including standards for dealer facilities and vehicle inventory. This change streamlines the licensing process for new dealers without reducing regulatory oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides educational support professionals (non-teaching school staff) with up to four years of seniority credit for active military service they completed, including service before starting their school job. To qualify, a professional must be declared eligible for federal veterans' benefits by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The credit counts as if the professional were employed full-time during their military service, directly affecting their seniority calculations for school district benefits and job protections. The bill aligns seniority treatment for these staff with existing provisions for teaching staff.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2962) gives educational support professionals (like cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and administrative staff) who served in the U.S. military and qualify for VA benefits up to four years of seniority credit. The credit counts military service completed before or during their school district employment, treating it as equivalent to actual work time for seniority purposes. It expands an existing benefit currently only available to teaching staff. The policy takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 158) requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to create and run a beginning farmer mentoring program. It directly affects new farmers seeking guidance and experienced farmers who will provide mentorship. The program, developed with partners like Rutgers University and the New Jersey Farm Bureau, will connect beginning farmers with seasoned mentors to share practical farming knowledge and advice through structured support and online resources. The bill addresses the state's trend of aging farmers (average age 59 in 2012) by aiming to help new farmers succeed and sustain agriculture in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends foreclosure protections for homeowners in New Jersey who were affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. It allows eligible homeowners to apply for a forbearance, which pauses mortgage payments, by submitting an application to the Department of Community Affairs. To qualify, applicants must prove they are storm-impacted homeowners with a mortgage on their primary residence and provide specific documentation. If approved, the forbearance period lasts for two years, giving borrowers time to recover financially without facing immediate foreclosure actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill waives initial application and issuance fees for professional and occupational licenses in New Jersey for veterans and their spouses, domestic partners, or civil union partners who already hold a current, equivalent license in another state. It applies when the applicant resides in New Jersey and the out-of-state license meets the board's equivalent or substantially equivalent requirements. The exemption covers all licenses issued by professional boards under the Division of Consumer Affairs. The bill does not affect renewal fees or licenses obtained through other pathways.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires gestational carriers in New Jersey to be either current residents or have lived in the state for at least 12 months before signing a gestational carrier agreement. It also mandates that carriers be at least 21 years old, have given birth previously, and complete medical and psychological evaluations. The law requires both the carrier and intended parent to have independent legal representation and psychological assessments to ensure informed participation. These provisions apply to all gestational carrier agreements executed within New Jersey and take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Stay NJ property tax credit program in New Jersey to allow seniors who move from one home to another within the state during the tax year to remain eligible for the benefit. Previously, claimants had to own a homestead for the entire tax year, but this change permits those who relocate to another New Jersey home to qualify as long as they own both their old and new properties for the full year and meet all other requirements. The program provides property tax relief to New Jersey residents aged 65 or older with incomes under $500,000, and this amendment ensures that seniors who move within the state do not lose their tax credit benefits due to the relocation.