Asm. Erik Peterson

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2978) limits emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor under the Civil Defense Act to a 31-day period unless the Legislature approves an extension with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. It prevents the Governor from issuing identical or substantially similar orders for the same emergency after one expires. Exceptions include orders rescinding prior rules, federal compliance needs, executive branch directives, military commands, or orders under other laws allowing longer terms. The bill aims to ensure legislative oversight of emergency powers while allowing flexibility for critical state and federal coordination.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers a state income tax deduction equal to the capital gain realized from selling certain real property interests to qualified conservation organizations. It directly affects landowners who sell property (either at full market value or for less than full value in a "bargain sale") to groups preserving land through programs like Green Acres, farmland preservation, or wildlife conservation. The deduction covers the profit from the sale portion, with specific rules for allocating costs in bargain sales where part is treated as a charitable donation. The policy aligns with federal tax treatment for conservation donations and applies to sales benefiting conservation programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers oversight of on-farm dairy processing inspections from the Department of Health to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. It requires the Agriculture Department to collaborate with the Department of Health and local health boards when conducting these inspections. The bill also authorizes the Agriculture Secretary to create implementing rules under existing state law. This change directly affects dairy farmers and processors operating on-farm facilities in New Jersey by shifting their inspection responsibility to a new agency. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals P.L.2021, c.32, which required New Jersey public school districts to incorporate diversity and inclusion instruction into K-12 curricula as part of the state's learning standards. It removes the mandate for schools to provide this specific type of curriculum content. The repeal takes immediate effect, eliminating the requirement for schools to include such instruction in their teaching. The bill directly affects public school districts and their curriculum planning for all students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the president or vice-president of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the American Federation of Teachers-New Jersey (AFT-NJ), or any local unit representing K-12 teachers to sign an acknowledgement of existing child abuse reporting duties and complete training on those requirements before taking office. It directly affects union leaders who represent K-12 educators, mandating they confirm understanding of current laws (including N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.10 and § 18A:36-25) and State Board regulations for reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or missing children. The training focuses on procedures for school employees to notify authorities about such cases. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2998) requires counties and municipalities in New Jersey that have not adopted civil service rules (Title 11A) to give hiring preference to veterans who are equally qualified as non-veteran candidates for open positions. It directly affects local governments without civil service systems and veterans applying for non-police/fire jobs in those jurisdictions. The preference applies only when veterans meet all measurable job requirements at the same level as other applicants. The bill does not change existing veteran hiring preferences for police or fire departments, which are covered under separate statutes.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution urges New Jersey's Attorney General to establish mandatory in-service training for all state law enforcement officers. It specifically recommends requiring a minimum of two hours of training every three years focused on interacting with developmentally disabled individuals and those experiencing behavioral health crises. The resolution notes that while basic officer training includes some awareness of these topics, statewide mandatory in-service requirements are currently lacking. It suggests using free NJLearn programs as a potential training resource and recommends guidelines for implementation. As a resolution, it does not create new law but seeks to influence training standards for law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill, if passed, would eliminate local school superintendents in New Jersey and require school districts to replace them with county-level education leaders. It directly affects all public school districts, principals, and administrative staff by prohibiting districts from employing more than one assistant or vice-principal per school. Key provisions include transferring all former superintendent duties to the executive county superintendent (who must delegate to principals) and modifying rules for shared superintendent roles between districts. The bill aims to centralize oversight under county officials while limiting school-level administrative positions. (Note: The bill is pending, introduced January 13, 2026.)

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 32) creates a temporary, bipartisan committee to study New Jersey's historical claims to Staten Island. The 12-member committee - six appointed by the Assembly Speaker and six by the Minority Leader - will investigate colonial land grants, the 1834 boundary compact, and relevant legal history to explore potential annexation pathways. It will examine lawful options for New Jersey to pursue annexation, but only with consent from Staten Island residents, New York State, and the U.S. Congress. The committee will produce a final report and expire upon completion of its work. This is purely an investigative measure with no immediate policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows registered educational organizations (like schools or PTAs) to host bingo games exclusively for their own students, including those under 18, with parental consent. It sets a $100 total prize limit per event and permits charging parents a fee for their child's participation. The bill modifies New Jersey's existing bingo law to create a limited exception for minors in school-affiliated fundraising events. This change directly affects schools, student groups, and parents by enabling a new, capped-prize fundraising method while maintaining parental oversight.