Asm. Erik Peterson

Maddy summaryAJR 12 designates the first full week of June each year as "New Jersey Fishing and Boating Week" to promote recreational fishing and boating. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public participation and directs the Division of Fish and Wildlife to publicize the week and coordinate at least one free fishing day with it. This procedural resolution does not create new regulations or funding but aims to highlight the state's fishing and boating opportunities and community benefits.

Maddy summaryAJR 20 designates May of each year as "Home-Schooling Month" in New Jersey to recognize parents who homeschool and highlight the educational benefits of this approach. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the month, though it does not create new laws or alter existing educational policies. This is a symbolic gesture focused on recognition, not policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's tax code to exclude certain retirement savings contributions from taxable gross income. It directly affects New Jersey residents who contribute to qualifying retirement plans, such as 401(k)s or IRAs, by reducing their taxable income for state tax purposes. The key provision amends the definition of "gross income" to specify that contributions to these plans are not counted toward taxable earnings. As a result, taxpayers would pay less state income tax on the amounts they save for retirement through these qualified plans. The bill is currently in the introduction stage (2026-01-13) and has not yet been voted on.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2996) requires builders of new homes in New Jersey to provide owners or their agents with one free copy of the building plans - sealed by a licensed engineer or architect, or accompanied by an affidavit - no later than 15 days before construction begins. It directly affects homebuyers, who gain access to construction plans, and builders, who face penalties for non-compliance, including potential license suspension. The bill prohibits changes to plans without written agreement from both parties and limits builders to charging only actual copying costs for owner-requested amendments after initial delivery. Enforcement allows owners to seek reimbursement of reasonable costs through the commissioner if builders fail to comply.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1901) removes specific date and location requirements for veterans to qualify for New Jersey civil service and pension benefits. It eliminates past restrictions that limited eligibility to veterans who served during exact timeframes (e.g., "between July 14, 1914 and November 11, 1918") or in specific locations (e.g., "in Lebanon" for certain missions). The key change amends the definition of "veteran" in state law to broaden eligibility, allowing veterans who served honorably in designated conflicts to qualify without proving they met these prior time or place conditions. This directly affects veterans whose service history no longer aligns with the old, narrow criteria but otherwise meets the general eligibility standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a requirement that county, municipal, or airport entities obtain written consent from private landowners within 2,000 feet of a designated deer management area before implementing deer control plans. It directly affects private landowners near these areas and the agencies (Fish and Game Council, Division of Fish and Wildlife) that manage deer control. The key change removes the need for landowner consent to access private property for specific deer management activities, such as retrieving darted deer or implementing sterilization programs. This simplifies the process for communities to manage deer populations without individual landowner approvals. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that when a profit-making entity (like a private company) uses eminent domain to take property, compensation must reflect the property's intended use and revenue potential. It mandates payment for damages to nearby properties, including issues like impaired access, groundwater impacts, noise, and loss of value due to public perception. The bill also requires compensation for consequential damages (such as broken contracts or maintenance costs) and obligates the entity to cover the property owner's legal fees if awarded compensation exceeds their final offer by 10% or more. If the entity fails to meet conditions for taking property, the land automatically reverts to the original owner.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows homeowners to directly sue mortgage lenders in New Jersey Superior Court if lenders violate the "Fair Foreclosure Act" (P.L.1995, c.244). It provides remedies including actual damages or $1,000 (whichever is greater), attorney fees, court costs, and court orders to stop violations. The law amends existing foreclosure rules to give individuals a legal path to enforce protections against unfair lender practices. Homeowners facing improper foreclosure actions would be the primary group affected by this new enforcement mechanism.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires developers of planned real estate communities to post a bond with New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to secure common element construction and maintenance. Developers must maintain adequate reserve accounts for repairs (e.g., roofs, paving) and provide annual audits of association funds while controlling the community board. Upon transitioning control to owners, developers must provide engineering reports, proof of municipal approvals, and a full accounting of association activities. The bill also allows two or more owners to file warranty claims derivatively on behalf of the community during developer control.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that New Jersey public agencies do not have to convert electronic public records to a different electronic format when requested, allowing them to instead provide records in the format they already maintain. For requests requiring non-routine formats (e.g., those not routinely used by the agency or needing substantial programming), agencies may charge a special fee based on actual costs like programming or labor, but the fee must be reasonable. The law ensures agencies avoid excessive costs for uncommon requests while maintaining public access to electronic records. This change applies to all electronic record requests under the state's open records law.