Asm. Erik Peterson

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2990) grants the Director of the Division of Pensions and Benefits subpoena authority to compel testimony and document production during investigations into state pension funds. It directly affects pension fund administrators, trustees, and individuals or entities providing records to the division. The key provision allows the Director to issue subpoenas for witnesses, documents, and records, with noncompliance addressed through Superior Court contempt proceedings. The change streamlines the Director’s ability to gather evidence for pension fund oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the display or flying of flags from organizations designated as terrorist by the U.S. Department of State on any New Jersey state property, including schools, parks, hospitals, and government offices. State entities violating this rule face immediate loss of state funding, with penalties determined by the Secretary of State and Treasury Director. The law explicitly allows such flags for news, theatrical, historical, or educational purposes. It defines "state property" broadly to cover all state-owned or leased land and buildings. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1184) is formally titled about revising employment status tests but actually amends definitions in New Jersey's unemployment benefits law (R.S.43:21-19). It revises terms like "annual payroll," "base year," and "benefit year" to clarify how unemployment benefits are calculated, including rules for alternative base years when wage data is unavailable. The changes affect individuals filing for unemployment benefits and employers reporting wages, specifically impacting how eligibility and benefit amounts are determined under existing state law. The bill does not alter the test for classifying workers as employees versus independent contractors, despite its title.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most large commercial trucks (over 26,001 lbs gross weight) operating in New Jersey to install GPS navigation systems that provide two specific safety features: real-time alerts about low-clearance bridges and weight restrictions, and dynamic route planning adjusted for the vehicle's exact height and weight. It excludes vehicles operated by government agencies, schools, or religious organizations. The Motor Vehicle Commission must create implementing rules, and the requirement takes effect 180 days after enactment. The bill directly affects commercial trucking companies and drivers operating eligible vehicles on New Jersey highways.

Maddy summaryACR 95 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey's Governor to certify state budget revenue estimates based on the State Revenue Forecasting Integrity Commission's published annual forecast, rather than using sole discretion. The Commission, to be established by law, would issue a revenue forecast by June 1 each year, which the Governor must follow when certifying budget balance. The Governor may adjust the forecast only for changes in current revenue or new laws affecting revenue, requiring a written explanation by July 15 for any deviations. This change shifts revenue forecasting from the Governor's unilateral authority to a collaborative process involving the Commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals New Jersey's participation in the "Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote" (a component of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact). It removes all references to this agreement from New Jersey law, ending the state's commitment to allocate its electoral votes to the national popular vote winner if enough states joined the compact. The repeal reverts New Jersey to its current system where electoral votes are awarded to the candidate winning the state's popular vote (winner-takes-all). This change affects how New Jersey's 14 electoral votes would be cast in presidential elections, ensuring they align with the state's voting results rather than a national popular vote. The bill is pending legislative action as of its introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Education to obtain legislative approval for any updates or revisions to the state's core curriculum standards. The State Board must submit proposed changes to the Legislature, which then has 45 days to approve or disapprove them via a concurrent resolution. Approved updates become effective, while disapproved revisions are not implemented. This directly affects the state's public schools and curriculum development process by shifting approval authority from the Board to the Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) to allow death benefits to be paid directly to a **supplemental needs trust** (also called a special needs trust) for an **unmarried disabled child** of a deceased member. It specifically applies to children of any age who are disabled (intellectually or physically) and unable to work due to a condition lasting at least 12 months, as confirmed by the medical board. The change expands the current beneficiary options, which previously only allowed payments directly to the child or to a trust established for the child's benefit. This policy update ensures benefits can be managed through a trust designed to support the child's long-term needs without jeopardizing eligibility for other public assistance programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey S corporations to elect to pass certain business tax credits directly to their shareholders. Instead of using these credits to reduce the corporation's own tax bill, the credits are transferred to shareholders to apply against their personal income tax liabilities. The credits include incentives like research, job creation, and urban development programs. Shareholders can use these transferred credits to lower their individual tax payments, but the amount applied is limited to 50% of their tax liability related to the S corporation's income.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3014) allows victims of first- or second-degree crimes and the nearest relatives of murder victims to witness the entire parole hearing for offenders, not just submit statements or testify. It amends existing law to require parole boards to notify these individuals of their right to observe the hearing and provide their contact information. Currently, victims could only submit written/videotaped statements or testify, but this bill adds the right to attend the full hearing proceedings. The change applies to inmates whose crimes meet specific severity thresholds outlined in the bill.