Asm. Erik Peterson

Maddy summaryThis bill phases out New Jersey's inheritance tax over two years. It reduces the tax to 50% of current rates for inheritances received in the first full year after the bill takes effect, then eliminates the tax entirely for all inheritances in the second year. The tax primarily affects non-family inheritances (such as transfers to siblings, nieces/nephews, or unrelated individuals), as the law already exempts transfers to spouses and direct descendants. The change applies to all estates of New Jersey residents and nonresidents with property in the state, following the tax's 1892 origin and 1985 revisions.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 99) urges the U.S. Congress and President to increase domestic energy production and reduce regulatory barriers to oil and gas development. It specifically references high gasoline prices (over $4/gallon), the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on global energy markets, and the need to reduce reliance on imports from Russia, the Middle East, and Venezuela. The resolution cites a 2022 letter from 25 governors requesting actions like removing federal land development bans, streamlining permitting, and reapproving the Keystone XL Pipeline. It does not create new laws but formally requests federal action to enhance energy independence and lower consumer energy costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt from New Jersey's sales and use tax the purchase of rapid or laboratory viral tests (including molecular and antigen tests) and antibody tests used to detect infections like SARS-CoV-2. It directly affects consumers and businesses buying these specific medical tests for infection screening. The exemption applies to sales occurring after the bill's effective date, removing a cost barrier for these diagnostic tools. This policy change aims to make infection testing more affordable by eliminating state sales tax on qualifying tests.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipal agencies to record any conditions they impose on development or zoning variance applications in a permanent public record. Applicants must pay any applicable recording fees, and the municipal clerk's office will maintain this record, providing a copy to the applicant. These recorded conditions are treated as documents affecting real property title, ensuring they are formally documented like other property records under existing law. The bill directly affects property developers and applicants seeking zoning changes in New Jersey municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create standardized labels for recycling bins, clearly showing which materials (like paper, plastic, or glass) each bin accepts. Solid waste management districts must then use these labels across all public recycling bins in their areas. The goal is to reduce confusion among residents about proper recycling practices and improve recycling efficiency. The DEP must develop this labeling system within one year of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2958) imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences for specific domestic violence crimes, directly affecting convicted offenders of the following offenses: homicide, aggravated assault, kidnapping, criminal restraint, sexual assault, and criminal sexual contact committed against intimate partners or family members. It sets fixed minimum sentences: 18 months for fourth-degree crimes, 5 years for third-degree, 10 years for second-degree, and 20 years for first-degree crimes, with parole ineligibility periods equal to half the sentence (or 42 months minimum). The bill requires courts to apply these minimums unless other laws mandate longer sentences. It aims to ensure consistent, severe penalties for violent domestic crimes by removing judicial discretion on minimum terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts paraffin wax used specifically in candle manufacturing from New Jersey's petroleum products gross receipts tax. It directly affects New Jersey candle manufacturers, who previously paid tax on the paraffin input even when selling candles outside the state. The key mechanism is adding "paraffin used in the manufacture of candles" to the list of excluded items in the tax definition under Section 2 of P.L.1990, c.42. This change removes a tax burden that applied only to in-state candle production, as candles made elsewhere aren't subject to the tax when sold in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryAJR 11 designates the fourth Saturday of September each year as "New Jersey Hunting and Fishing Day" to recognize the recreational, economic, and conservation value of these activities. The bill directs the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance and requires the Division of Fish and Wildlife to publicize the day while coordinating it with one of the state's existing free fishing days. It directly affects New Jersey residents, state agencies, and wildlife conservation programs by promoting awareness of hunting and fishing opportunities. The resolution has no new funding or regulatory changes - it solely establishes a recognized day to highlight these activities' benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special "Support Our Veterans" license plate in New Jersey, available to vehicle owners who pay a $50 application fee plus a $10 annual fee. The collected fees fund a dedicated "Support Our Veterans License Plate Fund," which annually supports the Veterans Haven Council's services for homeless veterans housed at Veterans Haven facilities. The fund, managed within the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, covers costs for veterans' housing and support programs. The plate design will be chosen with input from the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, and initial costs are offset by donations from the Veterans Haven Council and other donors, not public funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows members of New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) who participated in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations to qualify for accidental disability retirement benefits. It presumes that disabilities resulting from these operations - such as respiratory illnesses, PTSD, or skin conditions - are work-related, eliminating the need to prove direct connection to duties. To qualify, members must have worked at least eight hours at the site between September 11-12, 2001, or have a documented injury preventing them from completing eight hours. The change applies specifically to disabilities linked to 9/11 exposure, streamlining eligibility for affected first responders and workers.