Asm. Erik Peterson

Maddy summaryAJR 16 designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize service dogs' role in assisting veterans with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to promote public awareness, highlighting that service dog training costs $3,000-$5,000 (not covered by veterans' benefits) and relies on nonprofit organizations like Paws Healing Heroes. This ceremonial resolution does not create new funding or legal requirements but aims to honor the support service dogs provide to veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires vendors working with state data (including computer systems, networks, or databases) to certify they and their subcontractors have no convictions for specific computer-related crimes. It mandates a state registry of disqualified individuals and prohibits contractors from hiring such persons, with violations triggering fines up to $50,000 or three years of ineligibility for public contracts. The law directly affects technology vendors, IT service providers, and subcontractors handling state data. Key mechanisms include mandatory certification, registry checks before contract awards, and penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 547) requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify reservoirs with a history of causing downstream flooding and study their capacity and water needs. The DEP must then set maximum water levels for these reservoirs to balance flood prevention with water supply, and require owners to create approved flood action plans - including flood gates - for reservoirs linked to past flooding. The Office of Emergency Management can order reservoir levels lowered during severe weather to prevent flooding, after consulting with the DEP. Reservoir owners who follow approved plans and comply with emergency orders are protected from related lawsuits. The bill directly affects DEP, reservoir owners, and communities downstream of affected reservoirs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey counties to establish paid auxiliary fire departments to supplement municipal fire services. County commissioners must create a detailed plan for approval by the State Fire Coordinator, designating up to three territorial areas and outlining staffing, equipment, and emergency response coordination with municipal fire officers. The plan must ensure county firefighters support all local fire departments during emergencies while adhering to municipal authority during incidents. Crucially, costs for establishing these departments are exempt from the standard 2% annual property tax increase limit for county budgets.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-year pilot program to help New Jersey fire departments test new technology for fighting electric vehicle fires. The Division of Fire Safety will award $5,000 grants to county fire marshals or code enforcers (where no marshal exists) to purchase and test emerging fire suppression equipment. Grantees must submit annual reports detailing the technology used, its effectiveness, and whether additional equipment would benefit their department. The program is funded by up to $115,000 from the Universal Service Fund, with $10,000 reserved for program administration. It expires one year after enactment, aiming to address documented challenges in extinguishing high-voltage battery fires.

Maddy summaryACR 94 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how New Jersey's Attorney General is selected, shifting from gubernatorial appointment to direct election by voters. If approved, the Attorney General would be elected every four years during the first general election of a Governor's term, with requirements including being at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 20 years, and a New Jersey resident for seven years. This change would replace the current system where the Governor nominates the Attorney General with Senate approval, making the office directly accountable to voters. The amendment requires voter approval in a future election to take effect.

Maddy summaryACR 53 proposes amending New Jersey's Constitution to guarantee annual full funding for two specific property tax relief programs. It requires the state to distribute energy tax relief aid (based on 2018 levels adjusted for inflation) and Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief Aid (based on 2009 levels adjusted for inflation) directly to municipalities each year. The bill mandates that these funds be distributed in the same proportion to each municipality as in the specified baseline years, with inflation adjustments calculated using the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis' deflator rate. This change would prevent the state from redirecting these dedicated tax revenues to other programs, as has occurred in some past years. The bill does not alter the tax collections themselves but ensures municipalities receive constitutionally guaranteed annual aid amounts.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (AR 28) passed by the New Jersey Assembly, not a binding law. It urges the federal government to approve construction of oil and natural gas pipelines within the U.S., specifically referencing pipelines that were previously shut down or denied approval (like the Keystone XL Pipeline). The resolution states it seeks to advance U.S. energy independence, lower fuel costs, and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources from regions like Russia and Venezuela. It has no legal effect and does not change any existing pipeline approvals or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3013) prohibits "excluded sex offenders" (defined as individuals convicted of sex offenses involving minors under 18) from distributing candy or other items to children under 18 during Halloween or Halloween-themed events. It amends New Jersey law to classify this act as a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The law directly affects individuals convicted of sex offenses against minors, specifically restricting their interaction with children during Halloween celebrations. It does not override existing restrictions on sex offenders working with youth organizations but adds a specific Halloween-related prohibition. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A 1191 prohibits foreign governments and foreign persons from acquiring or owning agricultural land in the state after its effective date, with limited exceptions. Existing foreign owners must sell their land within five years to a non-foreign entity while attaching an easement to maintain agricultural use. The bill also requires the Agriculture Secretary to annually report foreign ownership statistics, including acreage, ownership trends, and top nationalities, to the Governor and Legislature. This law directly affects foreign governments, non-U.S. citizens, and foreign-owned businesses holding agricultural land in New Jersey.