Asm. Erik Peterson

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to deduct 50% of donations of $100 or more made to qualified domestic violence shelters from their gross income. It directly affects taxpayers who contribute to shelters meeting Department of Human Services standards under the Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence Act. To qualify, shelters must verify compliance with these standards to the Division of Taxation. The deduction applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment date. The bill does not change shelter funding directly but incentivizes donations through tax benefits.

Maddy summaryBill A 2961 amends New Jersey's sentencing law (N.J.S. 2C:44-1) to add a new aggravating factor for sentencing. It requires judges to consider an additional factor when sentencing individuals convicted of domestic violence against a minor who is already defined as a domestic violence victim under existing law (specifically, minors meeting the criteria in P.L.1991, c. 261). This provision directly affects defendants convicted of domestic violence offenses involving such minors, making it a more serious sentencing consideration. The bill does not create new penalties but mandates that courts weigh this specific factor when determining appropriate sentences. The bill was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes investigation and security services from New Jersey's sales and use tax, meaning these services will no longer be subject to the tax. It amends the tax code (P.L.1966, c.30) by explicitly excluding such services from the definition of taxable "retail sale." Businesses providing investigation (e.g., private investigation) and security services (e.g., monitoring, guarding) will no longer collect sales tax on these services, and customers purchasing them will not pay the tax. The change directly affects service providers and their clients in these specific industries.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows farmers to register utility task vehicles (UTVs) - off-road vehicles with four wheels, seating for the operator and passengers, and a steering wheel - for use on public roads in New Jersey. Farmers using these vehicles exclusively for farm operations (e.g., moving between fields or farms) must pay a $5 annual registration fee and display a slow-moving vehicle emblem. The bill permits operation during daylight hours, with limited nighttime use allowed if equipped with proper safety lighting, and prohibits operation at speeds exceeding 35 mph. It directly affects farmers who rely on UTVs for farm work but cannot legally travel on public roads under current rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's child pornography law by clarifying and expanding criminal penalties for offenses involving minors. It defines "distribute" broadly to include any internet sharing (without requiring compensation) and makes it a first-degree crime for caregivers who cause children to engage in prohibited sexual acts knowing recordings may occur. The law establishes strict liability for the age of depicted children - defendants cannot claim they believed the child was 16+ - and increases penalties for possessing or distributing material showing minors in prohibited acts (e.g., sexual intercourse, nudity for stimulation). It directly affects anyone creating, distributing, or possessing such material involving children under 16, with specific provisions for digital reproduction and online sharing.

Maddy summaryThe "Children Innocence Protection Act" (A 3021) prohibits New Jersey public school districts from teaching students about sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, abortion, or birth control in grades K-5 without any parental consent. For grades 6-12, schools must provide parents detailed written curriculum information, an electronic method to review lessons, and obtain their written consent before teaching these topics - except for anatomy or biology science courses. The bill also bans schools from administering surveys revealing student or family information without prior written parental consent and prohibits partnerships with outside entities for such surveys. Parents can file complaints with the Commissioner of Education or sue school districts for violations, with potential penalties including attorney fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow licensed architects and engineers in New Jersey to self-certify that construction plans comply with building codes, instead of requiring full government review for most projects. Qualified design professionals would submit a signed verification (attesting to code compliance, no false information, and their own preparation/supervision of plans) and provide $500,000 insurance coverage per claim. Permits for self-certified projects would be processed in 1-5 days after a basic supervisory check, with the same legal effect as full agency approval. High-risk projects (e.g., hospitals, schools) would remain excluded from self-certification, and professionals must have at least 3 years of licensure with no recent fraud convictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2959) prohibits New Jersey state agencies and political subdivisions from entering into or renewing public service contracts with contractors who knowingly employ or contract with individuals without legal work authorization in the U.S. It directly affects contractors working on state or local government service contracts. Key provisions require contractors to verify all workers' eligibility using the federal E-Verify program and to certify subcontractors comply with the same rule. Contractors violating the law face contract termination, and a public list of violators is maintained by the Department of Labor. The law applies to all public contracts for services, not physical goods or projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3016) allows New Jersey municipalities to reserve affordable housing units specifically for low- and moderate-income veterans, counting each such unit as a full credit toward the municipality's required affordable housing obligation. It defines "veteran" broadly (including those discharged with military pay) and specifies that units in facilities like Veterans Haven or transitional housing for homeless veterans qualify. The bill amends existing law to ensure these veteran-reserved units receive full credit, similar to other affordable housing units, without requiring additional municipal funding. It directly affects municipalities responsible for meeting housing obligations and veterans seeking affordable housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates a $500 minimum fine for underage possession or consumption of alcohol or cannabis in locations like schools, public places, or vehicles. It removes prior provisions that allowed written warnings for first and second offenses and community referrals for third offenses, replacing them with a direct disorderly person offense penalty. Now, any violation by an individual under the legal age for purchasing alcohol or cannabis will result in a minimum $500 fine. The bill directly affects underage individuals found in possession or consumption in the specified locations.