Asm. Erik Peterson

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) from accepting certain U.S. federal immigration documents as proof of identity for standard driver's licenses and identification cards. Specifically, it bans documents related to deportation or removal orders issued by DHS or ICE, including release on recognizance or supervision orders. The law applies to all standard licenses and ID cards listed in the bill (basic, motorcycle, learner's permits, probationary, and commercial licenses). It takes immediate effect and directly affects applicants who previously relied on these federal documents for MVC identity verification.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Local Government Services to audit certain shared services agreements and authorities used by local governments. It mandates audits based on annual spending: yearly for agreements over $10 million, every two years for $2-10 million, and every 30 months for under $2 million. The division must hire a certified public accountant, submit results to the Local Finance Board, and publish all findings online. The bill directly affects municipalities and regional authorities operating under three specific state laws governing shared services. It establishes a clear audit schedule and public transparency requirement without altering existing shared services programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a dedicated "Veteran Obituary Fund" within New Jersey's Department of the Treasury to cover the cost of obituaries for veterans. It allows taxpayers to deduct donations to the fund - up to $50,000 annually - from their state income tax, with property donations over $500 requiring an independent appraisal. The fund will be supported by donations, grants, or state appropriations solicited by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This aims to prevent veterans' families from facing unexpected costs for memorializing service members, as obituaries typically cost several hundred dollars. The fund must be administered by the State Treasurer and reported to the Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals New Jersey's 2021 law (P.L.2021, c.32) that required public school districts to incorporate diversity and inclusion instruction into the curriculum for all students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It directly affects public school students and districts across New Jersey by removing this specific instructional requirement. The bill's key mechanism is the repeal of the existing statute, which mandated that diversity and inclusion content be integrated into the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The repeal takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 3587 upgrades retail theft offenses in New Jersey, including elevating "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime punishable by 10-20 years in prison. The bill creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales), which is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail. It establishes a retail theft unit within the Department of Law and Public Safety to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, appropriating $1 million for this purpose. The bill also includes new requirements for gift card sales to prevent fraud, such as mandatory notices for retailers and packaging restrictions for both open- and closed-loop gift cards.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 179) adopts five articles of impeachment against New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, formally initiating impeachment proceedings. It alleges he failed to address issues within state law enforcement units (Division of Criminal Justice and OPIA), exceeded authority by unilaterally taking control of the Paterson Police Department, failed to defend state law in court, targeted pro-life pregnancy centers based on political views, and violated public trust. The resolution directs the General Assembly to present these articles to the Senate per New Jersey Constitution, Article VII, Section III. As a procedural resolution, it does not enact new policy but follows the constitutional impeachment process.

Maddy summaryBill A5414 prohibits New Jersey state-chartered banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions from requiring disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability (or their surviving spouses) to disclose anticipated property tax obligations in mortgage applications. Financial institutions must instead rely on a certification from the municipality assessor confirming the applicant meets all eligibility requirements for the disabled veterans' property tax exemption, excluding property ownership for new home purchases or including ownership for refinancing. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance to create a certification form and publish a list of participating financial institutions. This policy change removes a specific disclosure requirement from mortgage underwriting for qualifying veterans, directly affecting their application process.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5419) prohibits licensed health care professionals in New Jersey from providing medical, surgical, or therapeutic gender-affirming care to individuals under 21 years old. It specifically defines "gender-affirming health care services" to include medications and treatments for gender dysphoria but explicitly excludes behavioral, mental, or psychiatric care. Violating this prohibition subjects professionals to disciplinary action for professional misconduct under existing laws. The law takes immediate effect and requires the Division of Consumer Affairs and Health Department to adopt implementing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for retail theft offenses based on the value of stolen goods, with shoplifting over $500 becoming a third-degree crime. It creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales) and upgrades penalties for "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime. The bill establishes a retail theft unit within the Attorney General's office to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, and includes new requirements for gift card retailers to prevent fraud through packaging standards and third-party reseller record-keeping. It also creates extended prison terms for repeat retail theft offenders and increases penalties for tax evasion related to retail theft.