Asm. Erik Peterson

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the state tax deduction for New Jersey residents who contribute to the NJBEST college savings program. It raises the maximum annual deduction from $10,000 to $15,000 for taxpayers with gross income under $200,000. The bill also requires annual adjustments to both the deduction limit and income threshold based on the national consumer price index. These changes apply to contributions made in taxable years starting after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill shortens the expiration period for state agency rules from seven years to five years. After five years, agencies must obtain legislative approval via a concurrent resolution to continue a rule. If the legislature does not approve, the rule expires and the agency cannot propose it again for five years. The change applies to all rules adopted after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryACR 50 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change how New Jersey funds public schools. It would require all net income tax revenue (from personal income taxes on individuals, estates, and trusts) to be allocated exclusively to school districts based on the number of students, rather than allowing some funds to go to counties or municipalities as under current law. The amendment specifies that this per-student funding would satisfy the state's constitutional obligation to maintain a thorough and efficient public school system for children aged 5-18. It also clarifies that the Legislature retains the right to provide additional school funding beyond this requirement. This proposal must be approved by voters to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill redirects 50% of fiscal year 2023 transportation and security aid currently allocated to "remote school districts" to "in-person school districts." Remote districts are defined as those certifying (under penalty of perjury) they offered in-person instruction on 50% or fewer school days during 2021-2022; in-person districts must certify 75% or more in-person days. The redistributed funds will be distributed equally per student to qualifying in-person districts. The bill applies to existing aid already allocated for the 2022-2023 school year, not new funding. It requires school superintendents to provide certification to determine district classifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts paraffin wax used in candle manufacturing from New Jersey's petroleum products gross receipts tax. It amends the tax code to specifically exclude "paraffin used in the manufacture of candles" from the definition of taxable petroleum products. The change directly affects New Jersey-based candle manufacturers, who currently pay tax on the paraffin wax they use, while out-of-state competitors do not face this cost. This policy update removes a tax burden on a specific production input, aiming to support local candle makers competing in the home decor market.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2516) mandates fixed minimum prison terms for individuals convicted of specific violent domestic violence crimes, including homicide, aggravated assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, and criminal restraint when committed against intimate partners or family members. It sets minimum sentences of 18 months for fourth-degree offenses up to 20 years for first-degree crimes, with parole ineligibility periods equal to half the sentence (or 42 months minimum). The law applies unless another statute specifies a harsher penalty, and requires courts to impose these terms without discretion for the listed offenses. It directly affects convicted domestic violence offenders in New Jersey and aims to establish consistent sentencing for severe violent acts within domestic contexts.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits major social media platforms (defined as those with $100M+ annual revenue and 100M+ global users) from willfully suspending or banning candidates for state or local office during election periods - from qualification until election day or when they withdraw. Platforms must provide a verification method using official election websites (like the Division of Elections) to confirm a user’s candidate status. The bill also requires platforms to disclose if they provide free advertising to candidates, though regular candidate posts shown like other users’ content don’t count as free ads. Violations could trigger daily fines of up to $250,000 for statewide office candidates or $25,000 for others, enforced by New Jersey’s Election Law Enforcement Commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1506) prohibits all public and private schools, as well as state, county, and local government entities, from requiring influenza vaccinations for anyone 18 years of age or younger. It specifically bans any requirement for flu vaccines or related immunity-providing injections, medications, or procedures for this age group. The law applies immediately upon enactment and covers all government employees, officials, and educational institutions. It directly affects minors under 18 and the institutions that serve them, removing mandatory flu vaccination requirements.

Maddy summaryACR 76 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey to dedicate all tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales exclusively to mental health, addiction recovery, and drug rehabilitation services. The amendment would mandate that these funds be set aside in a special account within the state budget and used only for these specific health services, with no diversion to other state programs allowed. If approved by voters, this change would become part of New Jersey's constitution, ensuring ongoing funding for these services through marijuana tax revenue. The proposal must be submitted to voters at the next general election following legislative approval.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Assembly Resolution (AR 74), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes the Special Olympics' contributions and reaffirms New Jersey's support. The resolution highlights the organization's global impact, including providing year-round sports training to over 5 million athletes in 190 nations and its Healthy Athletes health screening program. It directly affects Special Olympics New Jersey, which serves 25,000 athletes statewide, but does not create new funding, regulations, or obligations. The resolution is sponsored by Assemblymembers Peterson and Matsikoudis.