Asm. Erik Peterson

Maddy summaryThis bill provides New Jersey employers with three tax credits for hiring and supporting workers with disabilities. Employers can claim: (1) wage credits of up to $1,800 in the first year (30% of $6,000) and $1,200 in the second year (20% of $6,000), (2) transportation expense credits up to $600 annually, and (3) accessibility modification credits of 10% on eligible costs (up to $10,250) for small businesses. To qualify, employees must be certified by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services as meeting the ADA definition of disability. The credits apply against insurance premiums tax, corporation business tax, and gross income tax, with unused credits carryable for seven years.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1808 requires hospitals to annually report drug-related attempted and completed suicides involving minors (under 18) to the New Jersey Poison Control Center. Hospitals must provide data on the minor's age, ethnicity, gender, race, and the specific drug used, while protecting all personal identifiers under privacy laws. The Poison Control Center then compiles this data into an annual report for the Governor and Legislature. The bill specifically covers suicides involving drugs and does not require disclosure of confidential health information. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2512) clarifies that all first aid, ambulance, and rescue squads - whether volunteer or non-volunteer - have legal immunity from civil lawsuits when providing services in good faith. It removes a current limitation that only granted immunity to non-volunteer squads for advanced life support services, extending it to all services they provide. The immunity applies to the squad as an organization, not just individual members. This does not cover motor vehicle operations or incidents involving negligence.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1831) requires New Jersey's Medicaid Fraud Division to create data-sharing agreements with any county that requests access to third-party insurance data about COVID-19 health services. It directly affects counties (local governments) and individuals receiving publicly-funded COVID-19 care (like testing or treatment) who may have private insurance. The key provision mandates the division to share available data - such as insurance coverage details - to help counties determine if individuals have other insurance, then identify the insurer so counties can bill them for covered services. This aims to protect public funds by ensuring private insurers cover eligible services provided during the pandemic. The bill specifies "carrier" includes insurance companies, health plans, and state programs like the State Health Benefits Program.

Maddy summaryA2515 amends New Jersey's assault laws to specifically upgrade penalties for domestic violence-related assaults. It treats assaults against victims of domestic violence (as defined in the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991) as more serious offenses. Simple assault in these cases becomes a fourth-degree crime (with no presumption of non-imprisonment), while aggravated assault can range from third to first degree depending on the severity. Penalties range from up to 18 months in jail for fourth-degree offenses to up to 20 years for first-degree offenses.

Maddy summaryAJR 36 establishes the "New Jersey Domestic Violence and Legal Access Task Force" to study how lack of legal representation affects people in domestic violence cases. The task force, made up of 16 members including victims, legal experts, and court officials, will examine unmet legal needs and recommend solutions to improve access to counsel. It will specifically focus on how the absence of lawyers impacts both victims seeking protection (like restraining orders) and defendants facing allegations. The task force must submit a report with recommendations within 18 months, including ways to increase legal aid access and encourage pro bono services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special "Support Our Veterans" license plate for New Jersey residents, with the $50 initial fee (plus $10 annual fee) funding a dedicated fund. Proceeds from these fees, after covering production costs, will support services at New Jersey's Veterans Haven homeless veteran centers. The program requires 500 initial applications and $25,000 from the Veterans Haven Council to cover startup costs before implementation. If annual production costs exceed the $50 fee for two years, the license plate program may be discontinued.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 71) urges the New Jersey State Board of Education to require school districts to integrate financial literacy instruction into existing mathematics and social studies classes, rather than creating separate curriculum requirements. It directly affects public school districts and students in grades 6-12, aligning with current state standards that already mandate financial literacy education. The key mechanism is embedding lessons on budgeting, debt management, and savings into current subject areas like math and social studies. This approach aims to reduce administrative burden on schools while ensuring students learn practical financial skills through existing coursework. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a recommendation to the State Board of Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey to annually adjust its income tax brackets for inflation using the national consumer price index (CPI-U), preventing "bracket creep" where inflation alone pushes taxpayers into higher tax brackets without real income growth. The Director of the Division of Taxation would calculate these annual adjustments based on the CPI-U measure. This change would affect all New Jersey residents who pay state income tax by ensuring their tax brackets keep pace with rising prices. The bill follows the same model used for federal income tax brackets, which has been in place since the 1980s.

Maddy summaryACR 31 is a New Jersey legislative resolution applying to Congress for an Article V Convention of States. It seeks to propose constitutional amendments limiting federal government powers, imposing fiscal restraints on spending, and restricting terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution is a continuing application, meaning it remains in effect until two-thirds of U.S. states make similar requests on the same issue. This is a procedural step, not a law; it does not change existing federal policy but requests Congress convene a convention to consider specific constitutional amendments.