Asm. Erik Peterson

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the sale of flavored cigarettes (except tobacco, clove, or menthol) and all flavored vapor products in New Jersey. It directly affects retail stores selling these products by requiring local health agencies to inspect them at least twice yearly. Retailers violating the flavor ban face escalating civil penalties ($250-$1,000 for cigarettes; $500-$2,000 for vapor products) and possible license suspension or revocation after repeated offenses. Violations also allow for seized products to be destroyed and fines paid to the municipality where the violation occurred.

Maddy summaryACR 91 proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting New Jersey from using bond proceeds to balance its annual state budget. It specifically bans the State or any state agency from selling bonds or creating debt to fund regular government operations, except for new infrastructure projects not previously approved through annual budget appropriations. This would require the state to cover all regular spending with current revenue, not borrowed funds. The amendment aims to prevent using long-term debt to offset operating costs, as seen in past practices where bond funds were diverted to cover routine expenses.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2980) creates "county-municipal courts" that handle specific cases across an entire county, replacing individual municipal courts for certain matters. It directly affects counties (especially large, low-density ones) and their municipalities, requiring municipalities to agree to transfer violations and cases to the new county court within two years. Key provisions include: the court handling civil cases under $15,000 (excluding probate/family matters), county health/police violations, and landlord-tenant disputes, while allowing existing municipal courts to be abolished. Municipalities must formally agree to this transition, with the county court beginning operations once the ordinance is filed.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A-1847 prohibits licensed health care professionals (including doctors, nurses, and therapists) from providing gender-affirming medical care - such as hormone therapy or surgery - to individuals under 21 years old. The bill defines these services as medical, surgical, or therapeutic care related to gender identity, excluding mental health or psychiatric services. Violations would result in professional disciplinary action under existing laws. The law takes immediate effect and applies to all covered health care providers statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1273) would require local governments to notify municipal governing bodies when a sex offender registers in their area and prohibit certain sex offenders from living within 500 feet of schools, childcare centers, or playgrounds. It directly affects sex offenders convicted of crimes against minors under 18, local municipalities (through notification duties), and facilities where children gather. Key provisions include mandating police to forward offender addresses to town councils and banning residence near child-congregate areas, with exceptions for existing homes, correctional facilities, or court/parole board-approved cases. The bill expands New Jersey’s Megan’s Law to enhance public safety by restricting where certain sex offenders can live.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey financial institutions (state-chartered banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions) from requiring disabled veterans or their surviving spouses to disclose annual property tax obligations when applying for a mortgage on their primary residence. It applies specifically to "qualified veterans" (100% service-connected disability) and their surviving spouses who qualify for the disabled veterans' property tax exemption. Financial institutions must instead obtain a certification from the municipal assessor confirming the applicant meets all exemption eligibility requirements except property ownership (for new homes) or including ownership (for refinancing). The bill streamlines the mortgage process by removing this tax disclosure requirement, using a standardized form for assessor certifications.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A-532) would require public school districts to provide vouchers covering 75% of tuition at nonpublic schools for students whose parents withdraw them due to objections about curriculum content. It specifically protects objections related to material conflicting with parental beliefs about sex, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or morality. The voucher amount is calculated based on the district's per-pupil spending, prorated for remaining school days. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Education Committee (introduced January 13, 2026) and would directly affect parents who withdraw children over curriculum disputes and the school districts funding those vouchers.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2637) updates rules for public utility franchises (operating permits for companies providing electricity, water, or sewer services). It limits new franchises to seven years, requires utilities to get state board approval for new agreements, and gives local governments the power to revoke franchises if utilities violate terms. The bill also increases penalties for non-compliance from $100 to $25,000 per violation for failing to meet service or environmental standards. These changes directly affect utilities, local governments, and the State Board of Public Utilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to post detailed curriculum plans online for each grade level at least 30 days before the school year starts. It mandates that districts include specific information like course units, learning objectives, and details about textbooks/materials used. School districts must also post when and where parents/legal guardians can review these materials before they are used in classrooms. The bill applies to all public school districts and takes effect for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's chief law enforcement officers or the Superintendent of State Police to notify federal immigration authorities whenever a non-citizen applies for a firearms purchaser identification card (for rifles and shotguns) or a handgun purchase permit. It directly affects non-citizens seeking to purchase or possess firearms under New Jersey's permit system. The key mechanism adds a mandatory notification step to the existing background check process, requiring law enforcement to share applicant information with federal immigration agencies. The bill does not alter background check standards but creates a new reporting obligation for non-citizen firearm permit applicants.