Asm. John DiMaio

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how energy tax payments are handled in New Jersey. It requires energy companies (like gas, electric, and utility providers) to pay their taxes directly to local municipalities instead of the state, ensuring the full $740 million annual property tax relief aid is distributed directly to towns and cities. The State Treasurer will determine each municipality's share based on historical payments and direct energy taxpayers to make payments to specific local governments. This replaces the previous system where the state collected taxes and redistributed funds, aiming to streamline relief for municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the tax on cigars in New Jersey to a maximum of $0.50 per cigar, replacing the previous percentage-based tax structure for this product. It directly affects cigar manufacturers, retailers, and consumers who purchase cigars within the state. The key change specifies that the tax on cigars cannot exceed $0.50 per unit, regardless of wholesale price, while maintaining existing tax rates for other tobacco products like e-liquids and snuff. The bill amends New Jersey's tobacco tax law (P.L.1990, c.39) to clarify this cap for cigars specifically.

Maddy summaryBill A 546 repeals New Jersey’s prohibition on certain businesses selling single-use products (like plastic straws or utensils), directly affecting restaurants, retailers, and food service establishments that previously faced restrictions. It also amends the Clean Communities Program Fund to adjust how state funds support litter cleanup and education initiatives, including distributing money to municipalities and counties based on housing units or road mileage. The bill removes sections 1-9 of P.L.2020, c.117, which established the single-use product ban, and takes effect immediately. This change shifts policy from restricting single-use items to enabling their sale without legal barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's tax brackets for married couples filing jointly (and similar taxpayers like heads of household), raising the threshold for the lowest tax rate from $20,000 to $40,000 for 2020+ tax years. It directly affects married couples filing jointly by reducing their tax burden on income between $20,000-$40,000 annually, eliminating a previously higher tax rate that disproportionately impacted these filers. The key change updates Section 54A:2-1, subsection (a)(7), shifting the first tax bracket to apply to income under $40,000 (previously $20,000) and adjusting subsequent rates accordingly. This policy change specifically targets the "marriage penalty" where joint filers paid more tax than separate filers at certain income levels.

Maddy summaryACR 25 proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure funds from a 90-cent fee on phone bills (collected since 2004) are exclusively used for 9-1-1 and emergency response needs. The amendment would prohibit diverting these funds for general state budget purposes, mandating they cover specific costs like emergency equipment, training, operating 9-1-1 service centers, and implementing federal 9-1-1 requirements. It directly affects how New Jersey allocates nearly $100 million annually from this dedicated trust fund. The amendment requires voter approval to take effect, preventing future legislative use of these funds for non-emergency purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as an educational resource for New Jersey state agencies, schools, and law enforcement. It defines antisemitism as hatred toward Jews, including specific examples like Holocaust denial, harmful stereotypes (e.g., conspiracy theories about Jewish control), and double standards applied to Israel. The definition is explicitly non-binding and must be used while protecting constitutional rights like free speech. New Jersey lawmakers cite the state's high rate of antisemitic incidents - including ranking third nationally in 2023 - as the basis for this measure.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A 841 requires voters to present physical identification at polling places during any election. It specifies 13 acceptable forms of ID (like driver's licenses, passports, voter registration cards, or utility bills) and allows two supplemental documents if primary ID isn't available. Voters without matching ID may face challenges, but the bill states it does not deny voting rights if challenges are resolved. This affects all voters casting ballots in person at New Jersey polling locations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to appoint a State Dementia Services Coordinator within the Department of Human Services. The coordinator will develop a master plan to address dementia care, coordinate existing state services (like the Alzheimer's Advisory Commission), prevent service duplication, identify gaps in care, and improve access to quality treatment for people with dementia. State agencies must cooperate with the coordinator by providing data and assistance upon request. The bill appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to fund this position and its operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations act to change how $1.5 million in state grant funding for Centenary University can be used. Currently restricted to capital improvements (like building repairs), the bill removes this limitation, allowing the university to use the funds for general operational purposes instead. The bill does not increase the total funding amount - it only expands the allowable uses of the existing appropriation. This change directly affects Centenary University's budget flexibility for the 2026 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryBill A6296 amends New Jersey's Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations act to change how $1.5 million in grant funding for Centenary University must be used. Currently restricted to capital improvements (like building projects), the bill removes this requirement, allowing the university to use the funds for general operational purposes instead. This change does not increase the total grant amount but expands flexibility in its allocation. The bill directly affects Centenary University by altering the permissible uses of its existing state grant.