Asm. John DiMaio

Maddy summaryThis bill permits certain home-based businesses to operate as "permitted accessory uses" in residential zones across New Jersey, directly affecting homeowners running small businesses from their homes. It sets specific conditions: the business must be compatible with residential neighborhoods, limit visitor traffic and deliveries to normal residential levels, avoid visible signage or parking, and not create noise, pollution, or illegal activity. Municipalities may establish minor local standards for visitor volume or traffic but cannot override existing ordinances that conflict with these state guidelines. The bill does not apply to common interest communities (like condos with deed restrictions) that already prohibit home businesses, nor does it limit municipalities' authority to address neighborhood nuisances.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allocate $7.5 million annually from constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenue to preserve land in New Jersey's Highlands Region. It redirects $5 million from the existing Green Acres program (for recreation and conservation) and $2.5 million from the Farmland Preservation program into a new Highlands Preservation Fund managed by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council. The fund will be used to acquire land for recreation, conservation, and farmland preservation through fee simple purchases, conservation easements, and development rights. The bill specifies that funds can't be used for contaminated land or land already preserved, and prioritizes areas identified in the Highlands regional master plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the special appraisal process for land acquisitions under New Jersey's Green Acres and farmland preservation programs from June 30, 2024 to June 30, 2029 for lands in the Highlands Region. It allocates $7.5 million annually from constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenue to the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council for land preservation in the Highlands Region. The funds will support two specific programs: the Highlands Open Space Partnership Funding program to acquire land for recreation and conservation, and the Highlands Development Credit Purchase Program to protect land with ecological or agricultural significance. The bill also requires distribution of State aid to municipalities within the Highlands Region that host watershed lands.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to create a loan program helping beginning farmers purchase essential farming capital like land, farm buildings, and equipment. Beginning farmers are defined as New Jersey residents with low or moderate net worth who are actively farming or planning to start farming. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria including New Jersey residency, property location within the state, relevant farming experience, and plans for active farm operation. Loans would be issued by NJEDA with terms and interest rates set by the agency, and borrowers may need to provide financial statements to ensure business viability.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school bus personnel transporting students with disabilities to call 911 in potential life-threatening emergencies and report these calls to the Office of Special Education. It mandates that school buses carrying students with disabilities be equipped with interior video cameras, real-time GPS tracking, and two-way communication devices. The bill expands training requirements for school bus personnel to include recognizing and responding to potential life-threatening emergencies involving students with disabilities. School bus contractors and school districts that fail to comply face civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, and video footage and GPS data must be retained for at least 180 days.

Maddy summaryBill A5102 authorizes New Jersey's State Treasurer to sell surplus state-owned property at 200 Sanatorium Road in Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County. The property, formerly part of Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital's East Hall (Building 33), covers 57,462 square feet and is to be sold to GShack Group, LLC for $570,000, its appraised value. The sale must follow terms approved by the State House Commission and takes effect immediately. This bill directly affects the state (as seller) and GShack Group (as buyer), with no broader policy changes beyond the property transaction.

Maddy summaryThis bill delays New Jersey's implementation of Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations until January 1, 2027 - pushing back the current 2025 deadline. It directly affects vehicle manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, requiring them to sell increasing percentages of zero-emission vehicles (capping at 40-75% of annual sales by 2035). The bill modifies New Jersey’s adoption of California’s 2021 ACT regulations, which mandate phased EV sales targets, by prohibiting the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from enforcing these rules before 2027. The delay gives manufacturers more time to adapt to the requirements while maintaining the state’s alignment with California’s emissions program.

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt certain local utilities from needing final approval for development projects from municipal land use boards. It affects sewerage authorities, utilities authorities, and entities providing gas, electricity, water, or sewer service to municipalities. Under the bill, these utilities must refer development proposals to county planning boards for review and recommendation, but can proceed after receiving recommendations or 45 days without a recommendation. This change aligns local utilities with other public entities that must consult with planning boards but don't require final approval.

Maddy summaryAR 167 establishes a 12-member Assembly Select Committee on Ballot Design in New Jersey. The committee, with six members appointed by the Speaker and six by the Minority Leader, will review studies, court decisions, and best practices related to primary and general election ballot design. Its sole purpose is to examine ballot design research to inform future election administration in the state. The committee will expire upon completion of its work and has no authority to change election laws or voting procedures.

Maddy summaryBill A4957 clarifies that the "Fair Chance in Housing Act" does not apply to county and municipal governments that directly rent residential units to tenants. It amends the Act's definition of "housing provider" to explicitly exclude county and municipal landlords from its requirements. This change resolves ongoing disputes about whether the law's rules - prohibiting housing providers from considering criminal records during tenant screening - apply to government-owned rental properties.