Asm. John DiMaio

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 25% tax credit for New Jersey businesses that purchase "New Jersey made" products for retail sales, manufacturing, or production processes. The credit equals 25% of the ratio between costs for qualifying New Jersey products and total product costs, excluding items that couldn't be substituted with local alternatives. Businesses must demonstrate that less than two-thirds of their product costs couldn't be replaced with New Jersey-made options to qualify. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to seven tax years, but the credit combined with other credits cannot reduce tax liability below the statutory minimum. A "New Jersey made" product is defined as one where all significant parts, processing, and labor originate in New Jersey with negligible out-of-state content.

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 summaryACR 53 proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate at least $509 million annually from motor vehicle fees and surcharges to New Jersey's Transportation Trust Fund (TTF). Currently, this revenue is split between the Motor Vehicle Commission (for its operations) and the General Fund (which can fund any state purpose), but the amendment would redirect the portion currently allocated to the General Fund to the TTF. Funds in the TTF must be used exclusively for transportation projects like road construction, repair, and maintenance, as specified in the state constitution. This change would take effect for fiscal years beginning July 1, 2018, and requires voter approval to become 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 (A648) requires all New Jersey public school districts to include water safety instruction in health education for students in grades K-12, beginning with the 2018-2019 school year. The instruction must cover four key topics: proper use of flotation devices, recognizing water conditions, responding to rip currents, and swimming near lifeguard-monitored areas. It directly affects every public school district and K-12 student in New Jersey by mandating this curriculum as part of existing health education standards. The law takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how unused funds in inactive online gambling accounts are handled in New Jersey. After three years of inactivity, any remaining money in these accounts will be treated as unclaimed property under state law, rather than being split 50/50 between the casino and the casino control fund as current law requires. Casinos must attempt to contact account holders via mail, phone, or email before closing dormant accounts. This directly affects online gambling players with inactive accounts and casino licensees managing those accounts. The policy change aligns dormant gaming funds with standard unclaimed property procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's official definition of anti-Semitism based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition adopted in 2016. It requires state agencies, educational institutions, and others reviewing discrimination complaints to use this definition when determining if an act was motivated by anti-Semitic intent. The definition explicitly states that criticism of Israel similar to criticism of any other country does not constitute anti-Semitism. The bill clarifies it does not override First Amendment rights or existing state/federal anti-discrimination laws.

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 summaryACR 43 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit most emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor to a 14-day period during a declared state of emergency. These measures would automatically terminate on the 15th day unless the Legislature passes a concurrent resolution extending the period. The amendment does not apply to orders rescinding previous emergency actions, those required by federal law, orders affecting only the executive branch, National Guard commands, or orders issued under other existing legal authorities that already allow longer durations. This change would shift oversight from the Governor to the Legislature for extending emergency powers beyond two weeks.

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide discounted fees for senior citizens (65+) on several hunting and trapping licenses, permits, and stamps that currently don't offer such discounts. Specifically, it extends existing discount rates to trapping licenses, the All-Around Sportsman License, deer permits, turkey permits, rifle permits, and pheasant/quail stamps. The bill amends existing statutes to establish these discounts at rates consistent with current senior discounts on firearm and bow licenses. It directly affects New Jersey residents aged 65 and older who participate in hunting and trapping activities. The policy change would reduce fees for these senior citizens while maintaining the same discount structure already applied to other related licenses.