Asm. John DiMaio

Maddy summaryACR 27 is a concurrent resolution (not a bill) calling for a special legislative session to address property tax relief and reform. It requires the Legislature to convene within seven days of passage, dedicating the session solely to considering property tax policy changes. The resolution cites high property taxes as a burden on residents, particularly affecting low-income families, seniors, and homeowners. It does not propose specific tax changes but mandates that lawmakers introduce and vote on relevant bills during this session.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1100 bill defines a "day in session" for school districts to qualify for state school aid as a day when school is open, students are under a teacher's guidance during instruction, and the day lasts at least six hours - except for schools enrolling only kindergarten students. School districts must meet this six-hour standard to receive state aid, as the commissioner may withhold aid for non-compliance. The bill amends state law to establish this requirement specifically for state aid calculations, replacing the previous regulatory standard of four hours for general school days.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 2020 law that prohibited stores, restaurants, and food pantries from providing single-use plastic bags, paper bags, polystyrene foam containers, and plastic straws. It would allow these businesses to once again sell or provide these items without requiring customers to specifically request them. The repeal directly affects retail establishments, food service businesses, and food banks that currently face restrictions on these products. This change reverses specific environmental restrictions on single-use products implemented in 2020.

Maddy summaryBill A1104 would prevent New Jersey municipalities and counties from diverting up to five percent of funds from certain water and sewer authorities for other local purposes. Currently, these authorities (including local water utilities and sewer systems) can have up to five percent of their annual operating funds redirected to municipal or county budgets. The bill would amend state law to eliminate this diversion, ensuring funds stay invested in water and sewer infrastructure rather than subsidizing general government expenses. This change targets a practice that previously redirected millions of dollars annually from infrastructure improvements, as noted in the bill's statement.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey state agencies (including the Department of Community Affairs, Environmental Protection, and Board of Public Utilities) from mandating electric heating or water heating systems as the sole or primary option for buildings - such as homes or businesses - until a specific report is issued. It requires the Department of Community Affairs to hold at least six public hearings across the state within 24 months to gather input on costs, impacts, and environmental effects of electric systems, then submit a report within 30 months. The bill does not block voluntary adoption of electric systems, incentives for their use, or private choices to install them. It directly affects building owners, developers, and state agencies involved in energy regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1092) requires the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NJSPCA) and all 21 county animal welfare societies to obtain prior approval from their local county prosecutor before conducting investigations or law enforcement activities. The NJSPCA must also submit quarterly reports on its enforcement activities to the Attorney General and an annual report to both the Attorney General and the Legislature. County societies must similarly report quarterly to the NJSPCA, which then forwards these reports to the Attorney General. The bill directly affects animal welfare societies, county prosecutors, and the Attorney General by establishing formal accountability and reporting requirements for animal cruelty enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's income tax brackets for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, affecting most individual taxpayers. It increases the income thresholds for the four lowest tax brackets, meaning more taxpayers will qualify for lower tax rates. For example, the threshold for the 1.4% tax rate for married couples filing jointly rises from $20,000 to $68,510. These changes provide tax relief to low- and middle-income New Jersey residents by allowing them to keep more of their income. The bill does not change the tax rates themselves, only the income levels at which those rates apply.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the duration of certain emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor under the Civil Defense Act to a maximum of 14 days. It requires the Legislature to approve any extension beyond this 14-day period through a concurrent resolution. The Governor cannot issue identical or substantially similar orders for the same emergency after one expires under this rule. Exceptions include orders rescinding prior emergency measures, federal compliance requirements, internal state government operations, military orders, or orders issued under other laws with longer terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey residents to purchase special license plates featuring the horse (the state animal) for their vehicles. Owners would pay a $50 application fee and a $10 annual renewal fee, with fees covering costs and funding a dedicated fund. The State Animal License Plate Fund, managed by the Department of Agriculture, would support horse health programs and equine therapy services for people with special needs. The program requires at least $25,000 in private funding and 500 initial applications before launching, and would expire if these conditions aren't met within 12 months.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3204) requires public school districts to post detailed curriculum plans online at least 30 days before each school year begins. It mandates that districts include all units of study, learning objectives, and information about textbooks/materials used for each grade level on their website, with updates whenever plans change. School districts must also specify when and where parents/legal guardians can review these materials before they are used in classrooms. The law directly affects school districts (requiring website updates) and parents/guardians (granting review access), taking effect for the first full school year after enactment.