Asm. John DiMaio

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1582) requires New Jersey public school students who sustain a concussion to obtain an evaluation and written clearance from a licensed health care professional before returning to school. It also prohibits students from participating in any physical activities (like recess or PE) until they receive this clearance. School districts must implement any restrictions or limitations recommended by the health professional, using their 504 team (per N.J.A.C. 6A:8-1.3), and notify all relevant staff. The law applies directly to public school students, school districts, and licensed health care providers who diagnose/treat concussions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special "Support Our Veterans" license plate for New Jersey residents, with the $50 initial fee (plus $10 annual fee) funding a dedicated fund. Proceeds from these fees, after covering production costs, will support services at New Jersey's Veterans Haven homeless veteran centers. The program requires 500 initial applications and $25,000 from the Veterans Haven Council to cover startup costs before implementation. If annual production costs exceed the $50 fee for two years, the license plate program may be discontinued.

Maddy summaryThis bill would restore approximately $331 million in municipal aid reductions that occurred during fiscal years 2009-2011 by gradually increasing distributions from the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over five years. Starting in fiscal year 2017, municipalities would receive incremental increases (20% in 2017, 40% in 2018, 60% in 2019, 80% in 2020, and 100% starting in 2021) to fully restore aid levels from fiscal year 2012. The bill requires municipalities to subtract any additional aid received from their property tax levy when calculating their next year's tax amount. This directly affects all New Jersey municipalities that received aid from these funds, allowing them to lower property tax rates for residents while maintaining their overall aid levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates special New Jersey license plates supporting Autism Awareness. Vehicle owners who apply pay a $50 one-time fee and a $10 annual fee, with the additional funds going to a special fund. The fund, managed by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, supports autism research and treatment programs. The program requires 500 initial applications and a $25,000 contribution from autism advocacy groups before implementation, and will expire if these conditions aren't met within 12 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend New Jersey's tax code to exclude certain retirement contributions from gross income tax calculations. Specifically, it would exclude contributions to qualified pension plans, deferred compensation plans, and provide a deduction for qualifying individual retirement account (IRA) contributions. Currently, private sector employees benefit from tax deferral on retirement contributions, but public sector employees (including government workers, school employees, and nonprofit staff) do not have the same tax treatment. The bill would extend similar tax advantages to these workers, making retirement savings more accessible for them. It would apply to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and distribute special blue envelopes for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes must hold driver's licenses, registration, and insurance documents, feature a distinct color recognizable to police, clearly identify the holder's diagnosis, and include communication guidance for law enforcement. It applies directly to autistic drivers, their parents, guardians, or caregivers who apply for the envelopes. The MVC must design these envelopes in consultation with autism advocacy groups, the Human Services Commissioner, and State Police. The bill draws from a 2020 Connecticut law and takes effect 12 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A1059 requires every public school with a library to post a comprehensive, publicly accessible list of all library resources - including books, periodicals, DVDs, and digital databases - on the school’s website. Schools must update this list within 10 days of adding new resources. The school library media specialist is responsible for maintaining the list; if no specialist exists, the principal must appoint staff to handle it. This law applies to all public school districts in New Jersey and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey to annually adjust its income tax brackets for inflation using the national consumer price index (CPI-U), preventing "bracket creep" where inflation alone pushes taxpayers into higher tax brackets without real income growth. The Director of the Division of Taxation would calculate these annual adjustments based on the CPI-U measure. This change would affect all New Jersey residents who pay state income tax by ensuring their tax brackets keep pace with rising prices. The bill follows the same model used for federal income tax brackets, which has been in place since the 1980s.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates an exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. It would require these venues to become smoke-free, meaning no smoking would be permitted inside for employees, patrons, or visitors. The change directly affects casino operators, staff, and customers at all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities (such as those with slot machines, table games, or dedicated seating for betting). This policy shift extends the existing indoor smoking ban to these locations, removing a long-standing exemption.

Maddy summaryACR 31 is a New Jersey legislative resolution applying to Congress for an Article V Convention of States. It seeks to propose constitutional amendments limiting federal government powers, imposing fiscal restraints on spending, and restricting terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution is a continuing application, meaning it remains in effect until two-thirds of U.S. states make similar requests on the same issue. This is a procedural step, not a law; it does not change existing federal policy but requests Congress convene a convention to consider specific constitutional amendments.