Asm. John DiMaio

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1498) changes how energy tax revenues are distributed by requiring energy taxpayers (such as utility companies) to pay energy taxes directly to municipalities instead of through the State. It revises the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Aid program, directing the State Treasurer to calculate each municipality's share based on historical payments and equalized property valuations, then instruct energy taxpayers to pay that amount directly to the municipality. The bill ensures municipalities receive either the full amount of energy taxes collected or the amount they would have received under current law, whichever is greater, preventing the State from retaining any portion of these tax collections for other purposes. This change would take effect starting in Fiscal Year 2022, fundamentally altering the revenue distribution mechanism for energy taxes in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3193) requires New Jersey's Adjutant General to create a program helping veterans access evaluation and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or total brain injury directly linked to military service. The program must provide support services like transportation, guidance, assistance filing disability claims, and help updating discharge status. It specifically covers veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces or Reserve components, including the New Jersey National Guard. The Adjutant General must develop this program in coordination with relevant state departments and agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals diagnosed with autism or a communication disability to voluntarily add a notation to their New Jersey driver's license, ID card, and MVC registry. The notation includes a restriction code for law enforcement to identify and communicate effectively during interactions, while the holder can remove it anytime. It also creates a confidential statewide registry storing vehicle details and emergency contacts (submitted voluntarily) for law enforcement use only during stops, with strict privacy protections preventing public access. Additionally, it mandates annual training for all law enforcement agencies on interacting with and de-escalating situations involving individuals with these diagnoses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1541) amends New Jersey law to impose an 18-month mandatory prison term for a second or subsequent offense involving an adult (18+) using or recruiting a minor (under 17) to commit automobile theft. It directly affects individuals who exploit juveniles in car theft crimes, requiring a minimum 18-month prison sentence with no parole eligibility during that period. The bill clarifies that a mistaken belief about the minor’s age is not a defense and ensures this penalty applies to repeat offenders beyond the existing second-degree crime penalty for first offenses. The sponsor states the goal is to deter the use of juveniles in rising auto theft crimes, including part theft and vehicle smuggling.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey voters to present a physical identification document at polling places when voting. Acceptable IDs include a New Jersey driver's license, passport, voter registration card, birth certificate, or utility bill (if used as supplemental ID). Voters without primary ID must provide two forms of supplemental ID, such as a utility bill with their name and address. The bill allows election officials to challenge a voter's eligibility only if the ID presented does not match the voter's information, ensuring voters can still cast ballots with acceptable documentation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to broaden eligibility for civil service and pension benefits for veterans. It removes specific service date and location requirements that previously limited eligibility, changing the definition of "veteran" to include any resident of New Jersey who served in the Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable. This change applies to veterans who served in recent conflicts like Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, as well as those who served domestically, such as 9/11 responders. The bill affects pension systems including the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund, Public Employees' Retirement System, Police and Firemen's Retirement System, and State Police Retirement System. The goal is to recognize all military service, regardless of location or duty assignment, as qualifying for veteran benefits.

Maddy summaryBill A2641 requires New Jersey public school districts to allow home-schooled students to join school-sponsored extracurricular activities (like sports, clubs, and theater) in their resident district under the same rules applied to enrolled students. To participate, home-schooled students must provide residency proof, meet activity-specific eligibility and tryout criteria, and follow district policies. The bill specifically prohibits students from transferring to home-schooling solely for athletic advantage, and requires districts to provide physical exams or medical tests (if offered to enrolled students) to home-schooled participants. This policy directly affects home-schooled students and public school districts across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits courts from imposing a "builder's remedy" in lawsuits challenging exclusionary zoning laws. It directly affects municipalities facing housing litigation and developers who previously sought this remedy. The key provision bans court orders requiring municipalities to use zoning tactics (like density bonuses) that prioritize market-rate housing development over affordable units. Instead, if a court finds a municipality failed to provide reasonable opportunities for affordable housing, it must choose an alternative remedy. The bill aims to shift focus from litigation-driven market-rate development toward other solutions for addressing affordable housing needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill gradually reduces New Jersey's Corporation Business Tax (CBT) rate for businesses operating in the state. It lowers the rate from 9% to 2.5% over time, with specific reductions: 7% for 2021, 5% for 2022, 3% for 2023, and 2.5% for 2024 and beyond. The bill also provides accelerated reductions for smaller businesses, lowering the tax rate for those with less than $100,000 in income to 3.5% in 2021 and 2.5% starting in 2022. The tax rate applies to taxable net income for businesses with privilege periods ending on or after July 31, 2019.

Maddy summaryThis bill would appropriate $2.9 billion in state funding to ensure school districts receive aid equal to their "adequacy budget" as determined under New Jersey's School Funding Reform Act. It requires districts that receive increased state aid to reduce their property tax levies by the same amount, with specific provisions for districts where property taxes exceed 5% of district income. The bill also provides additional aid to districts that experienced funding cuts between 2018-2023 and repeals certain laws that contributed to reduced state aid and higher property taxes. The policy aims to align school funding with constitutional requirements for a "thorough and efficient" education system while reducing property tax burdens on residents.