Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill would change how property tax relief is applied to residents in municipalities affected by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act. It would require that the tax credit be applied directly to each line item on property tax bills rather than just reducing the total amount owed. The credit would be calculated by multiplying a tax rate (determined by dividing total stabilization aid by total taxable property value) by each property's taxable value. This change would make the tax relief more directly visible on individual tax bills. The bill would affect property taxpayers in municipalities located within the Highlands preservation area.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey COVID-19 Response Task Force, a bipartisan group of eight members appointed by legislative leaders (two each by Senate and Assembly majority and minority leaders). The task force will study New Jersey's pandemic response over 18 months, examining government communication, impacts on nursing homes, children's education/health, crime rates, financial effects on businesses/residents, and comparisons with other states' approaches. It must hold at least three public hearings statewide and submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. The task force expires after submitting its report, with no direct policy changes enacted by the bill itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of State to create a website where voters can report problems with mail-in ballots they receive, such as ballots sent to deceased or non-resident voters. The website would let voters provide their contact details and describe issues, with reports automatically sent to local election officials for follow-up. It also establishes a nine-member "Vote by Mail Study Commission" to investigate mail-in voting irregularities, including how to prevent duplicate ballots or mailings to inactive voters. The commission must hold public hearings across the state and submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts cash assistance recipients from using their electronic benefit cards to withdraw cash at ATMs or make purchases at casinos, adult entertainment venues, adult bookstores, liquor stores, or travel agencies (for cruise bookings). It requires the state to implement technology to block these transactions at specified venues, aligning with existing federal rules to maintain access to federal funding. The bill also clarifies that recipients will not be charged for system use except for fees after three free ATM withdrawals per month, for replacement cards, or for certain point-of-sale transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A228) allows residents to idle gasoline-powered vehicles on their own residential property without penalty, directly affecting homeowners who warm up cars before driving. It overrides current state regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:27-15.8) that prohibit idling over three minutes, removing the lack of exemption for residential warming. The key provision states no person may be penalized for idling a vehicle engine on residential property, effective immediately. The bill addresses a specific gap in existing rules, which previously prohibited idling for warming vehicles even on private property.

Maddy summaryACR 19 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would clarify there is no constitutional right to housing for all income levels in New Jersey, and prohibit state laws requiring municipalities to provide housing through zoning or land use regulations. It specifically aims to remove the affordable housing obligations imposed on municipalities by the Mount Laurel court rulings. The amendment would prevent the state legislature from enacting laws that mandate municipalities to create housing programs or override local zoning ordinances for this purpose. This is a procedural constitutional amendment, not a direct legislative law.

Maddy summaryACR 21 is a resolution urging New Jersey and other states (New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware) to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to amend a 1954 decree governing Delaware River Basin flooding. The decree currently allows New York City to fill reservoirs to 105% capacity during May 1-June 15 - a period when historical floods occurred - reducing flood control downstream. The resolution cites studies showing 20% year-round voids (space left in reservoirs) could prevent flooding in areas like Trenton, Ewing, and Phillipsburg, protecting nearly 2 million New Jersey residents who rely on the river. It specifically requests states to seek Court action to require these voids, which would minimize flood damage to properties and infrastructure. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests federal court action.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits major social media platforms (with $100M+ revenue and 100M+ global users) from permanently deleting or banning candidates for public office during election periods, including those who don't appear on ballots but raise funds or spend money to run. It creates a private right for users to sue if their political or religious speech is deleted or algorithmically suppressed, with minimum damages of $75,000 per violation. Platforms can still remove content that's obscene, involves violence, violates court orders, or relates to harassment of minors. Violations could trigger daily fines of up to $250,000 for statewide candidate cases, plus legal costs for winning plaintiffs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state fund to provide property tax relief to municipalities located in New Jersey's Highlands preservation area. Qualified municipalities must either be entirely within the preservation area or have at least 60% of their land in the preservation area while following regional planning standards. The aid amount is calculated based on the decline in true value of vacant land between 2023 (the base year) and the current year. The state will pay eligible municipalities in two annual installments from the fund, which will be funded by the existing "Highlands Protection Fund."

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 38) condemns Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel and reaffirms New Jersey's support for Israel and Jewish people. It directs that copies be transmitted to Israel's U.S. ambassador and New Jersey's congressional delegation. The resolution is symbolic, with no new laws or funding changes, and focuses solely on expressing legislative stance. It references the attacks' casualties and Hamas' designation as a terrorist group but does not alter policy or affect specific individuals or groups.