Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey Assembly procedures for bills with 41 or more sponsors. It requires the Speaker to place such bills on the main calendar within two meetings of the Assembly after they reach 41 sponsors or second reading, whichever comes later. It also creates a process to move these bills to second reading if committees fail to act after three meetings, and prevents recommitting them without 41+ member approval. Additionally, the bill adds four annual sessions for members to give 15-minute speeches and two annual committee public comment periods (each lasting two hours, with five-minute public remarks per person). These changes apply only to Assembly procedures, not to substantive laws.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding Assembly Resolution (AR 15), not a law. It symbolically condemns the publication and distribution of images that incite, glorify, or justify violence against law enforcement officers, referencing a 2016 incident involving a graphic social media post by an NFL player. The resolution has no legal effect or enforcement mechanism; it serves as a symbolic statement. Copies would be sent to federal officials, state law enforcement leadership, and police associations, but it does not change any laws or restrict speech.

Maddy summaryBill A1084 prohibits the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from requiring deed restrictions or additional conditions for projects already exempt under the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act (P.L.2004, c.120). It directly affects property owners, developers, and applicants whose projects qualify for statutory exemptions under the Highlands Act. The bill mandates that DEP cannot make exemption determinations conditional on such restrictions, ending a current practice where DEP imposed these requirements even for exempt projects. This change applies retroactively to August 10, 2004, when the Highlands Act took effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide public boat access at state-owned lakes where boating is permitted, within two years of enactment. It appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to fund construction, contracts with private marinas (via public bidding), or other solutions for public boat launches. The policy directly affects residents seeking recreational access to state lakes, such as Greenwood Lake, where public access has been limited as private marinas now restrict or charge for day-use access. Key provisions mandate DEP action if access cannot be provided due to funding constraints, requiring a report to the Governor and Legislature detailing the issue and needed resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts sales of specific baby products from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It directly affects families purchasing cribs, strollers, child restraint systems (like car seats meeting federal safety standards), baby bath products (soaps, shampoos, lotions, powders), and nursing supplies (bottles, nipples, funnels). The bill amends the Sales and Use Tax Act to add these items to the existing tax exemption list, which already covers baby food, formula, wipes, clothing, and diapers. By removing tax on these essential items, the bill aims to reduce costs for parents raising infants. The exemption takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers New Jersey's Division of Elections from the Department of State to the Department of Law and Public Safety and designates the Attorney General as the chief election official, replacing the Secretary of State in that role. It requires the division to be administered by two co-directors appointed by the governor with Senate approval: one from the governor's political party and one from the party that received the second-highest votes in the most recent gubernatorial election. Both co-directors serve four-year terms tied to the governor's term and may be reappointed. The change takes effect January 1 following enactment, with the Attorney General assuming all election-related responsibilities and budget oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill shifts the burden of proof in New Jersey firearm permit applications from applicants to authorities. If an application for a handgun permit or firearms purchaser identification card is denied, the chief of police or Superintendent of State Police must now prove the applicant meets one of the disqualifying criteria listed in state law. The bill requires authorities to provide a written statement within 10 days of denial, specifying the reason and evidence for the denial. This change affects anyone applying for a handgun permit or firearms purchaser ID card in New Jersey. The bill does not alter the list of disqualifying factors but changes who must demonstrate why an applicant is ineligible.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A182) stops New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from requiring children under 16 to obtain a horseback riding permit or pay the $2.00 nonrefundable fee when riding in state wildlife management areas. It directly affects minors under 16 who participate in horseback riding within these designated areas. The key provision removes both the permit requirement and the associated fee for this age group, effective immediately. The DEP may still create implementing rules under existing law, but the bill specifically exempts children under 16 from these requirements.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A169 prohibits the payment of temporary disability benefits to individuals incarcerated due to criminal violations. The bill amends the Temporary Disability Benefits Law to explicitly exclude benefits during any period of incarceration in federal, state, or municipal facilities following a conviction or guilty plea. This change affects people serving time in prison or jail for criminal offenses, removing their eligibility for disability payments during that period. The law applies to all forms of incarceration related to criminal charges, not just jail time.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county clerks to send a confirmation notice to voters who apply for mail-in ballots and request delivery to a different address than their registered voting address. The notice, sent to the voter's registered address, will confirm the separate mailing address and provide instructions for correcting errors in the request. It directly affects voters who choose a non-registered address for ballot delivery, ensuring they are notified of the change. The bill amends existing election law to add this mandatory notification requirement, which is not currently required under state law.