Asm. Dawn Fantasia

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 directs New Jersey's Attorney General to establish a formal agreement with the U.S. Attorney General under a federal immigration enforcement program (Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act). It would authorize specific, trained corrections officers in state and county facilities to investigate whether inmates are lawful U.S. residents *at the time of incarceration*. If an inmate's status is found to be unauthorized under federal law, officers would report this information to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agreement would outline training, reporting protocols, federal funding for costs, and clarify that these officers act under federal authority for legal immunity purposes. This directly affects designated corrections officers and inmates in New Jersey's correctional system.

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 establishes a new Office of the Ombudsman for Children within the Attorney General's office (though operating independently) to oversee child welfare services in New Jersey. The Ombudsman investigates state agency responses to child abuse/neglect cases, inspects facilities like foster homes and group homes, and reviews policies affecting children in state care. Key mechanisms include requiring state agencies to create corrective action plans for systemic issues identified by the Ombudsman, mandating annual public reports to the Governor and Legislature, and creating a 24-hour hotline for public concerns. The office directly affects children in foster care or under state supervision, child welfare agencies, and families reporting issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill would extend New Jersey's tax treatment of health savings accounts (HSAs) to mirror federal tax treatment. It would allow New Jersey taxpayers to deduct HSA contributions that are deductible for federal income tax purposes, exclude HSA growth from gross income, and exempt qualified medical expense distributions from NJ taxation. The bill would apply to individuals covered by high-deductible health plans, which require minimum deductibles ($1,000 for self-only coverage, $2,000 for family coverage) and have out-of-pocket maximums ($5,000 for self-only, $10,000 for family). This would align New Jersey tax law with federal law for HSAs, which currently provide tax advantages not available under NJ gross income tax.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution urges New Jersey's U.S. Congressional delegation to join the existing Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. The task force works to raise awareness about brain injuries, support research for rehabilitation and potential cures, and address impacts on families, education, and the workforce. The resolution asks current and future New Jersey representatives to join the task force to better represent constituents affected by traumatic or acquired brain injuries. It does not create new policy but encourages congressional engagement with this existing advocacy group.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to consider energy security, diversity, and affordability when developing the state's Energy Master Plan. It mandates that the BPU conduct detailed economic and ratepayer impact analyses for all energy generation projects before approval, including cost breakdowns for infrastructure and financial effects on ratepayers. The plan must limit intermittent energy sources (like wind and solar) to no more than 50% of the state's energy mix. All analyses must use open-source modeling, include 30 days of public comment, and be published online for 10 years. These changes directly affect energy developers, ratepayers, and the BPU's planning process.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing fentanyl in New Jersey. It reclassifies fentanyl offenses to match penalties for heroin and cocaine: possession of five ounces or more becomes a first-degree crime (10-20 year prison term, $500,000 fine, with mandatory minimum time ineligible for parole), 0.5 to five ounces becomes a second-degree crime (5-10 year term, $150,000 fine), and less than 0.5 ounces becomes a third-degree crime with a $75,000 fine (up from $15,000). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of fentanyl-related offenses under current law. These changes align fentanyl penalties with existing penalties for other high-level narcotics.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a New Jersey gross income tax deduction for capital gains realized when landowners sell certain real property interests to qualified conservation organizations for preservation purposes. The deduction applies to both full market value sales and "bargain sales" (where the sale price is below market value, with the difference treated as a charitable donation). The deduction amount equals the capital gain as determined under federal tax rules, covering transactions with groups participating in programs like Green Acres, Blue Acres, and farmland preservation. This policy aims to encourage land conservation by reducing tax liability on such sales, directly benefiting landowners who sell property for environmental preservation.

Maddy summaryThis bill redirects $1.5 million annually from the existing Workforce Development Partnership Fund to specifically support the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP) or its successor. NJMEP is a nonprofit organization that helps New Jersey manufacturers improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness through technical assistance and training. The bill modifies the fund's allocation formula by setting aside this specific amount for NJMEP, rather than directing it to the Office of Customized Training as previously required. This change ensures dedicated, ongoing funding for NJMEP's services to manufacturers across the state.