Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create guidelines for incorporating outdoor education opportunities into public school curricula. The guidelines must outline methods for expanding outdoor learning experiences like field trips and provide resources and training for teachers on outdoor learning best practices. School districts are encouraged to adopt these guidelines in their elementary and secondary programs, subject to available funding. The legislation applies to the first full school year following its enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey state law to replace references to the Civil Service Commission with the chairperson of the commission in specific sections, clarifying the individual responsibilities of the chairperson. The changes primarily affect the chairperson's authority to manage personnel programs, audit payrolls, appoint staff, and oversee employee performance evaluations within the state government. By updating statutory language, the bill ensures that duties previously attributed to the entire commission are now explicitly assigned to the chairperson in areas such as rule enforcement and personnel policy implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Affordable Home Energy Protection Act, would prevent state agencies and local governments in New Jersey from adopting rules that restrict or ban fossil-fuel-powered heating systems and appliances in homes and buildings. It specifically prohibits mandates requiring property owners to remove working gas, propane, or fuel oil equipment and replace it with electric alternatives, while still allowing voluntary upgrades and emergency safety orders. The legislation aims to preserve consumer choice in energy sources and avoid forcing residents into costly retrofits, particularly affecting homeowners in older buildings and low-to-moderate-income households.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey State to reimburse municipalities for the costs associated with disabled veterans' total property tax exemptions and increases the reimbursement rate for veterans' property tax deductions. It mandates that tax assessors certify the number and total value of these exemptions to county boards annually, ensuring local governments receive state funding to offset the lost tax revenue. The legislation also updates administrative procedures for reporting and calculating these exemptions within the county taxation system. Directly affected parties include disabled veterans who benefit from property tax relief and local municipalities that receive financial compensation for providing these exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt surgical practices from the requirement to obtain a license as ambulatory care facilities when providing surgical and related services. Currently, certain surgical practices must apply for licensure under state regulations, but this change removes that specific obligation while keeping other healthcare licensing rules in place. The amendment affects healthcare providers and facilities in New Jersey by simplifying the regulatory framework for surgical practices. The bill does not alter other licensing requirements for hospitals or other healthcare facilities, nor does it change inspection or reporting standards for those that remain subject to licensing.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey concurrent resolution condemns the persecution of Christians in Nigeria as genocide and thanks the President for designating Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern." The bill formally recognizes the religious persecution in Nigeria, which includes thousands of deaths, destroyed churches, and millions of displaced Christians, as meeting the United Nations definition of genocide. It also directs that copies of the resolution be sent to federal officials and diplomatic representatives. This legislative action does not impose new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of the state legislature's position on the issue.

Maddy summaryThis bill is an Assembly Resolution that respectfully urges the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to reduce the state's coyote population. It is sponsored by Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia and directs the Division of Fish and Wildlife to take action based on concerns about coyote population growth, disease transmission, and increased attacks on humans and pets. The resolution cites rising coyote sightings across all 21 counties and notes that habituated coyotes are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, and the Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the existing restriction that prevents individuals from buying more than one handgun in a single calendar month in New Jersey. It directly affects private firearm dealers and consumers who wish to purchase multiple handguns within a month. The change amends state statutes to delete the specific language prohibiting sales of more than one handgun to a person within a 30-day period, while maintaining other existing regulations such as permit requirements and background checks. The bill does not alter rules for law enforcement purchases or other exemptions already in place.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Stay NJ property tax credit program in New Jersey to allow seniors who move from one home to another within the state during the tax year to remain eligible for the benefit. Previously, claimants had to own a homestead for the entire tax year, but this change permits those who relocate to another New Jersey home to qualify as long as they own both their old and new properties for the full year and meet all other requirements. The program provides property tax relief to New Jersey residents aged 65 or older with incomes under $500,000, and this amendment ensures that seniors who move within the state do not lose their tax credit benefits due to the relocation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Agriculture Retention and Development Act to require county agriculture development boards to include two additional alternate voting members. Each board would have one alternate member representing the general public and one alternate member actively engaged in farming, both serving four-year terms. These alternates can participate in discussions but only vote when a regular voting member is absent or disqualified, ensuring continuity in board decisions without changing the board's overall composition or voting majority.