Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Energy Cost Reduction Act" (A4018), exempts residential customers in New Jersey from paying state sales and use tax on natural gas and electricity purchases. It requires utilities to automatically remove the tax amount from each customer’s monthly bill instead of charging it. The law applies directly to households using these utilities for home heating, cooling, and power, providing immediate tax relief on those essential services. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment, with the Division of Taxation and Board of Public Utilities developing implementation rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to prohibit local New Jersey governments from allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections. It declares any ordinance or action permitting noncitizen voting as "null and void" and states that approving such measures violates elected officials' oaths to "faithfully, impartially and justly perform" duties. The bill specifically targets local elections (not state or federal) and applies to mayors, council members, and other local officials. It is currently pending before the legislature and would amend existing law to clarify that local governments lack authority to permit noncitizen voting.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the Governor's power to declare states of emergency or public health emergencies in New Jersey. It requires such declarations to automatically end 60 days after issuance unless the Legislature approves an extension with a majority vote. The Legislature can also terminate a declaration early with a two-thirds vote from both chambers. The Governor must notify the Legislature at least seven business days before seeking an extension, detailing the emergency's ongoing threat to public safety. This directly affects the Governor's emergency authority and the Legislature's role in overseeing these declarations.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts the retail sale of specific energy-saving products and services from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It directly affects consumers and businesses purchasing items like LED light bulbs, insulation, window caulk, furnace filters, weather stripping, tankless water heaters, and HVAC tune-up services. The key provision defines "energy-saving products" as those primarily designed to reduce energy consumption in homes and buildings, explicitly listing qualifying items. This tax exemption aims to lower costs for buyers of these efficiency-focused products.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to create a Veterans Outdoor Recovery Task Force. The task force, led by DVA and Environmental Protection commissioners, will identify barriers to using public outdoor spaces for veteran mental health treatment and develop recommendations to improve access. It must hold public hearings statewide, coordinate with land agencies, and submit findings to the legislature and governor within 18 months. The policy directly affects veterans - particularly those with PTSD, as cited by the bill - by aiming to expand outdoor therapy options as part of their recovery.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Energy Generation Ombudsman within the New Jersey Department of Treasury. The ombudsman will help energy companies navigate permitting rules, resolve disputes with agencies, and monitor approval processes. It requires state agencies to prioritize permit reviews for projects that increase electricity production, such as solar or wind facilities. The office will provide information, assist with applications, and identify bottlenecks in the permitting system to speed up clean energy development.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides New Jersey taxpayers with Corporation Business Tax (CBT) and Gross Income Tax (GIT) credits for completing qualifying construction projects on abandoned commercial buildings. Taxpayers can receive up to 25% of qualified construction costs (capped at $1 million per project) for activities like demolishing abandoned structures, building new commercial spaces, or cleaning up contaminated sites. To qualify, projects must occur on buildings over 100,000 square feet that have been abandoned, and the total credits across all projects cannot exceed $5 million. The credits apply to taxable years beginning after the bill’s effective date, with applications requiring certification from the Division of Taxation.

Maddy summaryAJR 116 is a symbolic joint resolution (not a binding law) recognizing nuclear energy's role in New Jersey. It states that nuclear power provides 85% of the state's carbon-free electricity, accounts for over 40% of total electricity, and supports high-paying jobs. The resolution directs the legislature to continue promoting nuclear energy development and requires copies to be sent to state energy and environmental agencies (Board of Public Utilities and Department of Environmental Protection). It has no funding, regulatory changes, or enforcement mechanisms - it is purely a statement of support.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey counties to create mentoring programs pairing experienced farmers with new or less experienced farmers (defined as those with 10 years or less farming experience in the state). It also authorizes counties to resell preserved farmland - land previously protected through state programs - at reduced prices to beginning farmers, provided the land remains under agricultural deed restrictions. Proceeds from these sales must be returned to the Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund for future land protection. The bill modifies existing farmland preservation laws to enable these programs and sales while ensuring funds support ongoing farmland conservation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education to partner with a nonprofit to create a free, public online registry of tutors and tutoring organizations. It allows eligible participants - including certified teachers, retired educators, college students, industry professionals, and relevant organizations - to list their contact details, subject expertise, and availability without charging students for services. All registrants (except certified teachers with prior background checks) must undergo a criminal history check, and the registry will include a disclaimer noting the information hasn't been verified or endorsed by the state. The registry will be accessible on the Department of Education's website to connect students with free tutoring support.