Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals New Jersey's "Statewide Non-Residential Development Fee Act" and redirects its previously collected fees into the newly established "New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund." The fund will receive money from the repealed fee system, municipal development trust funds, and other dedicated housing funds. It will finance specific affordable housing projects - including rehabilitation, accessory dwelling units, and conversions for low- and moderate-income households - in municipalities with approved housing plans or receiving state aid. The bill requires projects to be certified by municipal governing bodies and ensures housing units remain affordable for qualifying households.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1877) helps New Jersey National Guard members and reserve military personnel who were called to active federal duty before their civil service exam list expired. It ensures they retain eligibility for fire department positions if they met the maximum age requirement at the original exam's closing date. The law allows them to be placed on a new civil service list using their original exam score, without reapplying for age eligibility, and covers both fire department and existing police department positions under similar rules. The policy applies to those returning from military service who qualify as veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 679) proposes changing how certain drug distribution offenses are categorized in New Jersey law. It would allow offenses involving controlled dangerous substances to be graded based on the number of "units" (e.g., pills, bags, or individual items) rather than the total weight of the substance. This change would directly affect individuals charged with drug distribution, potentially altering sentencing severity for cases involving small quantities measured in units. The bill amends specific sections of New Jersey's controlled substances statutes (N.J.S.2C:35-2 and N.J.S.2C:35-5) to implement this unit-based grading system. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a property tax exemption for New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities. It provides a proportional exemption based on disability percentage (up to 100%), covering veterans with conditions like paralysis, amputations, or total blindness, and caps partial exemptions at $10,000. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans or those who died in service also qualify for similar exemptions. Crucially, the state will reimburse municipalities 102% of the lost tax revenue from these exemptions to offset costs. The law amends existing veteran property tax protections under P.L.1948, c.259.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the creation of wildlife management plans for open space and farmland in specific circumstances. It authorizes the use of constitutionally dedicated CBT (Criminal Justice Bond Trust) revenues to fund activities under these plans. The plans would be developed and implemented by the Department of Environmental Protection or local entities managing such lands. This change allows wildlife conservation efforts on preserved open space and agricultural areas to be financed using CBT funds that were previously restricted to criminal justice programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school districts to teach water safety as part of the health education curriculum for students in grades K-12, starting with the 2018-2019 school year. It mandates instruction on four specific topics: proper use of flotation devices, awareness of water conditions, dangers of rip currents and how to respond, and the importance of swimming in lifeguard-monitored areas. The law directly affects every student in New Jersey public schools, integrating water safety into existing health education standards. It aims to address drowning as a leading cause of accidental death by providing practical safety knowledge. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 962) was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it duplicated provisions already enacted in P.L.2025, c.179. The text describes standard adult guardianship procedures, including temporary guardianship appointments for incapacitated adults, bond requirements, and court oversight. It does not address filing guardianship complaints for minors six months before age 18, as the title suggests - this appears to be an error in the bill's description. The actual content focuses on court processes for adults needing guardianship services, not minor-related changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1232) requires New Jersey's state personal income tax forms and instructions to include clear notices about three existing property tax relief programs: the Homestead Benefit Program (for primary residences), the Senior Freeze Program (for seniors), and property tax deductions/credits. It directly affects homeowners who file New Jersey income taxes and may qualify for these programs. The key mechanism is mandating that the Division of Taxation add these notices to all income tax return materials starting with the next taxable year. This change aims to improve taxpayer awareness of available relief without altering the programs themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes Election Day from New Jersey's list of paid holidays for state employees and public holidays for government operations. It directly affects state and local government workers who would no longer receive Election Day off, and reduces costs for state departments like Corrections and Human Services that previously paid overtime for holiday work. The key mechanism is amending two statutes (P.L.2008, c.89 and R.S.36:1-1) to delete "any general election day" from the official holiday list. This change takes effect immediately, meaning state offices will operate normally on Election Day without requiring holiday pay for most employees. The bill does not alter election procedures or voting schedules.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey election rules to allow registered voters to serve as election challengers in any election district within their congressional or legislative district, regardless of which county the district is located in. It directly affects registered voters who live within a congressional or legislative district but may not reside in the specific county where they wish to serve as a challenger. The key provision removes the current requirement that challengers must be registered voters in the exact county of the election district, instead permitting challengers to be registered in any county within the broader district. The change applies to all elections and takes effect immediately upon passage.