Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts volunteer fire companies in New Jersey from paying the annual registration fee required under the state's Charitable Registration Act. Currently, non-profits pay fees ranging from $30 to $250 yearly based on revenue, but volunteer fire companies must register and pay this fee like other organizations. The bill specifically removes the fee obligation while maintaining their requirement to register as charitable entities. It does not change existing registration procedures or eliminate other compliance duties. The exemption applies immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 180 prohibits the state from charging drivers based on miles traveled. It defines a "mileage-based user fee" as any charge calculated by vehicle miles driven during a set period. The bill also bans state funding for any related programs, studies, or pilot projects. This law takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey mail-in ballot outer envelopes from displaying any visible political party names, symbols, or designations to the public. It directly affects all voters receiving mail-in ballots in New Jersey elections, as county clerks must ensure envelopes contain no political information on their exterior. Key mechanisms require county clerks to use envelopes without visible political content when mailing ballots and to include specific voter instructions on the envelope's exterior. The bill amends existing election laws to mandate this change for both primary and general election mail-in ballots.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey public utilities from charging customers an extra fee (surcharge) when they pay for services using one-time methods like online credit/debit cards, phone payments, or direct bank withdrawals. It directly affects customers who choose these payment options instead of enrolling in automatic billing. The law bans utilities from adding costs to cover third-party payment processing fees for these specific non-automatic payment methods. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A172) clarifies that individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses - defined as acts covered under New Jersey law (C.2C:25-19) or comparable statutes elsewhere - will be denied handgun purchase permits or firearms purchaser identification cards. It directly affects applicants for firearm permits who have such convictions, as these disqualify them under existing law. The key mechanism adds explicit language to the permit denial criteria, ensuring domestic violence convictions are treated as a permanent barrier to firearm access. The bill does not change the background check process itself but reinforces that these convictions automatically prevent permit issuance. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).

Maddy summaryAJR 54 is a commemorative resolution designating April 27th (Ulysses S. Grant’s birthday) as "Ulysses S. Grant Day" in New Jersey. It does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or groups; instead, it requests the governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public recognition of Grant’s legacy. The resolution highlights Grant’s military service, presidency, advocacy for civil rights, and historical ties to Long Branch, New Jersey. This is a ceremonial measure with no policy impact, focused solely on honoring his contributions through an annual observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill decriminalizes the manufacture and certain possession of slingshots by removing them from New Jersey's legal definition of "firearm." The key mechanism amends the statute to exclude devices like slingshots - propelled by elastic bands - that previously fell under firearm regulations. As a result, slingshots will no longer be subject to firearm-related requirements, such as background checks or licensing. The bill directly affects individuals who make or possess slingshots for recreational or other non-criminal purposes, changing their legal status from regulated firearms to non-firearm items.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Government Efficiency and Regulatory Review Commission to evaluate state regulations and executive orders. It directly affects businesses, workers, and local governments by requiring the commission to assess whether these rules impose excessive costs or burdens relative to their benefits. The commission, composed of nine state officials and legislative leaders, will review all relevant rules annually, hold public hearings, and provide annual recommendations to the Governor for changes to burdensome regulations. All commission findings are advisory only and cannot be used to challenge state agencies legally.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to study within 90 days whether extending sewer service in the Lake Hopatcong watershed would significantly improve the lake's water quality. If the DEP determines sewer extension is not feasible or wouldn't improve water quality, homeowners in the designated watershed area become eligible for a tax deduction covering half the cost of septic system maintenance at their primary residence. To qualify, homeowners must submit receipts showing maintenance complied with DEP regulations, and the DEP must define the eligible geographic area and conduct public education about the deduction. The bill directly affects residents in the Lake Hopatcong watershed who rely on septic systems, offering a financial incentive to maintain them if sewer upgrades are not implemented.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey lottery tickets and the official state lottery website to clearly display the estimated odds of winning any prize. For non-draw games (like scratch-offs), the odds must appear prominently on every ticket sold. For draw-based games (where numbers are randomly selected), the odds must be available at retail locations and online. The State Lottery Commission will determine the standardized format for displaying these odds.