Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program allowing New Jersey's State Agriculture Development Committee to acquire development easements on privately-owned woodlands. It directly affects woodland owners (minimum 20 acres) who manage their land for agriculture, forestry, or horticulture under approved stewardship plans. The program permanently restricts development on these lands through easements funded by existing farmland preservation funds, requiring landowners to maintain agricultural or forest production. The committee coordinates with federal programs like the Forest Legacy Program to secure additional funding for this conservation effort.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1613) allows New Jersey school districts to use existing "security categorical aid" funding to hire school security personnel for students attending nonpublic schools within the district. It amends current law to explicitly include hiring security staff as an allowable use of this specific funding, which districts already receive under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008. The change clarifies that security services provided to nonpublic school students - including security personnel - align with the Secure Schools for All Children Act requirements. The bill does not create new funding but specifies how current resources can be applied.

Maddy summaryBill A 1239 authorizes New Jersey to issue special Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation license plates for motor vehicles. Vehicle owners pay a $50 application fee and a $10 annual fee on top of standard registration costs, with all extra fees deposited into a dedicated "Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation License Plate Fund." The fund's annual proceeds are appropriated to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation to support its mission of providing scholarships to children of active duty, retired, or deceased Marines. This policy directly affects New Jersey vehicle owners who choose the plates and benefits the Foundation, which has awarded over 30,000 scholarships since 1962.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "Students with Communication Disabilities' Bill of Rights," requiring school districts to ensure students with communication disabilities (including speech, hearing, or vision impairments) have full access to education through their preferred communication methods. It mandates schools provide early screening, trained assistants using students' primary communication tools (like sign language, AAC devices, or letter boards), communication plans in IEPs, and full access to all school activities. The bill aligns with federal laws like the ADA and IDEA but specifies concrete school district actions rather than creating new legal rights. It directly affects students with communication disabilities, their families, and public school districts across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3739) designates May of each year as "Water Safety Month" in New Jersey to raise public awareness about preventing water-related accidents and drowning. It directly affects public schools and students in grades kindergarten through five, encouraging the Department of Education (with the Department of Health) to provide resources for water safety education during this month. Key provisions include supporting school presentations, partnerships with nonprofits, and educational activities focused on age-appropriate safety practices. The bill aims to address drowning as a leading cause of death for young children, per CDC data, through proactive school-based learning.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey state entities - including departments, courts, and local governments - from applying, implementing, or enforcing any policies, rules, or regulations established by international organizations. It specifically defines "international organization" to include bodies like the United Nations, World Health Organization, and World Economic Forum. The law takes immediate effect and applies to all state agencies, boards, and courts without exception. This would prevent New Jersey from adopting or complying with rules from these international bodies at the state level.

Maddy summaryACR 16 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would add a new right to New Jersey's state constitution, guaranteeing the people's right to fish, hunt, trap, and harvest fish and wildlife as part of the state's heritage. If approved by voters, it would require state laws and regulations managing fish and wildlife to preserve traditional methods for species historically pursued by hunters, anglers, and trappers. The amendment also mandates that these activities be the preferred method for controlling invasive or overpopulated species, while balancing conservation for future generations. This is a procedural proposal requiring voter approval at the next general election, not an immediate law.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $375 minimum tax for New Jersey S corporations with New Jersey gross receipts under $100,000 annually. It directly affects small New Jersey S corporations (pass-through business entities) that generate less than $100,000 in total revenue within the state. The key change removes the minimum tax obligation, meaning these businesses will pay no tax if their calculated tax liability is below $375, while other tax rules remain unchanged. This applies to S corporations with qualifying low gross receipts, not to other business types.

Maddy summaryAJR 105 designates November 7 of each year as "Remembering Victims of Communism Day" in New Jersey. The bill requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, organizations, and citizens to observe the day with appropriate events. It commemorates historical events linked to communist regimes, including the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and associated human rights abuses documented in the resolution. This is a procedural resolution establishing an annual observance, not a law imposing new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 536) requires voters to present specific forms of identification at polling places during elections. Acceptable IDs include a New Jersey driver’s license, REAL ID card, state ID, passport, military ID, or voter registration card. If a voter doesn’t show ID or the ID doesn’t match their registration, election officials may challenge their eligibility, but the bill states this does not deny the voter the opportunity to establish their right to vote. The bill would take effect January 1, 2022, if enacted.