Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipalities to conduct cost-benefit analyses assessing how long-term property tax exemptions affect local government finances, including impacts on municipal revenues, tax revenues, and one-time/ongoing costs. It mandates that these analyses - and subsequent municipal resolutions approving or disapproving exemptions - be posted online within 30 days. The Department of Community Affairs must also create a statewide database compiling all approved exemptions and related financial data, sorted by municipality. These provisions apply to urban renewal projects seeking tax exemptions under existing law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1235) reduces the residency requirement for New Jersey resident hunting licenses from six months to 60 days. It directly affects individuals applying for resident hunting licenses (including firearm, bow and arrow, trapping, or fishing licenses) who must now prove they established a bona fide domicile in New Jersey within the past 60 days, instead of six months. The key change amends Section 23:3-4 of New Jersey law to shorten the required residency period for qualifying as a "resident" under these licenses. This adjustment makes it easier for people who recently moved to New Jersey to obtain resident hunting licenses without waiting six months.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Bill A1284 bans public agencies from purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) or their components if they might involve forced labor or child labor. It requires manufacturers to provide sworn certifications confirming no forced labor or child labor was used in production or material sourcing. Public entities like schools, state colleges, and local governments must obtain these certifications before buying EVs, with penalties of up to $10,000 per false statement or 50% of the purchase price for false claims. The law applies to all public EV procurement but excludes cases conflicting with federal law or funding terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's "90-Day Law" to clarify deadlines for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) when processing certain construction permits. It requires the DEP to approve, condition, or deny applications within 90 days of submission, with extensions only allowed for 30 days if seasonal or weather-dependent information is needed (and requested 15 days before the deadline). If the DEP can't gather such seasonal information within the timeframe, the application is automatically approved or conditionally approved. The law affects developers seeking waterfront, coastal wetlands, CAFRA, flood hazard, or treatment works permits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local governments in New Jersey to disclose who attempts to influence local decisions. It mandates that lobbyists, organizations, and individuals seeking to affect local ordinances, regulations, or administrative processes must reveal their identity and the nature of their interest to local officials and the public. The law applies to all municipalities, counties, school districts, and authorities, covering activities like influencing council votes, rule changes, or government operations. The goal is to increase transparency about who shapes local government decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-1286, "Political Donation Transparency Act") prohibits political candidates, committees, and parties from automatically enrolling donors in recurring contributions without explicit permission. It requires that any recurring contribution option must: (1) not be the default choice, (2) require the donor’s affirmative consent, and (3) clearly explain the contribution’s frequency, amount, and nature. The law applies directly to all entities soliciting political donations in New Jersey, including candidates, committees, and their representatives. Violations are classified as fourth-degree crimes, punishable by up to 18 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's farmland assessment rules to allow landowners with noncontiguous parcels to qualify for agricultural tax assessment. It permits five or more noncontiguous acres actively used for farming (for two consecutive years) to qualify if at least three acres are contiguous and all land is owned by a single person. The change modifies existing law (P.L.1964, c.48) to replace the requirement for five contiguous acres with this new configuration. It directly affects farmers owning fragmented farmland parcels who previously could not meet the contiguous acre threshold.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 59) commemorates the 75th anniversary of the federal Sport Fish Restoration Program, established by the 1950 Dingell-Johnson Act. It formally recognizes the program’s role in funding conservation of U.S. aquatic habitats and fish populations through user fees on fishing and boating equipment. The resolution specifically highlights New Jersey’s benefits from this program, including restored habitats for species like striped bass and support for the state’s recreational fishing industry. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new funding or policy changes but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the program’s legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires energy companies receiving state subsidies (like renewable energy certificates) to disclose financial and operational details to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and Rate Counsel. It mandates the BPU to publish an annual online list of all state energy subsidies, including funding sources, recipients, and allocation methods. The BPU must also submit yearly reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing subsidies provided to each recipient, their power output, and operational data. These requirements apply only to companies that accept subsidies, not to all energy providers.

Maddy summaryACR 82 proposes amending New Jersey's constitution to require a four-fifths majority vote (32 Senate votes and 64 Assembly votes) in both legislative chambers to submit a constitutional amendment to voters during a "lame duck" session. This session occurs between the general election for Assembly members and the start of the new Legislature (typically November to January). Currently, amendments need only a three-fifths majority (24/48 votes) or simple majority (21/41 votes) in consecutive years for submission. The bill would specifically raise the vote threshold for amendments proposed during this specific pre-election period, without changing requirements for other sessions.