Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most large commercial trucks (over 26,001 lbs gross weight) operating in New Jersey to install GPS navigation systems that provide two specific safety features: real-time alerts about low-clearance bridges and weight restrictions, and dynamic route planning adjusted for the vehicle's exact height and weight. It excludes vehicles operated by government agencies, schools, or religious organizations. The Motor Vehicle Commission must create implementing rules, and the requirement takes effect 180 days after enactment. The bill directly affects commercial trucking companies and drivers operating eligible vehicles on New Jersey highways.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state and local law enforcement agencies to submit monthly, anonymized data on firearm permit applications - including applicant demographics (race, ethnicity, gender identity), application status, denial reasons, and location - to the Attorney General. The Attorney General must compile this data (starting retroactively from June 23, 2022) and publish initial and monthly public reports online. It directly affects all applicants for handgun carry permits, purchase permits, and firearm purchaser ID cards by mandating transparency in licensing outcomes. The law aims to provide public data on permit approvals and denials, including potential disparities, without altering existing licensing standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals New Jersey's participation in the "Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote" (a component of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact). It removes all references to this agreement from New Jersey law, ending the state's commitment to allocate its electoral votes to the national popular vote winner if enough states joined the compact. The repeal reverts New Jersey to its current system where electoral votes are awarded to the candidate winning the state's popular vote (winner-takes-all). This change affects how New Jersey's 14 electoral votes would be cast in presidential elections, ensuring they align with the state's voting results rather than a national popular vote. The bill is pending legislative action as of its introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to increase penalties for impersonating a law enforcement officer who also commits another crime. Currently, impersonating an officer is a fourth-degree crime; this bill elevates the penalty to a third-degree crime if the impersonator commits a fourth-degree or more serious offense (like theft or assault) during the impersonation. A third-degree crime carries penalties of up to $15,000 in fines, 3-5 years in prison, or both. The bill directly affects individuals who impersonate officers and use that deception to commit additional crimes, making their actions subject to harsher sentencing.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey electric utilities from raising rates specifically to cover smart meter installation costs. It requires utilities to publicly disclose rate increase details (amount, date, reasons, and impact) 30 days before and after any increase, with fines up to $10,000 for noncompliance. For rate hikes causing a 5%+ average bill increase, utilities must report to the federal Department of Energy 60 days in advance and provide annual reports on service interruptions and overdue bills. The bill also bans disconnecting service or charging late fees for affected ratepayers for six months following such significant increases. These provisions directly protect residential and business electricity customers from unexpected costs while increasing utility transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey law to allow victims and witnesses of human trafficking to testify via closed-circuit television in criminal trials, directly affecting those involved in human trafficking cases. Courts may order such testimony after a hearing, requiring proof of "severe emotional or mental distress" if testifying in person, while ensuring the defendant can cross-examine and observe the witness's demeanor. The law specifies that minors' audio testimony recordings cannot be part of the public record or appeal, protecting them from potential stigma, while adults' recordings generally become part of the record unless the court orders otherwise. It also clarifies that victims, prosecutors, defendants, or judges can request this testimony method.

Maddy summaryACR 14 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly protect New Jersey residents' right to keep and bear arms in the state constitution. It would amend Article I, paragraph 1 to state that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed," making this right explicit in state law. Currently, the state constitution protects rights like life, liberty, and property but does not specifically mention firearm ownership. If approved by voters, this amendment would require a statewide vote at the next general election following final legislative approval. The bill does not change existing gun laws but would establish a state constitutional right that aligns with the federal Second Amendment interpretation.

Maddy summaryACR 17 is a proposed constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey’s legislature to hold four quarterly meetings each year solely to vote on bills certified as providing property tax relief. To qualify, bills must lower property taxes (not increase revenue) and address specific areas like education funding, pension reforms, or local government savings. If a bill passes in one legislative chamber, the other chamber must vote on it within 60 days. The amendment does not force the legislature to pass all such bills or prevent consideration of property tax legislation outside these designated meetings.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces New Jersey's general sales and use tax rate from 6.625% to 6%, effective January 1, 2026. It directly affects all consumers and businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey, including retail purchases, certain services like installation and storage, and prepared food. The key change is a straightforward percentage reduction in the tax rate applied to eligible transactions under existing tax law. This policy update simplifies the tax structure by lowering the rate without altering the scope of taxable items. The change applies to all sales and services subject to the state's general sales tax as defined in current law.

Maddy summaryBill A 2893 establishes a state program enabling local governments and qualified nonprofit organizations to acquire permanent development easements on privately-owned woodlands. This directly affects woodland owners who meet specific eligibility criteria: woodlands must be at least five acres, used for forestry production (excluding Christmas trees), managed under an approved stewardship plan, and located in designated agricultural areas. The program restricts future development on these lands in perpetuity through easements, funded using existing "Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund" moneys, and requires no public access for enrolled woodlands. The State Agriculture Development Committee will administer the program, coordinate with federal agencies for additional funding, and set application rules within one year of the bill's effective date.