Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Education to obtain legislative approval for any updates or revisions to the state's core curriculum standards. The State Board must submit proposed changes to the Legislature, which then has 45 days to approve or disapprove them via a concurrent resolution. Approved updates become effective, while disapproved revisions are not implemented. This directly affects the state's public schools and curriculum development process by shifting approval authority from the Board to the Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Murphy's Law," nullifies any emergency order, rule, or regulation issued by New Jersey's Governor to address a declared emergency if the Governor themselves violates that same rule. It creates an affirmative defense in court for anyone prosecuted for violating the Governor's emergency order - if the Governor committed the identical violation (e.g., breaking their own rule), the person cannot be convicted for that specific violation. The law applies to all enforcement of emergency rules under the existing emergency management statute (P.L.1942, c.251) and takes effect immediately, covering both past and future prosecutions. It directly affects individuals prosecuted for emergency rule violations, shifting legal accountability when the Governor breaches their own orders.

Maddy summaryThis bill phases out New Jersey's inheritance tax over two years. It reduces the tax to 50% of current rates for inheritances received in the first full year after the bill takes effect, then eliminates the tax entirely for all inheritances in the second year. The tax primarily affects non-family inheritances (such as transfers to siblings, nieces/nephews, or unrelated individuals), as the law already exempts transfers to spouses and direct descendants. The change applies to all estates of New Jersey residents and nonresidents with property in the state, following the tax's 1892 origin and 1985 revisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts in New Jersey to include specific financial details in the explanatory statement accompanying ballot questions for capital projects funded by bond issuance. The statement must list the school district's and municipality's total outstanding bond debt, provide an estimate of increased property taxes for an average home (based on repayment years, current interest rates, and the district's credit rating), and include project metrics like square footage per student and cost per square foot if applicable. It also mandates that any additional costs beyond standard facility efficiency requirements be clearly labeled as "school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards." These changes aim to give voters clearer information about the financial impact of school bond proposals before voting.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 215) requires New Jersey public schools with grades 9-12 to hold two annual events. First, a 30-minute assembly in November (coinciding with Veterans Day) providing age-appropriate content about the U.S. military structure, veterans' contributions, ROTC, and service academies. Second, a separate veterans appreciation event, such as honoring veterans, featuring veteran speakers, or participating in military-focused educational activities. Schools must consult local veterans' associations to help plan the appreciation event. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment for the first full school year after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $17 million from the General Fund to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for fiscal year 2023. It establishes a grant program to assist qualified entities - including lake commissions (like Greenwood Lake and Lake Hopatcong), local governments, and nonprofits - focusing on lake management for recreation and conservation. Grants prioritize projects improving water quality, preventing harmful algal blooms, increasing public access, and controlling pollution that affects lake use. The DEP must develop application criteria and administer the program, with funds limited to eligible lake management activities.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A3527 reduces the tax rate on surplus lines insurance premiums from 5% to 3% for both policies purchased directly by insureds and those handled through surplus lines agents. This directly affects insurance agents, brokers, and policyholders who use non-admitted insurers for commercial coverage, such as property or casualty insurance. The bill amends existing tax provisions to lower the rate while maintaining that 3% of fire insurance tax revenue goes to New Jersey firemen's relief associations and the remaining 2% to the state. It excludes government coverage, life insurance, and disability insurance from this tax change and takes effect January 1, 2013.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $10 million in constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to fund grants for land acquisition and development projects focused on recreation and conservation. The funds would be distributed as follows: 55% to the state for land acquisition and development (including 22% for stewardship), 38% to local governments for similar projects, and 7% to qualifying nonprofit organizations. These grants support activities like protecting natural areas, enhancing public parks, and managing lands for public enjoyment. The bill modifies existing rules for the "Preserve New Jersey Green Acres Fund" but does not change the fund’s core purpose or create new tax requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's immunization registry policy by requiring written parental or guardian consent for enrollment, instead of automatic registration. It directly affects parents/guardians of children under 18 and individuals over 18 who can opt out. Key provisions include: no automatic enrollment for newborns (replacing current automatic enrollment unless parents opt out), explicit written consent required for all minors, and strengthened privacy protections limiting registry access to authorized health providers and schools. The bill also prohibits discrimination against those who decline registry participation.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 2080 requires the Attorney General to create an anonymous reporting program for school safety threats. The program will allow students, parents, school staff, and community members to report unsafe, violent, or criminal activities in schools via a phone line, mobile app, or other accessible methods, with strict privacy protections to keep reporters' identities confidential. It mandates training for schools and law enforcement on the program and requires annual reports tracking total reports, reporting methods, misuse instances, and outcomes. The program applies to all public and nonpublic schools in New Jersey, with the Attorney General submitting annual reports to the Governor and legislature.