Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (ACR 59) declares that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) proposed "NJPACT-REAL" rules - aimed at climate resilience and expanding flood zones - are inconsistent with legislative intent. It challenges the DEP's authority to unilaterally create these rules, arguing they exceed constitutional limits since the Legislature never authorized such sweeping changes through new laws. The resolution requires the DEP to amend or withdraw the rules within 30 days or face potential legislative action to invalidate them. This is a procedural step, not a law altering policies, focusing solely on the DEP's proposed rules' constitutional validity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Auditor to annually issue a summary report of school district audits from the previous five years, sent to school boards, the Governor, Legislature, and posted online. School districts must submit an official response within 60 days detailing their compliance with audit recommendations, steps taken to implement best practices, and any obstacles. The bill also mandates the State Auditor to conduct performance audits on districts not meeting standards and on a random annual sample, with false responses requiring reimbursement to a dedicated fund. It appropriates $1.5 million annually to the State Auditor's office to cover these audit costs, offset by reimbursements from school districts. The bill directly affects all New Jersey public school districts and the Office of the State Auditor.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows veterans living in New Jersey State veterans' residential facilities to have service dogs and emotional support dogs on-site. It requires facilities to permit these animals under federal guidelines but adds that emotional support animals (not covered by federal law) are now explicitly allowed. Facilities may deny access if animals aren't controlled, aren't trained to eliminate waste outdoors, or pose health/safety risks, and veterans must provide documentation confirming the animal's certification and current vaccinations. The bill directly affects veterans with disabilities who rely on these animals for support.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Fish and Wildlife (which issues hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses) to automatically register eligible residents to vote when they apply for these licenses. It mandates that license offices, which already collect proof of age, citizenship, and address, electronically send voter registration details to the Secretary of State - unless the person chooses to opt out. The process mirrors the existing automatic voter registration system used at the Motor Vehicle Commission, including required notices for applicants. This directly affects license applicants and the environmental department offices handling these transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to count certain dwellings used by agricultural workers toward their fair share housing obligation. Specifically, it permits municipalities to credit one housing unit for every existing or newly constructed dwelling on agricultural land that serves low- or moderate-income migrant or seasonal farm workers. To qualify, the dwelling must be exclusively for farm workers, meet income standards, and be on agricultural property. This change directly affects municipalities with agricultural land seeking to comply with state housing requirements. The policy modifies how housing obligations are calculated under existing law, focusing on crediting existing farm worker housing rather than requiring new construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 5-year pilot program offering New Jersey tax credits to homeowners who open their primary residences (with at least 10 acres of land suitable for hunting) to lawful hunting activities. Taxpayers receive $1,500 for the first 10 acres plus $200 per additional acre opened, provided the property is in an area with high wildlife incidents like road fatalities or property damage. Eligible homes must not have existing public access restrictions, and participants must allow hunting at least two days weekly during hunting seasons. The program prioritizes properties in high-incident zones and requires annual reporting of hunting activity and outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors who must pay the New Jersey prevailing wage (under the Prevailing Wage Act) to verify new employees' work authorization using the federal E-Verify program after June 30, 2025. It mandates random state audits by the Department of Labor and allows penalties of $500-$1,000 per violation, with a 72-hour correction window for first offenses to avoid fines. Contractors found violating the rule may face license suspension or denial of renewal under public works registration rules. The law directly affects public works contractors and aims to ensure compliance with federal work authorization verification.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey employers to verify the work authorization of all employees using the federal E-Verify system. It prohibits employers from knowingly employing unauthorized aliens and imposes a $10,000 penalty per violation. Employers found in violation must terminate unauthorized employment, submit quarterly E-Verify reports for three years, and pay fines to the state general fund. The law targets employers who hire undocumented workers, aiming to protect legal residents' job opportunities and state tax revenues.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Commission on Human Trafficking's duties to specifically promote coordinated responses among state and local law enforcement agencies - including the Attorney General's office, county prosecutors, and local police - to improve human trafficking investigations and prosecutions. It directly affects law enforcement agencies by requiring the Commission to develop mechanisms for better collaboration between these entities. The key provision adds a new requirement under Section f(3)(b) of the Commission's mandate, directing it to facilitate coordination "to facilitate human trafficking investigations and prosecutions." The bill does not create new penalties or funding but focuses on improving existing interagency communication and resource-sharing for law enforcement.

Maddy summaryBill A 2338 required public transportation employees, motorbus operators, hotel/motel staff, healthcare facility workers, and judicial personnel to complete one-time training on recognizing human trafficking signs and responding appropriately. The training, mandated as a condition for license renewals or employment, must include specific content about victim signals observed in public spaces and be reviewed biennially. It applied directly to licensed entities like hotels, healthcare facilities, and transit operators, with enforcement handled by the Department of Community Affairs and Department of Health. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, after being approved as P.L.2025, c.343.