Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's definition of "landlord" to explicitly include owners and operators of rooming and boarding houses under existing ordinances. It would allow municipalities to apply the same standards of responsibility - currently required for small rentals (under four units) and mobile home owners - to these properties. The change authorizes local governments to adopt or update ordinances ensuring rooming and boarding houses meet community safety and maintenance standards, without altering existing municipal rules. This is a technical adjustment to expand coverage, not a new requirement.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 216 bill exempts grooming and hygiene products (such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and sunscreen) and specific baby items (including car seats, cribs, nursing bottles, and strollers) from the state's sales and use tax. Previously, these items were taxable, but the bill removes that tax, directly benefiting consumers who purchase them. The exemption applies regardless of whether products are classified as over-the-counter drugs, and the bill clearly defines covered items to avoid confusion. The tax change will take effect two months after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1178) establishes a new formula for distributing New Jersey's state school aid to public school districts. It directly affects all 600+ public school districts by determining their funding based on projected income tax revenue and student enrollment. The formula calculates per-pupil state aid by dividing the total projected state income tax revenue by the statewide student enrollment, then multiplying that amount by each district's projected enrollment. This replaces previous funding methods and aims to fulfill constitutional requirements for equitable school funding. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public and nonpublic schools to place at least one FDA-registered portable anti-choking device (using manual suction to clear airway blockages) in accessible locations like cafeterias, school nurse offices, and other similar areas during school hours and events. Schools must also develop policies requiring training for nurses and staff in airway management and device use, with annual educational opportunities provided by the state. The Department of Education will reimburse schools for device costs through a specified application process. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryACR 48 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand the Council on Local Mandates' authority in New Jersey. The bill would allow the Council to review *all* existing state laws, rules, and regulations (not just those enacted after 1996) to identify unfunded mandates - state requirements forcing school districts, counties, and municipalities to spend money without providing funds. It would also empower the Council to examine pending bills before the Legislature to flag potential unfunded mandates. The Council would then recommend eliminating or modifying these mandates to the Legislature. This change aims to give local governments greater input on state-imposed financial obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits automatic voter registration for applicants seeking standard driver's licenses or identification cards at New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). It specifically excludes standard license applicants from the existing automatic voter registration process (which applies to REAL ID applicants), meaning people applying for regular licenses will no longer be offered automatic voter registration during MVC transactions. The bill maintains automatic registration for REAL ID applicants but clarifies that standard license seekers must register separately through other means, with MVC staff providing clear notices about declining registration.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all voters in New Jersey to show a photo ID at polling places before receiving a ballot. Acceptable IDs include a New Jersey driver's license, REAL ID card, DMV "identification only" card, or U.S. passport. Voters without valid photo ID or with mismatched ID may be challenged, but they can still establish eligibility through the existing process. The bill amends election law to add this requirement while clarifying that challenges do not deny voters the opportunity to prove their right to vote.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts volunteer fire companies from paying registration fees required under New Jersey's Charitable Registration Act. It directly affects approximately 750 volunteer fire companies in New Jersey that currently pay fees based on fundraising totals (e.g., $150 for raising $100,000-$500,000 annually). The key provision removes the requirement for these organizations to register with the Attorney General or pay fees, even if they raise over $25,000 in contributions. This change applies to companies organized under state fire laws and actively engaged in protecting life and property.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires creditors to accept electronic transmission of death certificates from estate executors. It directly affects creditors claiming against an estate and estate executors handling death certificate delivery. The key provision mandates that executors can send certified death certificates electronically (instead of paper), and creditors who refuse this electronic delivery lose the right to file a claim against the estate. The bill aims to resolve issues like lost paper documents or illegible faxes that previously delayed creditor claims. It amends New Jersey's estate law to make electronic transmission a standard, mandatory process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that ballot questions about new state debt (like bond issues) include specific financial details in plain language. The fiscal statement must show both: (1) the prior year's total cost for existing bond payments (with per capita calculation), and (2) the estimated cost for the new bonds proposed (with per capita calculation). These details will appear at the end of the existing ballot explanation, helping voters understand the financial impact. It directly affects voters deciding on bond measures and ensures transparency about state debt costs.