Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's tax brackets for married couples filing jointly (and similar taxpayers like heads of household), raising the threshold for the lowest tax rate from $20,000 to $40,000 for 2020+ tax years. It directly affects married couples filing jointly by reducing their tax burden on income between $20,000-$40,000 annually, eliminating a previously higher tax rate that disproportionately impacted these filers. The key change updates Section 54A:2-1, subsection (a)(7), shifting the first tax bracket to apply to income under $40,000 (previously $20,000) and adjusting subsequent rates accordingly. This policy change specifically targets the "marriage penalty" where joint filers paid more tax than separate filers at certain income levels.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Resolution 19 (AR 19) is a symbolic resolution denouncing the practice of harvesting organs from non-consenting Falun Gong practitioners and political prisoners in China. It cites reports indicating China's organ transplant system has historically relied on executed prisoners and targeted Falun Gong followers - whom the resolution states were estimated to number 65,000 victims between 2000-2008 - without their consent. The resolution mandates that copies be sent to the U.S. Secretary of State, China's U.S. ambassador, and the UN Ambassador to formally express New Jersey's stance. As a procedural resolution, it does not impose legal restrictions but serves as a formal statement of condemnation. The bill specifically references China's 1984 policy permitting organ use from executed prisoners and ongoing human rights concerns.

Maddy summaryACR 25 proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure funds from a 90-cent fee on phone bills (collected since 2004) are exclusively used for 9-1-1 and emergency response needs. The amendment would prohibit diverting these funds for general state budget purposes, mandating they cover specific costs like emergency equipment, training, operating 9-1-1 service centers, and implementing federal 9-1-1 requirements. It directly affects how New Jersey allocates nearly $100 million annually from this dedicated trust fund. The amendment requires voter approval to take effect, preventing future legislative use of these funds for non-emergency purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax relief to small retail businesses (50 or fewer full-time employees) located in areas affected by public highway construction projects, such as the I-80 project. It creates two main credits: (1) a refundable credit against sales tax remittances for businesses in impacted zones during construction, and (2) a credit against business privilege tax based on verified revenue loss. Businesses must apply for approval, document their impact, and claim credits during the project’s active "relief period" (from start to completion). The credits are limited to 50% of tax liability and expire after seven years if unused.

Maddy summaryThis bill adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as an educational resource for New Jersey state agencies, schools, and law enforcement. It defines antisemitism as hatred toward Jews, including specific examples like Holocaust denial, harmful stereotypes (e.g., conspiracy theories about Jewish control), and double standards applied to Israel. The definition is explicitly non-binding and must be used while protecting constitutional rights like free speech. New Jersey lawmakers cite the state's high rate of antisemitic incidents - including ranking third nationally in 2023 - as the basis for this measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to cover transportation costs for certain homeless students that exceed the average per-pupil cost in their school district. It directly affects two groups: (1) homeless students temporarily living in a district different from their district of residence while attending school there, and (2) students displaced by terrorism or natural disasters (with state emergency declarations) who remain in their original district for up to two years. Under the bill, the state pays for transportation costs above the district’s average per-pupil transportation expense in both scenarios. The policy change modifies existing laws to shift this specific cost burden from local districts to the state.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1841, the "Small Modular Nuclear Energy Incentive Act," creates a competitive bidding program to incentivize the construction of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) by offering payments per megawatt-hour of electricity produced. The Board of Public Utilities will administer this program, prioritizing projects at sites of retired nuclear, coal, or natural gas plants and including retraining for former plant workers. Eligible projects must interconnect to New Jersey's grid, with bids evaluated on price and site preference, aiming to support reliable, low-emission power generation while replacing fossil fuel infrastructure. The bill directly affects nuclear developers, utilities, and workers transitioning from retiring power plants.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers responsibility for inspecting on-farm dairy processing operations from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Department of Agriculture (DOA). It requires DOA to collaborate with DOH and local health boards for these inspections and transfers all related records, equipment, and DOH employees involved in these inspections to DOA. The bill directly affects dairy farmers who undergo these inspections and the two state departments managing the process. Key mechanisms include the immediate transfer of authority, resources, and staff, with DOA allowed to create new rules for implementation. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3824) would expand New Jersey's pension and retirement income tax exclusion to include taxpayers with incomes above $150,000. Currently, the exclusion phases out for those earning over $150,000, but this bill would allow taxpayers with income between $150,000 and $300,000 to claim 50% of the exclusion amount for the portion of income within that range. It directly affects New Jersey residents aged 62+ or with permanent disabilities who receive pension or retirement benefits. The change would increase the maximum exclusion amount for qualifying taxpayers, moving it from $150,000 to $300,000 in taxable income.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands free admission to New Jersey state parks, forests, and beaches for veterans and military personnel. It directly affects: (1) all New Jersey resident veterans (previously covered under existing law), (2) active-duty service members stationed in New Jersey regardless of residency, and (3) Gold Star Family members holding designated IDs. Key provisions remove residency requirements for active military personnel and clarify qualifying documentation. The bill updates existing rules that already provided free access to National Guard members after training, disabled seniors, and some veterans.