Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill changes where juvenile delinquency cases are heard in New Jersey. It requires that any juvenile charged with a delinquent act (like underage misconduct) must be prosecuted in the county where the incident occurred, not where the juvenile lives. Currently, cases can sometimes be filed in the juvenile's home county unless a court finds "good cause" to keep it in the incident county. The bill eliminates that exception, mandating all such cases be handled in the county where the alleged act happened. This directly affects juveniles, their families, and local courts managing these cases.

Maddy summaryBill A5939 transfers authority for inspecting on-farm dairy processing activities from the New Jersey Department of Health to the Department of Agriculture. It requires the Agriculture Department to collaborate with the Department of Health and local health boards when conducting these inspections. The bill also allows the Agriculture Secretary to create necessary rules under state administrative law. This change directly affects dairy farmers who process milk on their farms, as their inspections will now be managed by the Agriculture Department instead of Health. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Vehicle Choice Protection Act (A5943) prohibits New Jersey state agencies from adopting rules, regulations, or policies that restrict or ban the sale, registration, or use of new gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. It directly affects state departments like the Motor Vehicle Commission or environmental agencies that might propose such restrictions. The bill's key provision bans any state agency from creating rules with the purpose or effect of limiting internal combustion engine vehicles. The law takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 199) requires the New Jersey General Assembly to wait at least 14 days between introducing the annual appropriations bill (the state budget) and considering it on third reading. It also mandates that the Speaker schedule a minimum of four quorum sessions during this 14-day period to allow time for discussion. The rule directly affects the legislative process for passing the state budget, applying only to the annual appropriations act. This procedural change aims to ensure adequate review time before final budget votes.

Maddy summaryACR 171 proposes a constitutional amendment to prevent New Jersey governments from using eminent domain (taking private property for public use with fair compensation) to acquire land actively used for farming or gardening, except when the property is permanently restricted for agricultural use. It would apply to the state, counties, municipalities, school districts, and local public entities. The amendment would prohibit taking active farmland for non-farming purposes like development, but allow acquisition if the land is legally bound to remain in agricultural use forever. This change requires voter approval after legislative passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines "born alive" as a fetus showing signs of life (breathing, heartbeat, movement) after an abortion attempt, regardless of gestational age or delivery method. It requires healthcare professionals to provide the same medical care to such infants as they would to any newborn, including immediate hospital transport, with violations punishable by up to 5 years in prison or $15,000 fines. It also prohibits intentionally killing such infants (carrying 30-year-to-life sentences) and mandates that healthcare workers report non-compliance to law enforcement. Mothers are protected from conspiracy charges and may sue violators for damages.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey law enforcement agencies to submit monthly data on handgun permit and firearm purchaser ID card applications to the Attorney General. The data must include applicant demographics (race, ethnicity, gender identity), application status (approved/denied), denial reasons, and location details. The Attorney General must compile this information and publish initial and monthly reports online starting from June 2022. This affects all local law enforcement agencies handling firearm permits and provides the public with transparency about licensing outcomes.

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Home Energy Protection Act (A5944) prohibits New Jersey state agencies and local governments from adopting rules that restrict the installation, use, or require removal of natural gas, propane, or fuel oil-powered appliances and heating systems in homes and businesses. It directly affects residents, landlords, and commercial property owners who might otherwise face mandates to replace existing fossil-fuel systems with electric alternatives. The bill blocks local bans or restrictions on these systems but allows voluntary switches to electric options, incentives for efficiency, and emergency safety orders for unsafe appliances. It aims to prevent government-imposed energy mandates that could increase costs, particularly for low- and moderate-income households in older properties.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A3558 bill establishes the state's official definition of antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) standard, including specific examples of antisemitic conduct. State agencies and institutions must use this definition when reviewing, investigating, or deciding on cases involving discriminatory acts motivated by antisemitism. The bill appropriates $100,000 for a public awareness campaign by the Attorney General's office to educate residents on identifying and reporting bias crimes through community outreach and the existing bias crimes hotline. This campaign aims to improve reporting of antisemitic incidents without affecting First Amendment rights or conflicting with existing anti-discrimination laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the filing deadline for members and retirees of New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS), and State Police Retirement System (SPRS) to qualify for accidental disability retirement benefits related to 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. It allows for a two-year filing period after the bill's effective date (with potential two-year extensions) and replaces the requirement for a pre-employment physical examination with evidence of medical examinations that failed to disclose qualifying health conditions. The bill also permits retirees previously denied due to late filing to petition for reconsideration or resubmit their eligibility forms. Retirement systems must notify all affected members within 60 days of enactment about these provisions using clear language explaining filing requirements and time limits.