Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill permits certain home-based businesses to operate as "permitted accessory uses" in residential zones across New Jersey, directly affecting homeowners running small businesses from their homes. It sets specific conditions: the business must be compatible with residential neighborhoods, limit visitor traffic and deliveries to normal residential levels, avoid visible signage or parking, and not create noise, pollution, or illegal activity. Municipalities may establish minor local standards for visitor volume or traffic but cannot override existing ordinances that conflict with these state guidelines. The bill does not apply to common interest communities (like condos with deed restrictions) that already prohibit home businesses, nor does it limit municipalities' authority to address neighborhood nuisances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to prioritize principal forgiveness for environmental infrastructure loans to municipalities in coastal areas. It specifically targets wastewater and drinking water projects in regions defined as "coastal areas" under existing law. The legislation amends current law to ensure coastal municipalities receive preferential treatment for loan forgiveness when accessing financing through the state's Water Bank program. This change would make it easier for coastal communities to secure funding for critical infrastructure improvements without full repayment of the loan principal.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allocate $7.5 million annually from constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenue to preserve land in New Jersey's Highlands Region. It redirects $5 million from the existing Green Acres program (for recreation and conservation) and $2.5 million from the Farmland Preservation program into a new Highlands Preservation Fund managed by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council. The fund will be used to acquire land for recreation, conservation, and farmland preservation through fee simple purchases, conservation easements, and development rights. The bill specifies that funds can't be used for contaminated land or land already preserved, and prioritizes areas identified in the Highlands regional master plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts nonprofit ski area operators (defined as IRS 501(c)(3) organizations) from specific safety and informational requirements currently imposed on all ski area operators. It removes the need for these nonprofits to establish and post slope/trail difficulty systems, provide daily condition reports to skiers, or remove obvious man-made hazards as soon as practicable. The exemption applies only to the requirements outlined in Section 3.a. of the existing law, while maintaining liability for negligent tramway construction or operation under the "Ski Lift Safety Act." This change takes effect immediately for nonprofit organizations operating ski areas in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey electric utilities from raising rates specifically to cover smart meter installation costs. It requires utilities to publicly disclose rate increase details - including amount, reasons, and expected bill impact - 30 days before and after any increase, with fines up to $10,000 for noncompliance. For rate hikes causing a 5% or greater average bill increase, utilities must report to the federal Department of Energy 60 days in advance and cannot disconnect service or charge late fees for six months afterward. The bill directly affects electric utilities and ratepayers (homeowners and businesses paying electricity bills) by restricting certain rate increases and enhancing transparency.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (ACR 153) states that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) 2021 rules implementing the "Advanced Clean Trucks" program are inconsistent with legislative intent. The rules require truck manufacturers to sell increasing percentages of zero-emission vehicles (e.g., 55% of certain trucks by 2035), but the DEP adopted them without following a 2003 law requiring notice to environmental committees before implementing new California program phases. The resolution cites that the 2003 law only authorized the DEP to adopt rules for California's *second phase* of low-emission vehicles, not the newer "Advanced Clean Trucks" program. It directs the DEP to amend or withdraw the rules within 30 days or risk further legislative action to invalidate them.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3879) requires all emergency departments in New Jersey general hospitals and licensed satellite emergency departments to post visible signs and distribute pamphlets about the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO). The Commissioner of Health, working with the Attorney General, must create clear, easy-to-understand materials listing VCCO services, contact details, and how to file a claim. These materials must be provided to individuals treated in emergency rooms following a crime. The law directly affects crime victims seeking compensation assistance after an emergency room visit. It takes effect four months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to readmit undergraduate students who left school due to military service, including active duty in the Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserve. Schools must reinstate these students with the same academic standing they held before their service interruption and grant readmission for the next available semester upon written request. The bill prohibits institutions from charging application or other fees for these readmission requests. It takes effect immediately, applying to the first full academic year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly resolution (AR 154) urges Congress to hold a joint session at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on July 2, 2026, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It specifically references House Resolution 115, introduced in the 118th Congress, which proposes this commemorative session. The resolution has no legal effect - it is a symbolic request for Congress to honor the historical significance of the Declaration's approval at Independence Hall. It directly affects the U.S. Congress, as it asks lawmakers to consider convening in Philadelphia for this anniversary event.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies that issue hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses (specifically the Division of Fish and Wildlife) to automatically register eligible voters during license applications, mirroring the existing process at the Motor Vehicle Commission. Agencies would collect existing license application information (like age, citizenship, and address) and automatically transmit it to the voter registration office, but applicants would be given the option to decline registration. The bill mandates these agencies follow the same procedures and notice requirements as the Motor Vehicle Commission for automatic voter registration, without changing current eligibility rules.