Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryAJR 213 establishes a New Jersey Delegation on Government Efficiency (DOGE) to examine state government operations and identify ways to save taxpayer money and improve efficiency. The DOGE will consist of the State Auditor (as chair) and up to 20 public members appointed by a bipartisan committee including the Governor, Senate President, Assembly Speaker, and minority leaders. Members must have relevant audit experience and disclose conflicts of interest, and vacancies are filled through the same appointment process. The DOGE must issue a public report within 20 months detailing its findings and recommendations for cost savings and operational improvements, directly affecting all state agencies and departments.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the lists of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding under New Jersey's FY2025 environmental infrastructure funding program. It updates the specific clean water and drinking water projects that will receive funding, including detailed information about project sponsors, project numbers, and estimated loan amounts. The bill does not create new funding mechanisms but rather modifies the approved project lists for the existing program. This update ensures eligible municipalities and water systems can access funding for infrastructure improvements like stormwater management, combined sewer overflow abatement, and drinking water system upgrades.

Maddy summarySJR 76 designates the second Friday in December each year as "PSRPs in Our Schools Day" in New Jersey to recognize paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs). This resolution honors PSRPs, including instructional aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodial staff, who support students through tutoring, classroom assistance, meal preparation, facility maintenance, and student transportation. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but calls for the Governor, Legislature, and citizens to observe and acknowledge these staff members' contributions. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local police departments and the Division of State Police (when issuing firearms purchaser ID cards) to automatically register eligible voters during the ID application process. It applies to people obtaining these firearm permits, who would be offered the option to decline registration. The law mirrors the existing automatic voter registration system used at New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission, requiring electronic transmission of eligibility information (age, citizenship, address) to the Secretary of State. All affected agencies must comply with current voter registration procedures, including providing clear opt-out notices to applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the special appraisal process for land acquisitions under New Jersey's Green Acres and farmland preservation programs from June 30, 2024 to June 30, 2029 for lands in the Highlands Region. It allocates $7.5 million annually from constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenue to the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council for land preservation in the Highlands Region. The funds will support two specific programs: the Highlands Open Space Partnership Funding program to acquire land for recreation and conservation, and the Highlands Development Credit Purchase Program to protect land with ecological or agricultural significance. The bill also requires distribution of State aid to municipalities within the Highlands Region that host watershed lands.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands automatic voter registration to applications for specific licenses and permits, including hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, all around sportsman licenses, beaver trapping permits, wild turkey permits, deer permits, and firearms purchaser identification cards. Agencies like the Division of Fish and Wildlife and local police departments would automatically register eligible applicants to vote when they apply for these licenses, similar to the existing process at the Motor Vehicle Commission. Applicants would receive clear notices about the automatic registration option and be offered the chance to decline it. The bill requires these agencies to implement procedures for electronically transmitting voter registration information to the Secretary of State, building on current requirements already in place for the Motor Vehicle Commission.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A5216) prohibits health insurance companies and other covered entities (like HMOs) from limiting coverage based on how long anesthesia services are used before, during, or after medical or surgical procedures. It directly affects patients requiring anesthesia and insurers authorized to sell health plans in New Jersey. The law defines "anesthesia services" using standard medical coding from the American Medical Association, ensuring coverage isn't restricted by time limits. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment for new or renewed insurance policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's law to prohibit state agencies, school boards, and local governments from entering public contracts with entities providing *any* goods or services (even $1 or more) in Iran's energy sector - including oil, gas, or related infrastructure like pipelines. Currently, the threshold requires $20 million or more in transactions to trigger the prohibition. The change aligns state policy with federal sanctions aimed at limiting Iran's energy revenue, which the bill states supports U.S. efforts to counter terrorism and weapons development funding. It applies to all public contracts awarded 30 days after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5202) prohibits electric public utilities in New Jersey from charging customers a "reconciliation charge," which is a fee used to cover the difference between estimated and actual costs of electricity service. The charge typically included costs like basic electricity generation, taxes, administrative fees, and interest that utilities previously passed to customers. By banning this charge, the bill requires utilities to absorb cost fluctuations themselves rather than shifting them to ratepayers. The prohibition takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 10% tax credit against New Jersey's corporation business tax and gross income tax for commercial farm operators who donate eligible fruits and vegetables (fit for human consumption) to qualifying charitable organizations in New Jersey. To claim the credit, farms must obtain written verification from the charity detailing the donation's value, quantity, and origin, and submit it with their tax return. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to five years, but the total credit cannot exceed 50% of a farm's tax liability for the period. The bill also requires the state tax division to publish annual reports tracking credit usage, donation volumes, and beneficiary organizations.