Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state legislators to obtain a cost estimate (fiscal note) for any bill that creates a new state-funded program or expands an existing one. It directly affects lawmakers drafting bills and the Legislative Budget and Finance Officer, who must request these estimates from the Division of Budget and Accounting. The key mechanism expands current law - previously requiring cost estimates only for bills affecting state spending or revenue - to specifically mandate them for all new program creations or expansions. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryACR 150 is a New Jersey Assembly concurrent resolution declaring that the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) proposed "New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Change - Resilient Environment and Landscapes" (NJPACT-REAL) rules are inconsistent with legislative intent. The resolution argues the DEP overstepped its authority by proposing these rules without specific legislative authorization, citing outdated or repealed laws as justification. It gives the DEP 30 days to withdraw or amend the proposed rules, which would significantly expand flood hazard areas and impact coastal property owners through higher costs for building, renovation, and property taxes. This procedural resolution does not change laws but formally requests the DEP to align its rules with legislative intent.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to create a loan program helping beginning farmers purchase essential farming capital like land, farm buildings, and equipment. Beginning farmers are defined as New Jersey residents with low or moderate net worth who are actively farming or planning to start farming. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria including New Jersey residency, property location within the state, relevant farming experience, and plans for active farm operation. Loans would be issued by NJEDA with terms and interest rates set by the agency, and borrowers may need to provide financial statements to ensure business viability.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of certain retired police and firefighters in New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It applies specifically to members who have been retired and receiving benefits for at least 10 years, excluding those hired after the bill's effective date, those in deferred retirement, and those with 20-24 years of service. The COLAs are tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners, with benefits up to $75,000 receiving full adjustment, while higher benefits are capped at a 1% annual increase. The $75,000 threshold will adjust annually based on inflation, and the bill requires the Legislature to appropriate funds to cover both state and local costs for these adjustments.

Maddy summaryAJR 209 is a commemorative resolution designating June 1 of each year as "Robert 'Bob' Popovics Day" in New Jersey. It honors Robert Popovics, a Seaside Park resident who served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, operated Shady Rest restaurant in Bayville, and founded the fly-tying company Pop Fleyes. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation recognizing this day to celebrate his community contributions and legacy. This is a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to appoint a state monitor for school districts receiving 70% or more of their total revenue from state aid, as reported in the Department of Education's Taxpayers' Guide to Education Spending. It directly affects districts like Trenton Public Schools (86.3% state aid) and Newark City (79.2%), which currently rely heavily on state funding. The monitor would have direct oversight authority over the district's business operations and personnel decisions, similar to existing oversight under the School District Fiscal Accountability Act. This policy change aims to enhance financial accountability for districts with high dependence on state funding.

Maddy summaryAJR 101 designates the second Friday in December each year as "PSRPs in Our Schools Day" in New Jersey to honor paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs). This resolution directly recognizes PSRPs - including instructional aides, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, custodians, and maintenance workers - who support students through tutoring, classroom assistance, translation, meal service, and facility upkeep. The key mechanism is an annual observance calling on the Governor, Legislature, and citizens to acknowledge these workers' contributions. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but establishes a recurring day of recognition.

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 creates two specific eligibility lists: one for clean water projects (including 152 projects totaling $1.4 billion) and one for drinking water projects (including 67 projects totaling $536 million), detailing each project sponsor, project number, and estimated loan amounts. The bill authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection to make zero-interest and principal-forgiveness loans for these projects, with varying levels of principal forgiveness based on project type, community size, and affordability criteria. The loans are intended to finance infrastructure improvements for water quality and drinking water systems across the state, with specific repayment terms and priority rankings established for different project categories.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 173) is a non-binding request urging the federal government to investigate unidentified drone sightings reported across New Jersey. It directly addresses federal agencies (like the FAA, Defense, and Homeland Security departments) and asks them to conduct a thorough investigation into drone activity near critical infrastructure, military sites, and residential areas. The resolution cites over a dozen counties reporting nightly drone flights, including near President-elect Trump’s property, and emphasizes that local officials and residents feel these sightings pose security concerns despite federal claims of no verified threat. It does not create new laws or regulations but formally requests federal action to address public safety worries.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5140) increases penalties for businesses, public facilities, and transportation providers who deny access to service dogs and their handlers. Currently, violators face civil fines ($250-$1,000 for repeat offenses), but this bill makes first violations criminal offenses (petty disorderly persons, up to 30 days jail or $500 fine) and subsequent violations criminal (disorderly persons, up to 1 year jail or $1,000 fine). It applies to public facilities, New Jersey Transit (NJT), and transportation network companies (like ride-sharing services). Penalties collected fund law enforcement training on service dog rights, and the Attorney General must launch a public awareness campaign. The bill takes effect immediately.