Asm. Dawn Fantasia

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A4846 bill changes mail-in ballot rules by requiring all ballots to be received by county election offices by the time polls close on election day, removing current allowances for ballots received up to 144 hours after polls close (if postmarked by election day) or within 48 hours without a postmark. It also increases penalties for violating ballot messenger and bearer rules: currently a third-degree crime, these violations become a second-degree crime, with the same disenfranchisement penalty for convicted individuals. This directly affects voters who mail ballots, individuals acting as ballot messengers or bearers (who must not serve more than three voters per election), and candidates prohibited from serving in these roles. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the responsibilities of New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking to specifically promote coordination among state and local law enforcement agencies in addressing human trafficking cases. The commission, currently composed of 15 members including officials from law enforcement, victim services, and advocacy groups, will now be required to foster collaboration between agencies like the Attorney General's office, county prosecutors, and local police to improve investigations and prosecutions. This change builds on the commission's existing duties of evaluating anti-trafficking laws and reviewing victim services, adding a clear focus on interagency coordination. The bill does not alter the commission's structure or funding but mandates this new coordination role as part of its annual reporting to the governor and legislature.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection and State Agriculture Development Committee to create model wildlife management plans for open space and farmland. It mandates that state and local governments using constitutionally dedicated funds or Green Acres bond act moneys for land acquisition must adopt one of these model plans for the specific property and any other lands they've acquired with such funds. Local governments may alternatively submit a pre-existing wildlife management plan for approval instead of using the new models. The bill also clarifies that wildlife management activities under these plans qualify as "stewardship activities" for which constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenues can be used.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary sales tax exemption for small businesses in New Jersey operating within areas affected by ongoing public highway construction projects. To qualify, a business must have 50 or fewer full-time employees, be independently owned, and be based in New Jersey. The exemption applies only during the active construction period of the highway project (from start to completion) and requires businesses to apply for approval from the Division of Taxation. Approved businesses receive a certificate specifying eligible locations and the duration of the exemption.

Maddy summaryThis is an Assembly Resolution (not a law), expressing support for pregnancy resource centers in New Jersey. It specifically condemns Attorney General Matthew Platkin for issuing broad subpoenas to these centers, which require ten years of documents about their operations and donors. The resolution highlights that these centers provided over $3.6 million in free services and goods (like pregnancy tests, diapers, and baby supplies) to 23,000 people in 2022. It characterizes the subpoenas as an "overbroad" misuse of power targeting centers offering abortion alternatives. The resolution has no legal effect but serves as a symbolic statement from the Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey public utilities from charging customers a fee for choosing not to install a smart meter in their home. It directly affects residential customers who prefer to keep their existing analog meters instead of switching to smart meters. The law defines "smart meter" broadly to include various types of devices that measure and transmit utility usage data, but explicitly bans utilities from imposing any fee for opting out. The key provision requires utilities to allow customers to retain analog meters without financial penalty. This changes current practice where some customers paid monthly fees to avoid smart meter installation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey State Board of Education to obtain legislative approval for all new or amended education rules and regulations before they take effect. It repeals the existing equity regulations (N.J.A.C.6A:7) that were designed to promote fair treatment in schools. The legislature must vote to approve or disapprove each rule proposal via a concurrent resolution, and if disapproved, the rule cannot be adopted. The State Board must also include the legislative approval resolution when filing rule notices with the Office of Administrative Law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Cyber Security Reserve Corps, a volunteer program within New Jersey's Office of Information Technology, to develop cyber security expertise and assist during critical cyber incidents. Volunteers must have at least two years of information security experience, hold a security certification, pass technical tests and background checks, and commit to 10 days of annual training; they serve without pay but are reimbursed for necessary expenses. The Corps will be headquartered in Atlantic City with two full-time staff, and will coordinate with state agencies, counties, municipalities, and school systems through formal cooperation frameworks. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to fund recruitment, training, equipment, and operations of the program.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3004) restricts how genetic testing can be conducted on DNA samples from newborns and crime victims. It requires informed consent for most genetic testing, but explicitly permits law enforcement to use crime victim/witness DNA *only* to identify the suspect in the specific investigation where the sample was collected - preventing its use to identify family members. For newborns, it limits DNA testing to authorized newborn screening programs for health conditions. The bill also requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant or court order to access DNA information, strengthening privacy protections for individuals.

Maddy summaryAJR 193 designates April 27th of each year as "Ulysses S. Grant Day" in New Jersey. The resolution honors Ulysses S. Grant's historical connections to the state, including his birthplace, Civil War service, presidency, and summer visits to Long Branch. It requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities. This is a ceremonial resolution with no new laws or funding, solely recognizing Grant's contributions to New Jersey and the nation.