Asm. Mike Inganamort

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to maintain seniority-based layoffs for public employees in New Jersey state and local government (including police, fire, and civil service roles), rather than eliminating seniority as the title suggests. It specifies that layoffs must occur "in inverse order of seniority," defining seniority as continuous service length (with special rules for police/fire roles). The bill requires 45 days' written notice before layoffs, creates a Public Employment Relations Commission to oversee layoff procedures, and establishes specific criteria for determining job title comparability during layoffs. It directly affects public employees facing potential reductions in force across state agencies and municipal departments. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Endangered Plant Species List Act to clarify definitions and strengthen protections. It defines "endangered plant species" as native plants federally listed as endangered/threatened, rare worldwide, or with five or fewer populations in NJ - excluding invasive species. The bill also defines "invasive species" as plants causing environmental, economic, or health harm. Crucially, it allows the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to remove invasive species from the endangered list (unless federally listed) and to control or eliminate invasive plants regardless of endangered species in the area. These changes directly affect NJ's native plant conservation efforts and DEP's management authority over invasive species.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1578, "Opportunity Scholarship Act") creates a pilot program allowing New Jersey taxpayers to receive state tax credits for donating to nonprofit scholarship organizations. These organizations then provide scholarships to low-income children (household income ≤2.5x federal poverty level) attending chronically failing public schools, defined as schools with high percentages of students scoring below proficiency in state assessments for two consecutive years. Scholarships cover up to $6,000 annually for K-8 students or 40% of average per-pupil spending in targeted districts for grades 9-12, usable at eligible public or nonpublic schools meeting specific non-discrimination and academic standards. The program is administered through the Department of Treasury and requires schools to accept scholarship students on a space-available basis.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires county clerks to receive death information previously sent only to the voter registration commissioner, improving how deceased voters are removed from active rolls. It adds three new methods for transferring records: next of kin can submit a notarized death certificate and form, veterans' healthcare directors or nursing home administrators can notify the system, and funeral directors can submit verified death records. These changes ensure county clerks and the voter registration system receive timely death data to update the statewide system. The bill directly affects county clerks, next of kin of deceased voters, healthcare facilities, and funeral directors, with the goal of maintaining accurate voter registration records.

Maddy summaryAJR 12 designates the first full week of June each year as "New Jersey Fishing and Boating Week" to promote recreational fishing and boating. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public participation and directs the Division of Fish and Wildlife to publicize the week and coordinate at least one free fishing day with it. This procedural resolution does not create new regulations or funding but aims to highlight the state's fishing and boating opportunities and community benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3828) requires New Jersey pension boards to automatically forfeit *all* pension benefits for elected or appointed state/local officials convicted of crimes related to their public office, regardless of whether the pension system covered that specific position. It applies to convictions for misconduct "touching" the office (e.g., bribery, abuse of power), making forfeiture mandatory rather than discretionary. The law expands current rules by eliminating the previous requirement that the pension system must have covered the office where misconduct occurred. It does not allow partial forfeiture or consider mitigating factors like length of service; the board must order full forfeiture upon conviction for qualifying crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill, if enacted, would prohibit New Jersey state agencies from entering contracts for technology goods or services with companies owned, operated, or affiliated with the government of China. It requires all companies bidding on such contracts to certify they are not Chinese-affiliated, and imposes fines of $250,000 or twice the contract value (whichever is greater) for false certifications, along with termination of the contract. The law directly affects technology vendors seeking state contracts, particularly those with ties to China’s government. It applies to all state departments, agencies, and public entities, with enforcement handled by the Division of Purchase and Property. The bill does not apply to non-technology contracts or private-sector transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the use of regional contribution agreements, which previously allowed New Jersey municipalities to transfer portions of their affordable housing obligations to other municipalities. It directly affects local governments that relied on this mechanism to meet their constitutional fair share housing requirements under the Mount Laurel doctrine. The bill removes the provision permitting such transfers (previously listed in section j) and aligns housing policy with the Legislature's 2008 decision to disallow inter-municipal obligation transfers. This change focuses on requiring municipalities to address their own housing needs through local planning, zoning, and funding mechanisms rather than regional agreements. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Housing Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certifying officers to verify that certain public employees (such as attorneys, engineers, accountants, physicians, and architects) are properly classified as state employees - not independent contractors - before enrolling them in New Jersey’s Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Officers must complete a form based on IRS employee classification guidelines and submit supporting documents like position resolutions and oaths of office. The state will conduct audits to ensure compliance, and supervisors who fail to verify eligibility may face fines up to $5,000 per violation. The law applies to both new enrollments and existing members of the retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 733) increases daily compensation for election workers from $300 to $400 per election (primary, general, or special) and raises additional pay for workers handling signature copy registers. Election workers managing these registers will now receive $20 per election (or $10 each if shared), up from $12.50 or $6.25. The state will also increase its reimbursement to counties from $225 to $325 per worker, while counties cover the remaining $75. The bill directly affects election workers serving on district boards during all statewide and local elections in New Jersey.