Asm. Mike Inganamort

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges New Jersey's state and federal agencies to pause sonar testing and wind turbine mapping near offshore wind projects. It cites NOAA data showing 12 whale deaths (including 8 humpbacks) and 5 dolphin deaths in February 2023 off New Jersey's coast - deaths occurring near active wind development sites. The resolution requests an immediate moratorium to allow scientific study of whether these activities interfere with marine mammals' navigation and communication. It specifically targets the Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The resolution does not create new law but calls for a pause while investigations continue.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends property tax exemptions for veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities retroactively to the date they were officially declared disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It requires the state to reimburse municipalities for property taxes paid by eligible veterans during the retroactive period. The exemption applies to veterans’ primary residences and covers specific disabilities like paralysis, blindness, or amputations. It directly affects veterans who previously paid taxes they should have been exempt from under existing law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey's Division of Gaming Enforcement to join a national or multi-state self-exclusion program for casino gambling. It enables individuals who want to voluntarily ban themselves from casinos to use a single form to exclude themselves across multiple states, rather than submitting separate requests to each state. The bill requires the division to create forms and procedures ensuring people can select which states they want excluded from, and explicitly prohibits sharing their personal information without their direct consent. This directly affects gamblers seeking to self-exclude from casinos in multiple jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryACR 15 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit New Jersey government's power to take private property (eminent domain) to only "essential public purposes." It would remove current authority to take land specifically for "blighted area" redevelopment, which is currently permitted under the state constitution. The amendment would define essential public purposes to include utility corridors, schools, hospitals, transportation projects, waste facilities, and recreational sites. This change would prevent government from using eminent domain to acquire land solely to redevelop blighted neighborhoods, though it allows for tax exemptions for private redevelopment projects under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that New Jersey's Fish and Game Council holds sole authority to regulate freshwater fishing, hunting, and trapping activities. It amends statutes to remove the Department of Environmental Protection's regulatory role and explicitly states the Council, not the Department, will establish and enforce the State Fish and Game Code. The Council (a 11-member body appointed by the Governor) will determine regulations for fish, game birds, and animals based on scientific research, including seasons, limits, and methods. This change directly affects how hunting and fishing rules are developed and implemented across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's investor-owned electric utilities to create and maintain a toll-free phone number for the public to report two specific hazards: damaged power lines or equipment, and trees or vegetation touching power lines. Utilities must list this number on every customer bill and on their website's homepage. The law directly affects both the public (by providing a reporting tool) and the utilities (by mandating this communication system). It takes effect immediately after enactment, with a 60-day delay before full implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey hospitals with maternity wards and licensed birthing centers to offer new parents a chance to watch an approved video about infant drowning risks. The video must be approved by the state Health Commissioner, and the Department of Health will post a list of approved videos with links online. It applies directly to hospitals and birthing centers serving new mothers and their newborns. The law takes effect 120 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryACR 51 is a non-binding resolution urging New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to amend a 1954 decree. The resolution seeks to require New York City to maintain year-round "voids" (empty space) in its reservoirs, rather than filling them to 105% capacity during May 1-June 15 (a historically flood-prone period). This would aim to reduce flooding risks for nearly 2 million New Jersey residents living downstream, as historical floods (like those in 2004-2006) occurred when NYC reservoirs were near capacity. A 2007 study cited in the resolution found that 20% year-round voids could have prevented flooding at 214 structures in towns like Trenton and Ewing.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to allow students receiving equivalent instruction outside public school (such as homeschoolers or private school students) to join extracurricular activities - including sports, clubs, and theater - in their resident district. Students must provide proof of residency, meet the same eligibility and tryout standards as enrolled students, and follow all activity rules. For sports, students cannot transfer solely to gain athletic advantages, and districts must let them access required physical exams if offered to enrolled students. The law applies immediately upon enactment and ensures equal access to activities without changing eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryACR 69 is a concurrent resolution declaring that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) 2021 rules implementing the "Advanced Clean Trucks" program are inconsistent with legislative intent. The resolution states the DEP adopted these rules - requiring 55-75% zero-emission truck sales by 2035 - without following a legal requirement to notify environmental committees, as mandated by 2003 law authorizing only California's "phase 2" low-emission vehicle program. The resolution gives the DEP 30 days to amend or withdraw the rules, or the legislature may later pass another resolution to invalidate them. This procedural action directly affects the DEP's rulemaking authority and the timeline for truck manufacturers to comply with the program.