Asm. Mike Inganamort

Maddy summaryACR 62 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $500 annually, phased over five years (reaching $500 by 2027). It directly affects honorably discharged veterans, their surviving spouses, and veterans living in continuing care retirement communities. The amendment would raise the deduction to $300 in 2023, $350 in 2024, $400 in 2025, $450 in 2026, and $500 starting in 2027, with the deduction canceling taxes if the bill is lower than the deduction amount. This change requires voter approval after legislative passage, as it modifies the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires group homes licensed by New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities (serving adults with developmental disabilities receiving Tier C+ services) to install electronic monitoring devices in common areas only when all residents and their authorized representatives unanimously consent in writing. It mandates that group homes must actively seek this consent, provide annual notices about the option, and allow residents to withdraw consent anytime without affecting housing placement. Devices must record continuously, retain footage for 90 days, undergo weekly inspections, and permit residents to review recordings upon request. The bill explicitly prohibits using refusal to consent as a barrier to housing and requires visitor notices at entrances.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill updates voter identification requirements for all in-person voters starting January 1, 2025. It mandates that voters present one document meeting specific criteria: a photo ID with the voter's registered name, current address, a valid expiration date, and issuance by a federal or state government. Voters without acceptable ID will receive a provisional ballot instead of voting by machine, except for those with religious objections (who may use a sworn affidavit) or eligible absentee voters under federal law. The bill also standardizes procedures for challengers examining ID at polling places and updates record-keeping rules for voter registration information.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals New Jersey's existing ban on single-use plastic carryout bags, paper carryout bags, polystyrene foam food containers, and plastic straws. It directly affects retailers (who can now sell these items without restriction) and consumers (who regain access to these products). The bill removes the prohibition established in P.L.2020, c.117, without introducing new requirements or funding mechanisms. This is a straightforward policy change eliminating specific product restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) from providing any financial assistance - including grants, loans, tax credits, or other subsidies - to wind energy projects. It directly affects wind energy developers who would have sought EDA funding for project development or operations. The key mechanism removes wind energy projects from eligibility under the EDA’s existing funding allocation for renewable energy, specifically deleting references to "qualified offshore wind projects" from the 60% funding allocation meant for energy efficiency and renewable projects. This change shifts EDA funding priorities away from wind energy toward other renewable and energy efficiency initiatives. The bill also repeals prior provisions that allowed wind project subsidies.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides limited liability protection to New Jersey farmers hosting agritourism activities, such as pick-your-own farms, animal exhibits, or nature watching tours. It shields farmers from legal claims related to "inherent risks" like animal behavior, weather, or land conditions, provided they post required warnings at entrances and include them in written contracts. Exceptions apply if farmers act with gross negligence, conceal dangers, intentionally harm participants, or commit willful misconduct. The law specifically excludes roadside farm stands and retail food sales from coverage.

Maddy summaryS 877 exempts municipal electric utilities from oversight by New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) regarding their rates and operations. Currently, if a municipality provides electricity beyond its city limits, it is treated as a public utility subject to BPU rate regulation; this bill removes that requirement. Municipal electric utilities would no longer need BPU approval for rates, charges, or operations, though the BPU would retain authority to resolve disputes over service territories. This directly affects cities operating electric utilities that serve customers outside their corporate boundaries. The bill amends existing laws (R.S.40:62-24 and P.L.1983, c.78) to create this exemption.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates the Saturday before Thanksgiving as "National Adoption Day" and November as "National Adoption Month" in New Jersey. It does not create new policies or funding but requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to raise public awareness about adoption services and celebrate finalized adoptions. The resolution aims to highlight the foster care system and encourage adoption, referencing existing annual events where counties finalize adoptions during this period.

Maddy summaryAJR 66 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the 70th anniversary of the July 27, 1953, armistice ending the Korean War. It honors New Jersey's 191,000 veterans who served and 836 who died during the conflict, acknowledging the war as the "forgotten war" often overlooked compared to other conflicts. The resolution directs the state to formally recognize this anniversary and send copies to New Jersey Korean War veteran associations. As a commemorative measure with no binding policy changes, it serves solely to honor historical sacrifice.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $15 fee for special license plates designated for firefighters and members of first aid or rescue squads in New Jersey. It directly affects compensated, partially compensated, and volunteer members of fire departments or first aid/rescue squads who currently pay this fee in addition to standard vehicle registration costs. The bill amends existing law (P.L.1977, c.369) to remove the $15 charge, meaning applicants will only pay standard vehicle registration fees. The special plates (featuring a Maltese Cross with "F.D." for firefighters or a similar design for first aid/rescue members) remain available under the same eligibility rules.