Asm. Mike Inganamort

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits electric utilities from raising residential rates during summer (June 1-August 31) and gas utilities from raising residential rates during winter (January 1-March 31). It directly affects New Jersey residential customers who rely on electricity or natural gas for heating and cooling. The key provision blocks rate increases during peak usage seasons to prevent financial strain when energy demand and costs are highest. The bill’s sponsor states it aims to avoid "rate shock" by discouraging timing of increases just before seasonal peaks.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts that receive 70% or more of their funding from state aid to publicly post detailed information about out-of-state travel expenses on their websites. Specifically, districts must share travel vouchers, itemized costs for transportation, meals, lodging, and event fees, the number of staff attending such trips, and summaries of each event's title, dates, and purpose. The requirement applies to districts meeting the 70% state aid threshold based on the Department of Education's Taxpayers' Guide to Education Spending. The Commissioner of Education may also mandate additional information. This transparency measure aims to provide clear, accessible details about public spending on travel.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program to include disabled residents who receive disability payments under the federal Railroad Retirement Act (45 U.S.C. § 231 et seq.). Currently, only disabled individuals receiving payments under the federal Social Security Act (Title II) qualify for this reimbursement. The bill expands eligibility by adding Railroad Retirement disability payments as a qualifying source, without altering existing income thresholds or residency requirements. This change would allow more disabled New Jersey residents to claim property tax reimbursement on their primary residence if they meet all other program criteria.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 5116 revises primary election ballot design to address legal concerns about the previous "bracketing" system. The bill requires all primary ballots to arrange candidates by office in standardized "office blocks" (e.g., all Assembly candidates grouped together), with consistent formatting, left-aligned text, and clear candidate labeling - replacing the prior structure that caused voter confusion and legal challenges. It directly affects voters, election officials, and candidates in New Jersey primary elections by standardizing ballot appearance to improve clarity and reduce misinterpretation. The law also removes State committee members from the primary ballot design process, as mandated by the bill’s legislative findings. This change, enacted as P.L.2025, c.32, aims to align with First Amendment principles while ensuring ballots are user-friendly.

Maddy summaryBill A5414 prohibits New Jersey state-chartered banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions from requiring disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability (or their surviving spouses) to disclose anticipated property tax obligations in mortgage applications. Financial institutions must instead rely on a certification from the municipality assessor confirming the applicant meets all eligibility requirements for the disabled veterans' property tax exemption, excluding property ownership for new home purchases or including ownership for refinancing. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance to create a certification form and publish a list of participating financial institutions. This policy change removes a specific disclosure requirement from mortgage underwriting for qualifying veterans, directly affecting their application process.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5419) prohibits licensed health care professionals in New Jersey from providing medical, surgical, or therapeutic gender-affirming care to individuals under 21 years old. It specifically defines "gender-affirming health care services" to include medications and treatments for gender dysphoria but explicitly excludes behavioral, mental, or psychiatric care. Violating this prohibition subjects professionals to disciplinary action for professional misconduct under existing laws. The law takes immediate effect and requires the Division of Consumer Affairs and Health Department to adopt implementing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that medications in New Jersey's community-based residential programs (like group homes and supervised apartments) and day programs for individuals with developmental disabilities must be administered only by a nurse or a certified medication aide working under a nurse's direct supervision. It mandates that parents or legal guardians must provide detailed medical documentation of medication instructions and dosages to the program's chief nurse before admission and whenever a medication or dosage changes. The bill directly affects residential facilities, day programs, their staff, and families managing medications for individuals with developmental disabilities. It defines key terms like "community-based residential program" and "day program" to clarify which facilities and services are covered.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5303) requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update the statewide policy for investigating human trafficking. It directs the AG to specifically consider: (1) using audio/video recordings in undercover operations to protect investigations and victims, (2) strict rules for sharing such recordings, (3) involving county prosecutors early in investigations, and (4) other relevant areas. The review responds to a 2024 Commission report on human trafficking in the massage industry. This policy update will affect law enforcement agencies conducting human trafficking investigations statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's definition of Class I renewable energy to explicitly include fusion energy. It updates the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act to recognize fusion as a qualifying renewable energy source alongside solar, wind, geothermal, and other existing technologies. By including fusion in this category, the bill enables fusion energy projects to qualify for the same incentives and regulatory benefits as other Class I renewable energy sources. This change directly affects fusion energy developers and companies seeking to participate in New Jersey's renewable energy market and benefit from related programs.