Asm. Mike Inganamort

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies what constitutes a "reasonably necessary deviation" when legally transporting a firearm or weapon in a motor vehicle. It specifies that such deviations may include collecting or discharging passengers, purchasing fuel or supplies, using restrooms, or handling emergencies. The bill amends existing law to provide concrete examples of permissible stops during firearm transport, making the rules clearer for both law enforcement and firearm carriers. It applies to anyone legally transporting firearms or weapons in their vehicle, ensuring they understand what stops are permitted during transit. This clarification doesn't change who can transport firearms but provides specific guidance on acceptable stops while traveling.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to earn affordable housing credit toward their required housing obligations by transferring development fees to the state's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Specifically, municipalities that move unspent funds from their development fee trust funds (collected from residential construction) or payments-in-lieu fees into the Trust Fund receive one credit unit per transfer, proportional to the regional minimum per-unit cost (e.g., $67,000-$80,000 depending on the housing region). The credit directly reduces the municipality's fair share housing requirement, which mandates local governments to provide affordable housing units. This mechanism incentivizes municipalities to channel funds into the state trust fund instead of retaining them locally, aligning with existing housing finance rules under P.L.2008, c.46.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Legislature to approve any changes to the state's core curriculum standards (which define what students should learn in subjects like math and science) and to Statewide assessments (such as standardized tests). The State Board of Education must submit proposed changes to the Legislature, which then has 45 days to approve or disapprove them via a concurrent resolution. If approved, the changes take effect; if disapproved, they are not implemented. This directly affects the State Board of Education and the legislative process, adding a formal review step for educational standards and testing.

Maddy summaryACR 28 proposes a constitutional amendment to shift authority over affordable housing requirements from courts to the New Jersey Legislature. Currently, courts determine the number of affordable housing units needed in municipalities and set penalties for noncompliance, following New Jersey Supreme Court rulings. The amendment would change the state constitution to state that only the Legislature can decide housing needs, fulfillment methods, and consequences for failing to meet obligations. This would end judicial oversight of affordable housing mandates, which courts have managed since the Council on Affordable Housing dissolved. The change requires voter approval after legislative passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain water quality management structures (like rain gardens or wetlands built with federal/state grants) from property taxes. It affects property owners who install qualifying structures funded by USDA grants or state agricultural programs, reducing their taxable property value by the structure's assessed value. To qualify, owners must apply to their local enforcing agency, which certifies the structure's eligibility and purpose. The exemption applies starting the tax year after certification and can be revoked for fraud, misuse, or changes to the structure's original purpose. The bill defines "water quality management structure" and requires the state tax director to create implementation rules.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A3348 requires the State Planning Commission to create plain-language guidance for local planning boards reviewing warehouse development applications. The guidance must include examples of questions addressing community concerns like traffic, road safety, and environmental impacts, and will be published online. It also mandates that the Commissioner of Community Affairs incorporate this guidance into mandatory land use training courses for local planning and zoning board members. The bill directly affects municipal authorities reviewing warehouse projects (including distribution centers and flex-warehouses) and aims to standardize how communities evaluate such developments. The guidance must be finalized within three months of the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds rock climbing, bouldering, and ice climbing to the list of "sport and recreational activities" covered under New Jersey's Landowners' Liability Act. It clarifies that landowners who grant permission for these activities on their property - without payment - are not automatically liable for injuries that occur during them. The law already provides similar protections for activities like hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling. This change ensures consistent legal treatment for these climbing sports under the state's liability framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides New Jersey taxpayers with corporation business tax (CBT) and gross income tax (GIT) credits for completing qualified construction projects on abandoned commercial building sites. The credits cover 25% of qualified costs (up to $1 million per project) for activities like demolishing abandoned buildings, constructing new commercial buildings on those sites, removing debris, or remediating environmental contamination. To qualify, taxpayers must apply for certification from the Division of Taxation, and the total credits awarded across all projects are capped at $5 million. The bill requires the Division of Taxation to report on the program's effectiveness in replacing abandoned commercial buildings with new construction within one year of the credits' expiration.

Maddy summaryACR 50 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change how New Jersey funds public schools. It would require all net income tax revenue (from personal income taxes on individuals, estates, and trusts) to be allocated exclusively to school districts based on the number of students, rather than allowing some funds to go to counties or municipalities as under current law. The amendment specifies that this per-student funding would satisfy the state's constitutional obligation to maintain a thorough and efficient public school system for children aged 5-18. It also clarifies that the Legislature retains the right to provide additional school funding beyond this requirement. This proposal must be approved by voters to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for New Jersey employers who pay up to $5,000 annually toward the education loan debt of eligible STEM graduates. It directly affects employers in New Jersey who hire full-time employees with STEM degrees (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) from New Jersey public universities, who live in the state and are not in default on their loans. The credit applies to both corporation business tax and gross income tax, with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority certifying qualified graduates. Employers receive the credit for each qualifying employee per calendar year, aiming to retain local STEM talent.