Asm. Mike Inganamort

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents certain New Jersey school districts from facing state aid cuts during the 2023-2024 school year. It guarantees eligible districts receive state aid equal to their highest amount from the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, or 2022-2023 school years. The state will cover the cost using federal pandemic relief funds (like the American Rescue Plan Act), not state funds. It applies to districts that previously had a "positive State aid differential" under existing law and were scheduled for reductions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to claim a state income tax deduction for charitable donations made to qualifying New Jersey-based organizations. It mirrors the federal deduction limit (under IRS Section 170) for donations that would be deductible on federal returns, without requiring taxpayers to itemize federal deductions. To qualify, organizations must be registered under New Jersey's Charitable Registration Act or meet specific in-state presence requirements (maintaining an office, employing staff, and providing services in New Jersey). The deduction applies to donations made in tax years beginning January 1 following enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New Jersey-Africa Commission within the Department of State to strengthen ties between New Jersey and African nations. The 21-member commission includes five state agency heads and 16 public members (residents identifying with the African Diaspora) appointed by legislative leaders. It will advise the Governor on expanding economic, cultural, educational, and governmental exchanges - focusing on trade, agriculture, arts, health, and education - and organize into five specialized committees. The commission must report annually to the Governor and Legislature on its recommendations and activities, starting within one year of its first meeting.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits municipalities with school districts receiving specific state education aid from exempting school property taxes on new urban renewal projects. It applies to financial agreements executed after the bill's effective date, requiring that school taxes be paid instead of being waived for these projects. The rule specifically affects the school portion of property taxes, not other taxes, and targets school districts qualifying for state education aid under current law (formerly known as "Abbott districts").

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear conditions for public employers in New Jersey (including state agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, and higher education institutions) to grant unpaid or paid leave to public employees serving as union officers or representatives. For unpaid leave, the employer must have a collective bargaining agreement or addendum naming the employee and specifying leave dates. For paid leave, the agreement must require the labor organization to reimburse the employer in advance for all costs (salary, benefits, retirement, and taxes) with detailed documentation. Employers must notify relevant state agencies in writing about each leave and maintain a public file containing all relevant information. The bill aims to ensure transparency and accountability for public funds used to support union activities during employees' work time.

Maddy summaryAR 86 is a symbolic Assembly Resolution expressing New Jersey's support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks. It condemns Hamas for launching a "massive, unprovoked war" involving rocket attacks, killings, abductions, and violence against civilians (citing 1,400 Israeli deaths and 30 American citizens among the casualties). The resolution formally supports Israel "as it defends itself" and directs copies to Israel's Prime Minister, U.S. ambassadors to Israel and the U.S., and New Jersey's members of Congress. As a non-binding resolution, it does not enact new laws but publicly affirms New Jersey's stance on the conflict.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a New Jersey state grant program to preserve, extend, and manage Revolutionary War battlefields, encampments, and skirmish sites threatened by development. The Department of State will award competitive grants to local governments and qualified non-profits based on specific preservation plans and administrative capability. It appropriates $50 million from the state's General Fund to implement the program, requiring grant recipients to report on fund usage and project outcomes. The initiative aims to protect New Jersey's significant Revolutionary War historical sites, which the bill notes hosted more battles than any other original state.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes slingshots from New Jersey's definition of "weapon" in state law, decriminalizing both the manufacture and possession of slingshots. Currently, possessing a slingshot could be charged as a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in prison or $10,000 fine) unless the person had a lawful purpose for carrying it. The change means people who simply possess or make slingshots for traditional recreational use, including children's play, will no longer face criminal charges. The bill does not alter the broader definition of "weapon" that covers items "readily capable of lethal use," so slingshots could still be treated as weapons if used for harmful purposes. This eliminates the burden of proving lawful conduct for individuals possessing slingshots for peaceful activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A140) prohibits the Council on Affordable Housing from counting business relocations as generating affordable housing requirements within a municipality or within a 50-mile radius. It specifically prevents municipalities from imposing affordable housing fees on commercial or industrial businesses that move or transfer locations within the same municipality, housing region, or 50-mile area. The law directly affects businesses relocating within these boundaries and the municipalities that previously could have charged such fees. It modifies how affordable housing obligations are calculated for municipalities under New Jersey's Fair Housing Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the residency requirement for New Jersey residents to obtain a hunting license from six months to 60 days. It directly affects individuals who live in New Jersey but haven't met the current six-month domicile requirement. The change modifies Section 23:3-4 of the state code to update the residency period for all resident hunting licenses (including firearm, bow and arrow, and trapping licenses), making it easier for new residents to qualify. The bill does not alter fees, license types, or other provisions related to hunting or fishing.