Rep. Brian Bergen

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to issue special license plates for veterans certified by the VA as having service-connected disabilities. The plates, displaying "Disabled Veteran" and a wheelchair symbol, allow these veterans to park in disability-reserved spaces without needing additional permits or placards. The plates are free, non-transferable, and must be displayed on the vehicle while parked. Misuse of the plates can result in revocation and forfeiture of the plate. The bill directly affects disabled veterans who meet federal VA certification criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Age-Friendly State Advisory Council within the Department of Human Services to coordinate efforts for older adults across the state. The council will consist of 15 members, including various state agency commissioners, representatives from local aging organizations, and public members appointed by legislative leaders and the Governor to ensure diverse perspectives. Its primary role is to oversee the implementation of the 2024 Age-Friendly Blueprint, which aims to make New Jersey communities more inclusive, affordable, and accessible for people aged 65 and older. Additionally, the legislation establishes a grants program to support age-friendly initiatives, though specific funding details are not outlined in the provided text. The council is tasked with bringing together government, businesses, and nonprofits to improve environmental, economic, and social factors affecting the well-being of older residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey gross income tax credit for qualified family caregivers who pay for care and support expenses for qualifying family members. The credit allows caregivers to reduce their tax liability by up to $3,000 annually, or $5,000 if the person they care for is a veteran or has a disability, with the remaining amount potentially refunded if taxes are fully offset. To claim the benefit, caregivers must submit detailed documentation, such as receipts, proof of payment, and medical certifications, to the Division of Taxation. The legislation also clarifies that caregivers can claim this credit alongside existing dependent deductions or other credits, while ensuring the total credit for a single care recipient does not exceed the annual limits even if multiple family members provide care.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt certain senior citizens from paying property taxes on their primary residences. Under the plan, individuals who are 80 years of age or older would qualify for this exemption if they own and live in the home. Additionally, a surviving spouse of an eligible senior citizen could continue to receive the tax break if they are at least 75 years old, remain unmarried, and continue to own and occupy the same primary residence. If approved by voters, this change would require the state legislature to pass a specific law to establish the details of the exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's SNAP program to simplify the application process and extend benefit certification periods for elderly and disabled households. It requires the state to update its online application system to be more user-friendly, mandate outreach at senior-serving agencies, and compel social service providers to screen their clients for eligibility. Additionally, the bill establishes a standard certification period of 36 months for these specific groups, provided they maintain contact with the agency at least once a year. Finally, it authorizes the Commissioner of Human Services to partner with private entities to offer free or low-cost food delivery to housebound seniors aged 60 and older, capping delivery fees at the lesser of three percent or $30 of their monthly benefit allotment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Senior Social Isolation Prevention and Mental Health Access Act" to address loneliness and mental health issues among New Jersey residents aged 65 and older. It allocates $1.8 million to fund county organizations for friendly visitor and digital literacy programs, supports senior centers in launching new mental health screening services, and establishes a three-year pilot program allowing doctors to refer eligible patients to community activities similar to how they prescribe medication. The legislation requires all grant recipients to report on participant numbers and program costs, while the pilot program specifically aims to connect seniors with non-medical resources without charging them extra fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows elderly victims of domestic violence in New Jersey to file restraining orders electronically and attend court hearings remotely to improve safety and accessibility. It also creates a new Elder Financial Exploitation Unit within the Attorney General's Office to specifically investigate financial abuse targeting older adults. The legislation expands existing protections by enabling judges to issue emergency orders based on sworn testimony without requiring the victim to be physically present in court. Additionally, the bill ensures that information about firearms accessible to an abuser remains confidential while making legal forms available at various police and court locations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new workforce development program and advisory council to support long-term care workers in New Jersey. It establishes a grant program that can provide up to $5,000 to help certified nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal care assistants pursue certification or continuing education, while also offering a state tax credit of $1,200 to $2,000 for qualified workers. Additionally, the legislation directs community colleges to develop standardized elder care certificate programs tailored to local industry needs, allowing students to begin working with employers before fully completing their training.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The bill asks the Governor to issue a proclamation honoring the victims, first responders, and the resilience of the American people. It also directs that copies of the resolution be sent to federal leaders and members of Congress from New Jersey. The measure serves as a formal state recognition of the event and does not create new laws or change existing policies.