Asm. Brian Bergen

Maddy summaryThis bill would shift the administration of affordable housing obligations from municipalities to the state-level Council on Affordable Housing (COAH), requiring COAH to calculate the statewide affordable housing need rather than relying on municipal or regional calculations. Municipalities would submit housing elements to COAH detailing their current housing stock and potential for affordable housing development, and COAH would grant "substantive certification" to qualifying municipalities, shielding them from exclusionary zoning lawsuits. The bill would require COAH to develop fair share plans for each municipality based on the statewide need and establish a mediation process for disputes about these plans. This change would replace the current system where municipalities determine their own affordable housing obligations with a centralized statewide approach.

Maddy summaryAJR 83 designates the first full week of May each year as "Teacher Appreciation Week" in New Jersey, recognizing the contributions of the state's educators. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage public observance of the week through community activities. It does not create new programs, funding, or legal requirements - only a symbolic designation aligning with the nationally recognized "National Teacher Appreciation Week" established in 1985. The bill directly affects teachers statewide by formally honoring their work, particularly highlighting their efforts during the pandemic when they adapted to remote instruction for over 1.4 million students.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey school districts to hire veterans without teaching certificates as coaches for school sports programs. It specifically permits districts to employ veterans who were honorably discharged after at least four years of military service. Currently, such coaching roles require a New Jersey teaching certificate or substitute credential. The bill removes this certification requirement for eligible veterans, directly affecting school districts and qualifying veterans seeking coaching positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend New Jersey's tax code to exclude certain retirement contributions from gross income tax calculations. Specifically, it would exclude contributions to qualified pension plans, deferred compensation plans, and provide a deduction for qualifying individual retirement account (IRA) contributions. Currently, private sector employees benefit from tax deferral on retirement contributions, but public sector employees (including government workers, school employees, and nonprofit staff) do not have the same tax treatment. The bill would extend similar tax advantages to these workers, making retirement savings more accessible for them. It would apply to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryACR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's annual veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $1,250, effective 2024. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses who reside in the state, allowing them to deduct the full $1,250 from property taxes (or cancel the tax if it's less than $1,250). The current $250 deduction has remained unchanged since 2003, and this amendment requires voter approval to take effect. If passed, it would be the first increase since 1999, when the deduction rose from $50 to $250.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission in New Jersey to improve coordination of state services supporting veterans. The commission, composed of 13 members including veterans, agency representatives, and community experts, will assess and coordinate existing state programs to prevent veteran suicides. Key mechanisms include reviewing agency efforts for alignment with veterans' needs, tracking progress on suicide prevention initiatives, and issuing annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. The commission directly affects veterans, active service members, and their families by enhancing access to coordinated care during their transition to civilian life.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts eligible veterans from New Jersey's state gross income tax. To qualify, a veteran must have been honorably discharged from U.S. Armed Forces, a reserve component, or the New Jersey National Guard (in federal active duty status) and have gross income of $50,000 or less annually. The exemption applies to all taxable income under New Jersey's Gross Income Tax Act, regardless of filing status. It directly affects low-income veterans meeting these specific military service and income criteria. The law would take effect for tax years starting January 1 after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2703) amends New Jersey tax law to exclude military compensation from gross income tax for service members who are domiciled in New Jersey but stationed outside the state. It specifically exempts pay received for service performed while stationed outside New Jersey, including active duty pay and housing allowances. The change applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment. This directly affects New Jersey-domiciled military personnel serving at out-of-state locations, reducing their state tax burden on military compensation. The bill modifies N.J.S.54A:6-7 to clarify this tax exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the number of manufacturing jobs required for businesses to qualify for New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) financing and incentive programs. Specifically, it lowers the requirement from 250 to 125 full-time manufacturing jobs for businesses relocating under the sales tax exemption program, and from 250 to 188 full-time jobs (with at least 33% in manufacturing) for Urban Enterprise Zone manufacturers. The bill also reduces the manufacturing job requirement by 50% for the GROW NJ tax credit program while maintaining the same requirement for non-manufacturing jobs. These changes directly affect manufacturing businesses seeking NJEDA incentives by lowering the job creation threshold for eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Office of the Ombudsman for Children within the Attorney General's office (though operating independently) to oversee child welfare services in New Jersey. The Ombudsman investigates state agency responses to child abuse/neglect cases, inspects facilities like foster homes and group homes, and reviews policies affecting children in state care. Key mechanisms include requiring state agencies to create corrective action plans for systemic issues identified by the Ombudsman, mandating annual public reports to the Governor and Legislature, and creating a 24-hour hotline for public concerns. The office directly affects children in foster care or under state supervision, child welfare agencies, and families reporting issues.