Rep. Brian Bergen

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 946), now law as P.L.2025, c.177, requires mental health services to be provided in the communication method preferred by each deaf or hard of hearing individual - such as sign language or oral communication - based on their assessment. It mandates that mental health professionals be fluent in that method, trained in cultural needs, and able to collaborate with interpreters. The law also requires a state resource guide listing specialized mental health services and ensures individuals can help shape their own care plans. It directly affects all deaf or hard of hearing residents seeking mental health support in New Jersey, addressing long-standing barriers in access and care quality.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Bill A 642 increases annual state payments to veterans with specific service-connected disabilities from $750 to $3,000 per year. It directly affects veterans who sustained total blindness, permanent paralysis (like paraplegia or hemiplegia), amputations, or mobility loss from multiple sclerosis during military service, as well as their surviving spouses. The payment increase takes effect January 1 following the bill's passage, with accrued payments paid in a lump sum. Currently, 207 veterans and spouses receive this benefit under the existing $750 rate.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the "BRAVE Act," requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) to give contract preference to vendors employing the highest percentage of veterans when awarding goods or service contracts. Vendors competing for DMVA contracts must submit employee veteran data, which the department must verify within 30 days; false claims lead to 5-year contract bans and contract termination. It defines "veteran" broadly to include disabled veterans certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The law directly affects businesses seeking DMVA contracts and aims to incentivize veteran employment through procurement preferences.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey state tax deduction for businesses that donate food from their inventory to qualified charities. It allows taxpayers to deduct the same amount for state income tax as they could claim under federal tax rules (as of December 2013) for donations of "apparently wholesome" food - meaning food meeting safety standards but unsellable due to appearance, age, or surplus. The deduction applies regardless of whether the business claims a federal charitable deduction. It directly affects New Jersey businesses that donate excess food inventory to IRS-qualified charitable organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the duration of emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor under the Civil Defense Act to 14 days (expiring on the 15th day), unless the Legislature passes a concurrent resolution extending the period. It prohibits the Governor from issuing identical or similar orders for the same emergency after one expires. Exceptions include orders rescinding prior emergency actions, federal compliance requirements, internal government operations, military orders under the Governor's command, or orders under other laws allowing longer terms. The bill applies directly to the Governor's emergency authority and takes immediate effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the sale of flavored cigarettes (except tobacco, clove, or menthol) and all flavored vapor products in New Jersey. It directly affects retail stores selling these products by requiring local health agencies to inspect them at least twice yearly. Retailers violating the flavor ban face escalating civil penalties ($250-$1,000 for cigarettes; $500-$2,000 for vapor products) and possible license suspension or revocation after repeated offenses. Violations also allow for seized products to be destroyed and fines paid to the municipality where the violation occurred.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of the Ombudsman for Children within New Jersey's government (operating under the Attorney General's office but without departmental control). The ombudsman will investigate child welfare cases, monitor facilities like foster homes and group homes, and identify systemic issues in how the state cares for children at risk of abuse or neglect. Key mechanisms include a 24-hour hotline for public concerns, authority to access child welfare records, and reporting findings to the Governor and Legislature. The office directly affects children in state care, child welfare agencies, and service providers, aiming to ensure they receive appropriate protections and services.

Maddy summaryACR 31 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing New Jersey municipalities to create partial property tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters and first responders' primary homes. It would authorize cities or towns to pass local ordinances providing exemptions of up to 10% of a home's assessed value for active volunteer members of fire companies or first aid/rescue squads serving that municipality. The exemption applies only to the primary residence of eligible volunteers, with municipalities deciding the exact percentage (up to 10%) and the state not required to reimburse lost tax revenue. This amendment must be approved by voters before it can take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands automatic voter registration to include applications for hunting, fishing, trapping, and firearms permits (including firearm purchaser ID cards and carry permits) at New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Law and Public Safety offices. It requires these agencies to electronically transmit voter registration information to the Secretary of State for eligible applicants - those who provide proof of age, citizenship, and address - unless they opt out. The policy applies to existing license/permit processes, adding to current automatic registration at driver's license offices. This change streamlines voter registration by leveraging routine government interactions without creating new requirements for applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's existing small business loan program to include certified rural broadband telecommunications service providers as eligible borrowers. It defines "broadband telecommunications service provider" as entities certified by the Board of Public Utilities to offer high-speed internet (25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload) in rural areas (population ≤30,000 and ≤4,000 people/sq. mile). The program will allow these providers to access loans for capital purchases, employee training, and new positions - similar to other eligible businesses like farmers and dairy operations. The change modifies the eligibility definition in existing law without creating a new program.