Asm. Brian Bergen

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1183) amends New Jersey's gross income tax code to exclude certain retirement contributions from taxable income. It directly affects New Jersey residents who contribute to qualified pension plans, deferred compensation plans, or certain individual retirement savings accounts (like IRAs). The key provision allows these specific contributions to be excluded when calculating taxable income, reducing the tax burden for eligible individuals. The bill creates a new deduction for eligible retirement savings, aligning New Jersey tax treatment more closely with federal rules for these contributions. This is a procedural tax code change with no new programs or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities to create specific guidelines for placing individuals with developmental disabilities in two types of group homes: Level 1 (for minimal challenging behaviors) and Level 2 (for persistent, high-risk behaviors requiring intensive care). It sets clear criteria for placement, including age (21+), residency, and inability to function independently, and mandates that Level 2 placement is required when an individual poses a serious risk of harm to self or others. The guidelines also establish detailed requirements for transitioning individuals from Level 2 to Level 1 group homes, including meeting behavioral goals after 18 months, having support systems in place, and ensuring no ongoing need for Level 2 services. These rules directly affect individuals with developmental disabilities in group home care, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, and group home operators statewide.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (AR 28) passed by the New Jersey Assembly, not a binding law. It urges the federal government to approve construction of oil and natural gas pipelines within the U.S., specifically referencing pipelines that were previously shut down or denied approval (like the Keystone XL Pipeline). The resolution states it seeks to advance U.S. energy independence, lower fuel costs, and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources from regions like Russia and Venezuela. It has no legal effect and does not change any existing pipeline approvals or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Assistance to Firefighters' Families Act," doubles survivor pension amounts for families of volunteer firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and rescue squad workers who die while on duty. It increases the maximum group life insurance coverage a municipality can provide from $25,000 to $250,000 per member and requires municipalities to cover reasonable funeral and burial costs not covered by firemen's associations. Municipalities can fund these benefits by adding a surcharge to fire code inspection fees. The changes directly affect the spouses, children, or parents of deceased volunteer emergency service providers in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a $6,000 gross income tax deduction for surviving spouses of veterans who meet specific criteria. It directly affects surviving spouses of veterans who died while on active duty, were honorably discharged, or were released under honorable circumstances from military service. To qualify, the spouse must have been married to the veteran at death, lived with them continuously (with limited exceptions), and not remarried or cohabited as a couple (with exceptions for void marriages, annulled marriages, or remarriage after age 57). The deduction applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's effective date and is added to New Jersey's existing tax code.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (ACR 59) declares that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) proposed "NJPACT-REAL" rules - aimed at climate resilience and expanding flood zones - are inconsistent with legislative intent. It challenges the DEP's authority to unilaterally create these rules, arguing they exceed constitutional limits since the Legislature never authorized such sweeping changes through new laws. The resolution requires the DEP to amend or withdraw the rules within 30 days or face potential legislative action to invalidate them. This is a procedural step, not a law altering policies, focusing solely on the DEP's proposed rules' constitutional validity.

Maddy summaryACR 35 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds majority vote in both the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly to pass any bill or joint resolution that creates or increases state taxes, fees, surcharges, or civil penalties. Currently, such tax-related measures only need a simple majority vote to pass. If approved by voters, this change would require a supermajority for all tax-related legislation, replacing the current simple majority standard. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the next general election following legislative approval.

Maddy summaryACR 34 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit New Jersey General Assembly members to 12 consecutive years of service. It would apply to all current and future members, counting years served in the Assembly (including time filling unexpired terms), but would not count service before the amendment's adoption. Members serving during their 12th consecutive year could complete that term, but would be ineligible for re-election afterward. This change would effectively limit members to six two-year terms, as the Assembly serves two-year terms. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election following its passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 628) prohibits courts from awarding a "builder's remedy" in lawsuits challenging exclusionary zoning laws. It directly affects municipalities, developers, and affordable housing advocates involved in zoning litigation. The bill states that courts must instead impose other remedies if a municipality fails to provide a realistic opportunity for affordable housing development, banning court orders that require zoning changes to include market-rate housing as a condition for development. The Legislature states this remedy has historically produced excessive market-rate housing with little affordable housing, harming communities and the state. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Veteran Grant Program, providing tuition assistance for veterans attending public colleges and universities in New Jersey. It directly affects veterans who completed at least one year of active military service (including National Guard or Reserves), hold an honorable discharge, reside in New Jersey, and apply for other available grants first. The program covers tuition and mandatory fees for up to 18 credits per semester after other aid is applied, with public institutions required to waive any remaining balance. To qualify, veterans must maintain good academic standing, not be in student loan default, and not receive ROTC scholarships, with grants renewable annually based on continued eligibility.