Asm. Jay Webber

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A 3160 creates special license plates displaying Autism Awareness messaging for motor vehicle owners. Vehicle owners applying for these plates must pay a $50 initial fee plus a $10 annual renewal fee, with all fees deposited into the "Autism Awareness License Plate Fund." The fund directs monies annually to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey for autism research, in consultation with the Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism. The bill specifies that initial costs for plate design and implementation cannot be covered by state funds, requiring contributions from the Governor's Council or other donors.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New Jersey's refundable tax credit for property taxes paid on a primary residence (homestead) from $50 to $200. It directly affects homeowners and tenants who pay property taxes or rent that includes property taxes on their primary residence, including seniors aged 65+ and qualifying blind or disabled taxpayers. Instead of claiming a property tax deduction, eligible taxpayers can now choose a flat $200 credit against their income tax, which is refundable (meaning they receive cash even if they owe no tax). The change applies to taxable years beginning after enactment and is designed to provide greater tax relief for qualifying residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3226) prohibits public agencies from releasing personal identifying information of violent crime victims and witnesses under New Jersey's open records law. It directly affects law enforcement agencies, courts, and other public bodies that maintain records, by requiring them to withhold specific details like names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and social media handles. Key provisions add "personal identifying information of a violent crime victim or witness" to the list of confidential records, explicitly defining protected details to include home/work addresses, contact information, and identifiers. The bill does not change how crimes are prosecuted but limits public access to sensitive victim/witness data already held in official records.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A880) mandates life imprisonment without parole for specific severe sexual assault convictions. It directly affects individuals convicted of aggravated sexual assault causing serious bodily injury (under N.J.S.2C:14-2) or sexual assault involving victims under 16 with deadly weapons (N.J.S.2C:14-2/3). Key provisions require courts to impose fixed minimum terms: 30 years to life for aggravated assault, 10-20 years for standard sexual assault, and 5-10 years for criminal sexual contact, with parole eligibility only after serving at least half the sentence or 25 years if life-imprisoned. The bill is pending legislative action and would amend sentencing statutes (N.J.S.2C:14-6, 2C:43-7, 2C:44-3).

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding assembly resolution (AR 84) expressing New Jersey's support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks. It condemns Hamas as a terrorist organization, details the attacks' casualties (including 1,400 Israelis killed and 30 Americans), and states the resolution "stands with Israel as it defends itself." The resolution has no legal effect; it will be formally transmitted to Israel's leadership, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, and New Jersey's congressional delegation. It directly affects no individuals or policies, serving only as a symbolic statement of support.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the State Treasurer's authority to annually adjust the tax rates on petroleum products based on changing fuel prices. It freezes the tax rates at levels determined by 2016 data, eliminating future quarterly or annual adjustments tied to average retail fuel prices. This directly affects petroleum companies that pay the tax on gasoline, diesel, and other fuels, as their tax burden will no longer automatically change with market prices. The bill ensures tax rates remain fixed at the 2016 benchmark, preventing future adjustments by the Treasurer.

Maddy summaryACR 78 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) introduced by New Jersey Assembly members to condemn hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. It formally declares New Jersey's opposition to prejudice against Hinduism and Hindus, recognizing Hinduism as one of the world's largest religions and highlighting Hindu Americans' contributions to U.S. society. The resolution requires copies to be sent to the Governor, New Jersey's congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation in Washington, DC. It does not create new legal requirements or policies, but serves as a public statement of support.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the tax on cigars in New Jersey to a maximum of $0.50 per cigar, replacing the previous percentage-based tax structure for this product. It directly affects cigar manufacturers, retailers, and consumers who purchase cigars within the state. The key change specifies that the tax on cigars cannot exceed $0.50 per unit, regardless of wholesale price, while maintaining existing tax rates for other tobacco products like e-liquids and snuff. The bill amends New Jersey's tobacco tax law (P.L.1990, c.39) to clarify this cap for cigars specifically.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires telemarketers making sales calls in New Jersey to display their actual name and phone number (or the seller's customer service number during business hours) on caller ID systems. It directly affects telemarketers who make unsolicited sales calls to New Jersey residents. The key provision mandates that telemarketers must transmit this information within the first 30 seconds of a call, preventing them from blocking or misrepresenting their identity. This aims to help consumers identify callers before answering, reducing fraud and unwanted calls.

Maddy summaryBill A 546 repeals New Jersey’s prohibition on certain businesses selling single-use products (like plastic straws or utensils), directly affecting restaurants, retailers, and food service establishments that previously faced restrictions. It also amends the Clean Communities Program Fund to adjust how state funds support litter cleanup and education initiatives, including distributing money to municipalities and counties based on housing units or road mileage. The bill removes sections 1-9 of P.L.2020, c.117, which established the single-use product ban, and takes effect immediately. This change shifts policy from restricting single-use items to enabling their sale without legal barriers.