Asm. Jay Webber

Maddy summaryAR 86 is a symbolic Assembly Resolution expressing New Jersey's support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks. It condemns Hamas for launching a "massive, unprovoked war" involving rocket attacks, killings, abductions, and violence against civilians (citing 1,400 Israeli deaths and 30 American citizens among the casualties). The resolution formally supports Israel "as it defends itself" and directs copies to Israel's Prime Minister, U.S. ambassadors to Israel and the U.S., and New Jersey's members of Congress. As a non-binding resolution, it does not enact new laws but publicly affirms New Jersey's stance on the conflict.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's tax foreclosure process to protect property owners' equity. Currently, when a property owner loses a tax sale foreclosure case, they lose all equity built up in the property (e.g., from mortgage payments or appreciation). Under the bill, after a court approves the foreclosure, the sheriff must hold an internet auction of the property instead of transferring ownership to the tax lien holder. Auction proceeds first cover the tax lien holder's costs (property taxes, interest, and court fees), then any municipal liens, and any remaining funds are returned to the former owner.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A2683 eliminates the automatic annual increases to fuel tax rates that would otherwise occur if revenue from highway fuel taxes exceeds a set cap. Currently, the tax rate adjusts upward if annual revenue falls short of the $2 billion highway fuel cap (based on 2016 sales data), but this bill removes that upward adjustment authority while preserving the ability to lower rates if revenue exceeds the cap. The bill directly affects the state's fuel tax collection system by preventing automatic rate hikes, though it maintains existing mechanisms for rate reductions. This change applies to gasoline, diesel, and other highway fuels taxed under the Petroleum Products Gross Receipts Tax Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows police officers to be assigned to polling places located in public schools during elections. Specifically, it amends election law to permit district boards, election superintendents, or county clerks to request police presence at these school-based polling locations for maintaining order and providing security. The request must be made explicitly for school polling places, and any assigned officer must focus solely on election security during voting hours. The bill also requires documentation of such assignments, including the reason, duration, and outcome, to be recorded and made publicly available.

Maddy summaryThis bill reclassifies criminal offenses against elderly adults (60+ years) and disabled adults into four penalty levels. It lowers neglect penalties from third to fourth degree (up to 18 months jail) while raising harm-causing acts to second degree (5-10 years jail). The law specifically applies to individuals with a legal duty of care, such as family members or professional caregivers. It directly affects how abuse or neglect cases are prosecuted for vulnerable adults under New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers in New Jersey to direct traffic during emergencies or disasters, under specific conditions. To qualify, members must pass a physical exam, complete police-approved training, and take an oath. They may perform traffic duties on roadways until police arrive or at public events with law enforcement approval, while wearing ANSI-certified safety vests and equipment. The bill also provides liability protection for CERT traffic officers acting in good faith within their training. It directly affects CERT volunteers and local law enforcement agencies coordinating emergency response.

Maddy summaryThis bill caps annual tuition and fee increases for resident undergraduate and graduate students at New Jersey public colleges and universities at 4% or less compared to the previous academic year. It directly affects public higher education institutions and all students enrolled in degree programs, including graduate programs like law, medicine, business, and nursing. The key provision requires institutions to limit tuition and fee hikes to 4% annually, overriding any existing rules that might permit higher increases. The bill takes immediate effect and applies to all public institutions for the 2024-2025 academic year and beyond.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2224) creates a state income tax credit for residents who pay postage to send priority mail packages to active-duty military personnel or National Guard members stationed at any military location, both in the U.S. and abroad. The credit equals the exact postage cost paid for these packages during the taxable year, directly reducing the taxpayer's state income tax bill after other credits are applied. Excess credit amounts result in a refund to the taxpayer. The policy specifically targets postage expenses for sending care packages to service members, with no other eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2669) establishes a permanent fund to protect Greenwood Lake by dedicating $500,000 annually from New Jersey's vessel registration and renewal fees. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will manage the fund, using the money exclusively for the New Jersey side of the lake's maintenance, preservation, and enhancement. The fund can be used without requiring matching funds from New York State, and New York is not obligated to provide equivalent funding for projects on the New Jersey side. This affects the lake's ecosystem, its role as a drinking water source for 3.5 million residents, and recreational users who rely on the lake.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the New Jersey State Treasurer's authority to annually adjust the state's gasoline and diesel tax rates. Currently, the Treasurer adjusts rates yearly to meet a revenue cap based on historical fuel sales data. Under this bill, only the New Jersey Legislature can change the tax rate through new legislation, ending the Treasurer's automatic adjustment process. The change affects fuel companies (which pay the tax) and state budget planning, as tax rates will no longer adjust automatically to meet revenue targets.