Asm. Jay Webber

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to annually verify that all sex offenders released from prison or mental health commitment the previous year complied with registration laws. Specifically, by March 30th each year, the Attorney General must review these individuals to confirm they registered as required under state law and received proper tier classification (which determines public notification levels). The law directly affects released sex offenders who must register and county prosecutors who assign tiers. It creates a mandatory annual check to ensure compliance with existing registration and tiering rules, without changing the underlying requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 21) symbolically recognizes New Jersey’s longstanding relationship with Israel and honors the contributions of Israeli-Americans to New Jersey and the U.S. It highlights economic ties, including Israeli companies investing in New Jersey manufacturing and technology sectors, and references the 1989 New Jersey-Israel Commission that fosters cultural and economic exchanges. The resolution expresses the state’s appreciation for this relationship and commits to sending copies to Israel’s U.S. and U.N. ambassadors. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges these connections.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide public boat access at state-owned lakes where boating is permitted, within two years of enactment. It appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to fund construction, contracts with private marinas (via public bidding), or other solutions for public boat launches. The policy directly affects residents seeking recreational access to state lakes, such as Greenwood Lake, where public access has been limited as private marinas now restrict or charge for day-use access. Key provisions mandate DEP action if access cannot be provided due to funding constraints, requiring a report to the Governor and Legislature detailing the issue and needed resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes property tax rules for public water infrastructure. Currently, improvements like dams, buildings, or other structures on publicly owned land used for water supply are exempt from taxation, while similar improvements on private land are taxed. The bill requires municipalities to tax these improvements on public water supply land at the same rate as on private land. This aligns public and private property tax treatment for water infrastructure, aiming to provide municipalities with additional tax revenue from such improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey public school boards from teaching family life education, sex education, sexual health, sexual orientation, or gender identity to students in preschool through fourth grade. It directly affects school districts, students in those early grades, and current health education curricula. The bill requires the State Board of Education to revise the Comprehensive Health and Physical Education learning standards within 30 days of the law taking effect. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill shifts the burden of proof in New Jersey firearm permit applications from applicants to authorities. If an application for a handgun permit or firearms purchaser identification card is denied, the chief of police or Superintendent of State Police must now prove the applicant meets one of the disqualifying criteria listed in state law. The bill requires authorities to provide a written statement within 10 days of denial, specifying the reason and evidence for the denial. This change affects anyone applying for a handgun permit or firearms purchaser ID card in New Jersey. The bill does not alter the list of disqualifying factors but changes who must demonstrate why an applicant is ineligible.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey law to require judges to consider jail time for first-time offenders convicted of stealing firearms. Currently, theft of a firearm is a third-degree crime with a potential 3-5 year prison sentence, but first-time offenders typically receive probation rather than jail time. The bill specifically removes theft of a firearm from the list of offenses where judges are presumed to give probation, meaning judges must weigh whether to sentence these offenders to prison. This change affects anyone convicted of stealing a firearm in New Jersey, particularly first-time offenders.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear procedures for landlords to handle property left by deceased tenants when no executor, administrator, or estate representative contacts them within 21 days of the tenant's death. It requires landlords to send certified mail notices to estate representatives, cosigners, and previously known occupants before disposing of property. Landlords can legally dispose of tenant property after the 21-day waiting period if no contact is made with an estate representative. The bill also states that landlords who proceed with property removal after being contacted by an estate representative may face liability for bad faith, including treble damages and attorney fees.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill A801 clarifies that residents of a private community and their authorized guests do not need a fishing license to fish in a lake owned by their community. The bill defines a "private community" as a group of homeowners or tenants (such as retirement communities or planned developments) that owns common property and restricts public access, and a "private community lake" as a manmade lake on that property, maintained exclusively by the community at their expense. This amendment explicitly adds to state law that fishing in such lakes does not require a license, aligning with existing legal intent but preventing confusion with enforcement. The change directly affects community residents and guests who fish in privately maintained lakes, ensuring they avoid unlicensed fishing citations.

Maddy summaryThe Opportunity Scholarship Act establishes a five-year pilot program providing tax credits to New Jersey taxpayers who contribute to scholarship organizations. These organizations would distribute scholarships to low-income children (from households earning no more than 250% of the federal poverty threshold) attending chronically failing schools in eight targeted districts (Asbury Park, Camden, Elizabeth, Lakewood, Newark, Orange, Passaic, and Perth Amboy). The program would award up to 10,000 scholarships in its final year, with schools receiving scholarship students required to accept them without additional fees and provide annual assessments to track student progress.