Asm. Sean Kean

Maddy summaryACR 101 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit annual property tax increases for primary residences (homestead property) in New Jersey. If approved by voters, it would require the state legislature to cap annual assessment increases at the lower of 3% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI) change, whichever is lower. This applies to properties used as the owner's principal residence, resetting to current market value upon ownership change. The amendment must be approved by voters before taking effect, as it requires constitutional change.

Maddy summary"Jillian's Law" amends New Jersey law to require institutional commitment (not outpatient treatment or release) for defendants found incompetent to stand trial who are deemed dangerous to themselves or others. It removes the court's option to place such defendants in outpatient settings or release them, mandating institutional custody only for the period needed to determine if they might regain competence. The bill maintains the existing 3-month review process for fitness and requires courts to weigh factors like the defendant's regaining competence and the nature of the charges before dismissing cases. It directly affects defendants in criminal cases found incompetent who pose a danger, ensuring they remain in secure facilities until their fitness can be reassessed.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-1189) requires New Jersey to provide additional state school funding to reduce property tax burdens for residents. It directly affects school districts that experienced state aid reductions between 2018-2019 and 2022-2023, directing the state to pay them retroactive aid equal to their past funding losses. Key mechanisms include calculating base aid amounts based on historical funding formulas, mandating districts receiving increased state aid to lower property tax levies by the same amount, and requiring annual property tax reductions if state aid rises. The bill appropriates $2.9 billion to implement these changes, aiming to ensure school funding aligns with residents' ability to pay property taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for unlawfully taking motor vehicles without the owner's consent in New Jersey. It raises the offense of simply taking a vehicle (without risk) from a fourth-degree crime to a third-degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years in prison or a $15,000 fine. It also elevates the offense of taking a vehicle in a way that risks injury or property damage from a third-degree to a second-degree crime, carrying 5-10 years in prison or a $150,000 fine. The bill directly affects anyone who takes, operates, or rides in a vehicle without consent, including typical "joyriding" cases. These changes adjust the legal classification and penalties without altering the core definition of the offense.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1598) prohibits the expungement (clearing from public records) of any arrest, charge, or conviction related to domestic violence, even if the case was dismissed, the person was acquitted, or discharged without conviction. It directly affects individuals with domestic violence-related cases in their criminal history, barring them from having those records sealed under standard expungement rules. The key provision adds a specific exception to existing expungement law, stating that "any person who has been arrested or held to answer for a crime or offense involving domestic violence" cannot qualify for record sealing, regardless of case outcome. This change applies uniformly to all domestic violence cases under New Jersey law, without exceptions for dismissed charges or acquittals. The bill remains in early legislative stages (introduced January 2026, referred to Judiciary Committee).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Local Government Services to audit certain shared services agreements and authorities entered into by municipalities. It mandates audits based on annual spending: annually for agreements over $10 million, every two years for $2-10 million, and every 30 months for under $2 million. The Division must employ a licensed CPA for these audits, submit results to the Local Finance Board, and publish findings online. This directly affects municipalities using shared services under the Uniform Shared Services Act (2007), Municipal Energy Authority Act (2015), and Regional Rehabilitation Authority Act (2023).

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1631) establishes a 3-year pilot program to expand NJ FamilyCare eligibility for children with special needs who live at home but would otherwise be ineligible due to parental income or assets. It directly affects middle-income families caring for children under 21 who meet the federal SSI definition of "blind or disabled" but are denied benefits because their parents' income or assets exceed limits. The program requires annual reviews to confirm the child still meets the disability definition, with an appeals process if benefits are terminated. After the pilot, the state must report on participation, costs, and whether to make the program permanent. The bill does not change existing Medicaid rules for children requiring nursing-home-level care.

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 New Jersey bill (A 1848) requires state licensing authorities to collect new child support certification information from applicants for professional, occupational, or driver's licenses. Applicants must certify on a separate form - under penalty of perjury - whether they have child support arrears exceeding six months' payments, owe unpaid health care coverage, failed to respond to a subpoena, or face a child support warrant. Licenses cannot be issued, renewed, or reinstated if applicants fail to meet these requirements. The bill clarifies existing procedures by mandating written notice of these requirements and the legal basis for license suspension related to child support obligations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 1626) prohibits public and private colleges and universities from using a candidate's cultural competency skills or knowledge of specific ethnic/religious groups as factors in hiring or promotion decisions. It exempts roles where such expertise is essential, as determined by the state's Higher Education Secretary. Institutions found non-compliant lose eligibility for state funding covering operational and capital costs. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.