Asm. Clinton Calabrese

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates inheritance taxes on property transferred to brothers or sisters of a deceased person (decedent). Previously, such transfers were taxed at rates up to 16% depending on the amount inherited. The amendment specifically removes this tax for all sibling inheritances occurring on or after January 1, 2022, by updating New Jersey's tax code (R.S.54:34-2). It directly affects siblings who inherit property from a deceased relative, making those inheritances tax-free under this provision.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Gaming Enforcement to conduct a study on effective language in gambling advertisements to promote responsible gambling. The study will evaluate word choices, placement, font size, and messaging effectiveness for different audiences, including problem gamblers and minors. After the study (to be completed within 12 months), the Division must develop 3-10 key phrases to be included in casino and sports pool ads, with regulations mandating their use at optimal frequencies. The bill does not immediately restrict ad locations but focuses on standardizing responsible gambling messaging in all future gambling advertisements across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1656) requires all outdoor lighting fixtures installed or replaced by New Jersey state agencies or on projects receiving state funds to meet specific environmental and energy efficiency standards. It mandates fully shielded fixtures with a BUG rating of U0, a maximum color temperature of 2,700 Kelvin (with limited exceptions), motion sensors, and minimal light trespass. The law aims to reduce light pollution, glare, and energy use while preserving public health and the natural night environment. It directly affects state agencies, state-funded construction projects, and all outdoor lighting installations under their jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "New Jersey Transit ADA Task Force" to study whether NJ Transit facilities (terminals, stations, stops, and equipment) comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The nine-member task force - appointed by state leaders and including a disability advocate - will identify needed accessibility upgrades, estimate costs, and assess ramp feasibility at locations without compliant elevators. It must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within two years, after which the task force expires. The bill directly affects NJ Transit's infrastructure and operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public water suppliers in New Jersey to immediately notify local governments and schools whenever a serious drinking water violation occurs under federal EPA rules. Specifically, suppliers must contact municipal officials and school administrators (including charter schools, nonpublic schools, and colleges) via phone and email within the affected area. The notification must detail the contaminant, test results, locations of violations, and suggested remedies for affected customers. It applies to all public water systems and ensures transparency about water safety issues impacting communities and educational institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows seasonal alcohol license holders (who currently can only sell beverages during specific summer or winter periods) to exchange their license for a full-year "plenary" license. It directly affects businesses operating under seasonal retail consumption licenses, enabling them to sell alcoholic beverages year-round without seasonal restrictions. The key mechanism requires licensees to surrender their seasonal license to the issuing authority, which then converts it to a plenary license. After conversion, licensees gain the same rights as full-year license holders, including selling alcohol 365 days annually. This change was enacted via P.L.2025, c.295, making the bill unnecessary.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Bill A1696 updates optometrists' scope of practice by expanding their ability to provide eye care services. The bill allows optometrists to prescribe pharmaceutical agents (including controlled substances under specific conditions), administer immunizations for coronaviruses, flu, and shingles (for patients 18+), and perform minor procedures like removing superficial foreign bodies or treating chalazions. It also permits certain non-invasive laser/ultrasound treatments (e.g., trabeculoplasty) using only topical anesthesia, while explicitly prohibiting invasive eye surgery, orbital procedures, or general anesthesia. These changes apply to all optometrists practicing in New Jersey and require adherence to CDC guidelines for immunizations and reporting to the state immunization registry.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's alcohol licensing law to allow breweries with limited brewery licenses to operate up to 15 off-premises retail salesrooms (previously restricted to on-premises sales only). It permits breweries and wineries to jointly operate salesrooms on shared premises, expanding retail access for both. The key provision requires a $250 fee per salesroom and specifies that salesrooms must sell products in original packaging or open containers for on- or off-premises consumption. This directly affects licensed breweries and wineries seeking expanded retail options under New Jersey's current licensing structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to cover transportation costs for eligible individuals attending support group meetings. It directly affects residents of New Jersey with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) who need transportation to access these meetings - defined as gatherings where individuals share information and support each other's well-being. The fund, currently financed by a $0.50 motor vehicle registration surcharge, will now include this transportation as a covered expense alongside existing medical and treatment-related travel. This change builds on the fund's existing role of providing financial assistance for post-acute care when other resources are unavailable.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1530) requires railroad operators of "dangerous hazardous trains" (those carrying 200,000+ gallons of petroleum or 20,000+ gallons of specific hazardous substances like anhydrous ammonia) to maintain a minimum of two crew members and clearly display the railroad company name. Exceptions apply for mechanical assistance, tourist trains, yard moves, or small operations with ≤15 employees operating at ≤15 mph. It directly affects railroad companies transporting large volumes of hazardous materials, aiming to improve safety through crew staffing and identification. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as P.L.2025, c.300.