Asm. Clinton Calabrese

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey to issue special "accessory license plates" for owners of passenger vehicles with rear-mounted attachments (like bike racks or cargo carriers) that block the main license plate. The accessory plate must match the vehicle's registration number, display "Accessory Use Only," and be securely mounted on the attachment. Owners pay a one-time fee (capped at administrative costs) to obtain the plate, and must return it if the vehicle's registration lapses, the vehicle is sold, or the attachment is no longer used. The bill directly affects drivers who use such rear-mounted attachments and ensures compliance with visibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 3-year pilot program allowing solar energy projects on state-owned land adjacent to roads (within 30-100 feet of the road centerline), subject to strict safety and capacity limits. It permits projects up to 10 megawatts each, with a total program cap of 200 megawatts, requiring approval from New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities and Transportation Department. Projects must maintain traffic flow, avoid safety hazards, minimize environmental impacts, and include decommissioning plans. The program includes specific evaluation criteria like traffic safety monitoring, stormwater management, and project size, with potential for a 24-month extension. If successful, the pilot would transition to a permanent program after 36 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Treasurer to create and maintain a public registry of out-of-state contractors awarded public works contracts in the state. The registry must include the project description, trade name, owner name, and principal business address of each contractor. It must be displayed on the Department of the Treasury's website and provided upon request to any contractor, out-of-state contractor, or public body. The bill defines "out-of-state contractor" as one with a principal business outside New Jersey, excluding temporary satellite offices for a single project.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows for-profit movie theaters that primarily show newly released (first-run) movies to obtain a special license enabling alcohol sales. The license permits alcohol service only during the two hours before and during movie showings at the theater location. The initial license fee is $210,000 (reduced to $150,000 if 10% of alcohol sold comes from New Jersey producers with specific licenses), paid in installments over 18 months. It applies exclusively to theaters operating as motion picture exhibition facilities, not to other venues or uses.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a proportional property tax exemption for New Jersey veterans who are honorably discharged and have a service-connected permanent disability rated at 10% or higher. It directly affects qualifying veterans (and their surviving spouses) by reducing their property taxes in line with their disability rating, with a $10,000 cap for exemptions below 100% disability. Veterans deemed unemployable due to service-connected disability receive a full 100% exemption, matching current benefits for those with 100% disability ratings. The bill also requires the state to reimburse municipalities 102% of the tax costs for these exemptions, including administrative expenses, through annual reporting by local tax authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3,750,990 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to the State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation grants. The funds will cover up to 50% of the cost for nonprofit organizations to acquire development easements or fee simple ownership of farmland, ensuring the land remains available for agricultural use under approved restrictions. The grants specifically support eight farmland preservation projects managed by the Land Conservancy of New Jersey in Warren and Sussex counties, using funds from the Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund established by state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of solar energy systems (including rooftop panels and related infrastructure) to remove and recycle them when they are decommissioned, rather than disposing of them as waste. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection must establish rules for the recycling process, mandating secure storage of toxic solar panel components until safe recycling methods are approved. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per offense. The law applies directly to property owners, businesses, and entities operating solar installations across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A6161) streamlines approval for installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at existing locations like gas stations and retail stores in New Jersey. It removes previous requirements that applicants prove compliance with bulk land use rules or prior site plan conditions. Instead, applicants must now demonstrate that the EV equipment won’t cause unmitigatable adverse health or safety impacts. The change applies to pending or new applications after enactment, allowing faster approval through standard zoning permits while maintaining a health/safety safeguard.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A6163) amends New Jersey law to allow the Transportation Research Bureau (within the Department of Transportation) to award research contracts to private research institutions of higher education and certain other entities - not just public institutions. It removes the previous requirement for the bureau manager to make a specific written determination about benefits before considering private entities, instead requiring the bureau to determine if such awards are in the public interest. The bill also expands the definition of "entities" to include more types beyond non-profits and mandates that all research contracts must consider the transportation needs of residents with disabilities. These changes aim to broaden participation in transportation research while maintaining public bidding processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A6160) establishes the "New Jersey Alzheimer's Disease Master Plan Study Commission" within the Department of Human Services. The commission, composed of 15 members including state officials, legislative appointees, healthcare providers, family caregivers, and dementia care experts, will develop a comprehensive master plan to address Alzheimer's and related dementias. The plan must include specific measures to improve care quality, support caregivers, promote community-based living, ensure sustainable funding, prevent abuse, and create affordable housing for affected individuals across New Jersey. The commission will submit its final plan to the Governor and Legislature.