Asm. Clinton Calabrese

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey tax law to allow developers building new affordable housing to use an alternative depreciation method for construction costs. It directly affects developers constructing qualifying affordable housing projects, defined as developments with at least 20% units for households earning ≤80% of regional median income. The key provision lets taxpayers depreciate a percentage of eligible construction costs over 10 years, calculated as 2 multiplied by (affordable units divided by total units in the development). This change applies to projects starting construction after the bill's effective date, with costs incurred for developments placed in service after 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Educator Evaluation Review Task Force to study and evaluate the state's current teacher and administrator evaluation system under the TEACHNJ Act. The 12-member task force, including educators, principals, and education organization representatives, must report findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by September 30, 2024. It temporarily pauses new student growth data collection for the 2024-2025 school year, requiring schools to use existing data instead - except for new, non-tenured, or first-year teachers who must set new objectives during that year. Starting in 2025-2026, school districts will implement updated data collection guidelines based on the task force's final recommendations. The bill directly affects all public school teachers, principals, and administrators in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill would expand privileges for craft alcoholic beverage manufacturers (including those with limited brewery, cidery, meadery, and craft distillery licenses) by allowing them to hold up to 25 off-premises special events annually, unlimited on-premises special events and private parties, and serve alcohol tableside with certified staff. It removes the current requirement that these manufacturers must offer tours to serve alcohol on-premises, and increases the annual production limit for restricted brewery licenses from 10,000 to 300,000 barrels. The bill also permits these manufacturers to offer limited food items, coordinate with food vendors (with restrictions), and show televised events without special permits. Additionally, it allows for outdoor consumption with approved tap systems and provides flexibility for promotional discounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the scope of practice for optometrists in New Jersey by allowing them to prescribe more pharmaceutical agents (including some controlled substances), administer certain immunizations (for coronaviruses, influenza, and varicella-zoster virus), and perform simple ophthalmologic procedures like non-invasive laser treatments. It clarifies that optometrists must complete specific training and credentialing to provide these expanded services, including evidence of competence through accredited education programs. The bill directly affects licensed optometrists in New Jersey and their patients, who will have access to a broader range of eye care services from optometrists. The legislation updates the legal definition of optometry practice to better align with optometrists' doctoral education and clinical training.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to expand the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) authority to allow Sunday harvesting of *all* aquacultured shellfish (including clams, mussels, and oysters), not just oysters as currently permitted. It authorizes the DEP, in consultation with the Shellfisheries Council, to create specific rules governing when, where, and how these shellfish can be harvested on Sundays. Current law only permitted such regulations for oyster harvesting. The bill does not immediately change harvesting practices but grants the DEP the power to establish these rules through future regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $2 million in state funding to New Jersey's Department of Labor to support county prosecutors in enforcing wage payment laws. It requires each county prosecutor's office to assign a dedicated assistant prosecutor to investigate and prosecute cases where employers fail to pay wages or violate wage-hour laws. The funding covers both financial resources and training for prosecutors to handle these cases more effectively. This directly affects workers who are owed wages and county prosecutors who will now have dedicated staff and resources for wage enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all operators and riders of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters in New Jersey to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet meeting state safety standards. It directly affects anyone using these vehicles for transportation, including those riding in attached seats on e-bikes. Violations carry a $25 fine for a first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses. The law takes effect four months after enactment, aiming to reduce head injuries linked to e-bike/scooter crashes.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates residential mental health treatment facilities in New Jersey. It requires these facilities to provide 24/7 care meeting Level 3.5 clinical standards (per American Society of Addiction Medicine), limit treatment duration to prepare patients for community care, and eliminate post-care medical necessity reviews. Facilities must obtain a license from the Commissioner of Health, prove compliance with minimum standards, and cannot operate at the same location as substance use disorder facilities. The bill also exempts these facilities from New Jersey's certificate of need requirement for facility construction or expansion. Rules establishing specific licensing standards will be adopted by the Commissioner within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission to issue free special windshield stickers for electric vehicles, marking them as exempt from emission inspections. The stickers must be displayed visibly to law enforcement and returned within 30 days of ending ownership or lease. The bill defines "electric vehicle" as any vehicle powered solely by electricity without an on-board engine or generator (including plug-in electric vehicles but excluding plug-in hybrids). This applies to all electric vehicles registered in New Jersey, simplifying compliance for owners while maintaining emission inspection requirements for non-electric vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Blockchain Promotion and Integration Program to support New Jersey businesses in adopting blockchain and decentralized digital technologies. The program, managed by the state Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology with the Economic Development Authority, will provide technical assistance, financial support, and research to help businesses integrate these technologies and connect with industry resources. It requires the Commission to analyze New Jersey’s blockchain sector, partner with small business groups, and report annually (within one year of enactment and every three years thereafter) to the Governor and Legislature on industry progress and recommendations. The initiative specifically targets small businesses and aims to attract investment to grow the state’s blockchain industry.