Asm. Gary Schaer

Maddy summaryThis bill would extend New Jersey's county-based real property assessment pilot program from Gloucester County to Passaic County. Under the bill, Passaic County would appoint a county assessor who would oversee a three-year phase-in plan to revalue all property in the county's municipalities, replacing the current municipal assessment system. The state would reimburse Passaic County for revaluation costs through existing funds, and the county would adopt a new assessment calendar designed to reduce the financial impact of property tax appeals. The program aims to create more uniform property assessments across the county, potentially lowering costs for property taxpayers as seen in Gloucester County's experience.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A2935 bill increases penalties for disruptive behavior at unpermitted mass gatherings on public beaches. It raises the offense level for participants engaging in conduct like fighting or creating dangerous conditions from a petty disorderly persons charge (up to 30 days jail/$500 fine) to a disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months jail/$1,000 fine). Organizers who threaten violence, property destruction, or illegal drug/alcohol use at such events face a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months jail/$10,000 fine), and all organizers must pay for any resulting property damage or injuries - minors' legal guardians cover these costs. The bill applies specifically to gatherings advertised on public media (like social media) without a permit and expected to strain local resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cosigners on New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) loans to voluntarily make payments on those loans in addition to the borrower's payments. It also creates a new tax deduction for both cosigners and borrowers: taxpayers earning $80,000 or less can deduct 100% of eligible payments or interest, while those earning more can deduct 50%. The deduction applies to payments made under the NJCLASS program, which helps students and their cosigners manage loan costs. The bill updates existing tax treatment for NJCLASS borrowers and introduces this new benefit for cosigners.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a 15% fee that cemetery companies currently charge when transferring graves, crypts, or niches to new owners. It directly affects families moving burial plots and cemetery companies, which would no longer need to collect or deposit this fee into maintenance funds. The bill amends New Jersey’s Cemetery Act by removing specific provisions (previously requiring 15% on transfers) from the list of mandatory deposits, while leaving other fees like those on initial sales unchanged. The change aims to reduce financial burdens during a transfer, which typically occurs during times of need.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the duties of Class Three special law enforcement officers in New Jersey to include providing security at places of religious worship, such as churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples. It requires school districts that hire these officers for security in public schools to also provide their services in nonpublic schools within the district, with the school district responsible for covering the costs. The officers must already be certified under existing rules and can exercise full police powers while on duty at these locations. This change clarifies and extends their current authorization, which previously limited their security roles to schools and colleges. The bill does not mandate hiring but specifies obligations when districts choose to use these officers for public school security.

Maddy summaryThe Economic Emergency Investment Stabilization Act would allow New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to make equity investments in businesses significantly harmed by major economic emergencies. The EDA would match private investments dollar-for-dollar, with investments ranging from $100,000 to $1 million per business, for a maximum 25% ownership stake, requiring businesses to secure at least $1 in outside investment for each dollar the EDA provides. Businesses must demonstrate they were financially healthy before the emergency, have a clear plan to return to financial viability, and meet specific location and employee requirements to qualify. The EDA would exit its investments within 12-10 years after the emergency ends, with proceeds returned to the Economic Recovery Fund, and the program would be funded by the Economic Recovery Fund, proceeds from previous equity sales, and other EDA resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "Succeed in New Jersey" program, which reimburses student loan debt for eligible residents working in designated fields. To qualify, applicants must be New Jersey residents (living there for at least 3 months), hold a U.S. undergraduate degree (since 2014), work in a field designated by the Department of Labor (addressing workforce shortages or providing public benefit in low-wage sectors), and earn under 500% of the federal poverty level. Reimbursement amounts are income-based: up to $6,000 annually for those under 300% poverty, $4,000 for 300-400%, and $2,000 for 400-500%, with a total annual state spending cap of $10 million. Participants must maintain residency, stay current on loans, and verify employment/income yearly for up to three years.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2912) requires anyone accumulating waste tires at a site to remove and properly dispose of them, bringing the location into compliance with environmental laws. It mandates the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish an annual process for identifying illegal tire sites - including inspecting junkyards, previously cleaned sites, and gathering public reports - and to issue yearly status reports on cleanup progress and costs. The DEP can also recover cleanup expenses from responsible parties or place liens on affected property. The law addresses environmental and public health risks from tire piles, such as water contamination, mosquito breeding, and fire hazards.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the safe distance for bow and arrow hunting near occupied buildings and school playgrounds from 150 feet to 450 feet. It requires property owners allowing hunting on their land to provide written notice and obtain written confirmation from adjacent property owners at least 24 hours in advance of any hunting activity. The law directly affects private property owners who permit hunting and neighboring residents who may be impacted by hunting near their homes. Named the "Restoring Safety Buffer Law," it aims to prevent incidents like the accidental arrow shooting of a dog near a home, by increasing safety buffers and requiring neighbor notification.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets standards for hospitals claiming to offer level-one or level-two pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) in New Jersey. Hospitals cannot advertise these services unless they meet specific requirements: level-one PEDs must have a board-certified pediatric emergency physician director, 24/7 staffing by qualified providers, dedicated pediatric inpatient units, and specialized medical teams (e.g., pediatric cardiologists, surgeons). Level-two PEDs require designated pediatric spaces, 24/7 consultative relationships with specialists (e.g., pediatric neurologists, urologists), and either dedicated units or transfer agreements with level-one facilities. The Department of Health must include hospital-specific pediatric emergency data in its annual public hospital performance report.