Asm. Gary Schaer

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (AJR 49) is a symbolic gesture by the New Jersey legislature recognizing the 75th anniversary of Israel's establishment, observed on April 25, 2023. It commends Israel's achievements in building a democratic society and reaffirms New Jersey's longstanding partnership with Israel, including economic, educational, and cultural ties. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses legislative support through words. It does not directly affect any individuals or create new obligations. The resolution took effect immediately upon introduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 27th of every year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" in New Jersey. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the day through appropriate activities. The designation commemorates the 2018 mass shooting at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, which resulted in 11 deaths and 6 injuries, honoring the victims' memories. The bill has no funding requirements or regulatory changes - it is purely a symbolic observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey foster care agencies, courts, and adoption agencies to place children in foster care, adoption, or resource family homes with families of the same religious faith as the child, whenever possible. Exceptions are permitted only with written consent from the child's birth parent or legal guardian, or if such placement is not feasible or not in the child's best interest (with a written explanation required). In cases where a different religious setting is used, the bill mandates that children must continue attending their own religious services, receiving religious instruction, and observing their faith unless the birth parent or guardian requests otherwise in writing. This policy aims to preserve a child's religious identity during placement transitions.

Maddy summaryAR 86 is a symbolic Assembly Resolution expressing New Jersey's support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks. It condemns Hamas for launching a "massive, unprovoked war" involving rocket attacks, killings, abductions, and violence against civilians (citing 1,400 Israeli deaths and 30 American citizens among the casualties). The resolution formally supports Israel "as it defends itself" and directs copies to Israel's Prime Minister, U.S. ambassadors to Israel and the U.S., and New Jersey's members of Congress. As a non-binding resolution, it does not enact new laws but publicly affirms New Jersey's stance on the conflict.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 15-member Task Force on Mercury Exposure in Schools and Child Care Centers within New Jersey's Department of Health. The task force will examine health risks from mercury in flooring, develop testing protocols for schools and licensed child care centers, create remediation standards, and provide implementation strategies. It requires the task force to submit a final report with recommendations within one year of its formation, after which it will dissolve. The bill directly affects public and nonpublic schools and licensed child care centers statewide by creating a structured process to address potential mercury hazards in their facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's pension fund managers to prioritize investing state pension funds in New Jersey infrastructure projects over comparable out-of-state projects. It defines "infrastructure" broadly to include utilities, transportation, energy, environmental systems, and other physical assets. The requirement applies only when such investments meet the standard of prudence under existing law, preserving the director's fiduciary duties. The bill directly affects how the state's pension funds are allocated for infrastructure investments, aiming to improve local infrastructure while maintaining financial responsibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits drivers to mount GPS navigation devices on a vehicle's dashboard, console, or windshield, as long as the device does not obstruct the operator's vision. It directly affects vehicle operators by allowing commonly used navigation setups that were previously restricted under existing law (R.S.39:3-74). The key provision removes the prohibition on such installations when the device is positioned to avoid interfering with the driver's line of sight. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 17-member "Task Force for Community Based Juvenile Rehabilitation" in New Jersey. The task force will study and recommend age ranges for juvenile court cases based on child development science, and examine racial disparities in juvenile sentencing - addressing a noted issue where Black youth are over 20 times more likely to be incarcerated than white peers in the state. It requires three regional public hearings and a report to the Governor and Legislature within one year. The task force includes officials from courts, law enforcement, advocacy groups, and youth justice experts.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2224) creates a state income tax credit for residents who pay postage to send priority mail packages to active-duty military personnel or National Guard members stationed at any military location, both in the U.S. and abroad. The credit equals the exact postage cost paid for these packages during the taxable year, directly reducing the taxpayer's state income tax bill after other credits are applied. Excess credit amounts result in a refund to the taxpayer. The policy specifically targets postage expenses for sending care packages to service members, with no other eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises New Jersey's minimum age for obtaining a trapping license from 12 to 18 years old, amending R.S.23:3-1(c) and R.S.23:3-4(a) of state law. It directly affects young people aged 12-17 who previously could legally obtain trapping licenses but will now be ineligible. The legislation maintains other requirements for trapping licenses, such as completing a trapping methods course, but increases the age threshold for eligibility. This change aligns trapping license requirements with New Jersey's general age restrictions for similar activities.