Asm. Gary Schaer

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cosigners on New Jersey's NJCLASS student loans to make voluntary payments beyond what the borrower pays, with those payments qualifying for a tax deduction. Cosigners earning $80,000 or less can deduct the full amount paid, while those earning more can deduct 50%. It also expands tax deductions for borrowers: those earning $80,000 or less can deduct all interest paid on NJCLASS loans, and higher earners can deduct 50% of interest. The policy directly affects NJCLASS borrowers and their cosigners by providing tax relief on loan payments and interest. It applies specifically to the New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts new applicants for the Claims Examiner position in New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development from required civil service exams for 24 months. Applicants must pass the standard exam before the 24-month period ends to retain their position. The exemption aims to address staffing shortages in a role that processes unemployment claims, disability interviews, and overpayment adjustments. It directly affects individuals applying for this specific title within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires construction permit applicants in New Jersey to disclose the anticipated funding sources and amounts for their projects. It applies to most construction projects but excludes single-family homes, routine renovations or repairs of dwelling units, and small-scale alterations (like individual units in buildings with fewer than three units). Applicants must provide this funding information when applying for a permit, and before receiving a certificate of occupancy, they must certify the accuracy of that information or submit updated details. The Commissioner of Community Affairs will develop specific rules within 180 days to implement these requirements.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A3527 reduces the tax rate on surplus lines insurance premiums from 5% to 3% for both policies purchased directly by insureds and those handled through surplus lines agents. This directly affects insurance agents, brokers, and policyholders who use non-admitted insurers for commercial coverage, such as property or casualty insurance. The bill amends existing tax provisions to lower the rate while maintaining that 3% of fire insurance tax revenue goes to New Jersey firemen's relief associations and the remaining 2% to the state. It excludes government coverage, life insurance, and disability insurance from this tax change and takes effect January 1, 2013.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers from selling flavored cigarettes (including menthol, which was previously exempt), non-premium cigars, and oral nicotine pouches with non-tobacco flavors. It applies directly to stores, vending machines, and employees selling these products, with penalties including $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for third or subsequent violations. Retailers may also face license suspension or revocation after repeated offenses, as determined by local municipalities. The law expands an existing 2008 ban to cover these additional products and shifts enforcement focus to retailers rather than individual consumers.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A1887 proposes to remove specific date and location requirements for veterans to qualify for state benefits. Currently, eligibility depends on service during defined conflict periods (e.g., WWII service between September 1940-December 1946), but this bill would amend the definition of "veteran" to eliminate those time-bound criteria. It directly affects veterans who served in conflicts like World War II, Korea, Vietnam, or later missions but may not meet the current narrow date windows. The change would broaden eligibility by focusing on service-connected status rather than exact historical dates. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the monthly personal needs allowance from $35 to $50 for New Jersey Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who are veterans or spouses of veterans. It also requires annual cost-of-living adjustments to this $50 amount, tied to the same percentage as Social Security’s annual adjustment. The allowance is intended to cover personal items like clothing, grooming supplies, and newspapers that facilities do not provide. This directly affects veterans and their spouses receiving these benefits, particularly those living in nursing homes, developmental centers, or psychiatric hospitals. The change will take effect after federal approval of related Medicaid plan amendments.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1201) revises how New Jersey allocates state aid to school districts for providing auxiliary and remedial services to students attending nonpublic schools. It requires districts to report annually the number of eligible nonpublic students needing specific services (like evaluations, speech correction, or supplementary instruction), using fixed dollar amounts per service type (e.g., $990.73 for evaluations). Districts receive 10% of the estimated annual cost monthly, must refund unspent aid by December 1, and can request additional funds. The bill was withdrawn after another bill (P.L.2025, c.252) was enacted to address the same issue.

Maddy summaryBill A 614 establishes a 17-member "Task Force for Community Based Juvenile Rehabilitation" to study and recommend changes to juvenile court age limits (minimum and maximum ages for prosecution) based on developmental science and other states' practices. The task force must also examine racial disparities in juvenile prosecution and sentencing, and propose solutions to address them. Composed of representatives from law enforcement, courts, social justice organizations, youth justice experts, and community stakeholders, the task force will hold three public hearings across New Jersey and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within one year. This bill creates a review process for potential policy changes but does not alter current juvenile justice laws.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires doctors and podiatrists to inform patients in writing before referring them to an out-of-state health care facility if they have a financial or business relationship with that facility. The disclosure must detail the nature of the relationship, list comparable in-state facilities (in the patient's county and neighboring counties), and explain potential higher costs if the facility is out-of-network or involves additional transportation. Patients must receive this written notice at the time of referral, and practitioners must also post a summary of the disclosure in their office and on their website. The goal is to provide transparency about referral decisions and financial implications without restricting patient choice.