Asm. Lisa Swain

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Stay NJ property tax credit program, providing eligible senior citizens (65+ years old) with a property tax credit equal to 50% of their property tax bill, up to a maximum of $6,500 for tax year 2026 (with annual adjustments based on property tax increases). The program targets New Jersey residents with annual income under $500,000 who own or rent their principal residence as a homestead. Eligible claimants will receive the greater of the Stay NJ credit or the combined ANCHOR rebate and homestead property tax reimbursement, with a single application process to replace current multiple programs. The credit will be implemented starting in 2026, with applications accepted February 1 through October 31 each year.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits distributing intentionally deceptive audio or visual media (such as deepfakes) within 90 days of an election if the intent is to deceive voters about a candidate or election. It criminalizes such distribution as a disorderly person offense, punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The prohibition does not apply if the media includes a clear, visible disclosure (e.g., "This advertisement contains manipulated images or sound") that remains readable throughout video or audible at the start of audio. Registered voters and candidates can seek court injunctions or sue for damages in violation cases. News organizations publishing such media for newsworthy purposes with the required disclosure are exempt from the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Second Chance Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to connect formerly incarcerated individuals with employment opportunities through labor organizations. The program requires labor unions to identify job pathways in their trades and develop plans for hiring returning citizens, directly benefiting individuals recently released from prison who face high barriers to employment. It aims to reduce recidivism by addressing a key factor cited in the bill: the lack of viable jobs for this population, which correlates with higher reoffending rates. The program operates under the State Employment and Training Commission and mandates consultation with labor organizations to create sustainable career opportunities. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3887) requires healthcare providers during prenatal care to help pregnant women develop personalized postpartum care plans, including designating a medical home for follow-up care. It mandates hospitals and birthing facilities to provide standardized postpartum information before discharge, covering warning signs of complications like excessive bleeding, high blood pressure, infection, and depression. The law directly affects pregnant women receiving maternity care in New Jersey, healthcare professionals, and maternity care facilities. Key provisions include mandatory plan development during prenatal visits and uniform educational materials for facilities to ensure consistent patient education about postpartum health risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases tuition credits for volunteers in fire and rescue services in New Jersey. It raises the annual tuition credit from $600 to $1,250 per year of service, with a new total maximum of $5,000 over a four-year commitment (up from $2,400). The program covers active volunteer members, their spouses, and dependent children who agree to serve four years in a volunteer fire company or rescue squad. Eligible individuals can use these credits at county colleges, vocational schools, or technical institutes for tuition-free enrollment, subject to space availability.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A2319 directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a rebate program for residents and businesses purchasing electric or battery-powered leaf blowers. The program, funded through the state's societal benefits charge, will cover eligible equipment types and establish application processes similar to existing clean energy incentives. It aims to reduce reliance on gas-powered leaf blowers, which emit pollutants like carbon monoxide and particulate matter. The bill requires the BPU to consider environmental benefits when designing the program, without banning gas models. This policy change directly affects homeowners and commercial landscapers seeking to replace traditional equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $250 annual gross income tax deduction for eligible New Jersey educators and paraprofessionals for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. It directly affects K-12 teachers, counselors, principals, and school aides (working at least 900 hours yearly) employed by public or private NJ schools. The deduction covers expenses like books, computers, software, and classroom materials, excluding nonathletic health/PE supplies. The policy applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's Affordable Connectivity Program to provide up to $30 monthly discounts on broadband bills for low-income households (earning 50% or less of area median income) and very low-income households (earning 30% or less). The Department of Human Services will partner with broadband providers to offer these discounts, requiring households to apply with proof of income, residency, and eligibility. The program is funded by a $10 million appropriation from the General Fund, with providers receiving subsidies per eligible household. Households must reapply annually to maintain their discount.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds the right to use assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), to New Jersey's constitutional protections for reproductive choice. It explicitly expands existing rights - previously covering contraception, sterilization, and pregnancy decisions - to include choosing whether to use ART. The law states that any state, county, or local law limiting this right is invalid and unenforceable. It directly affects all New Jersey residents seeking or providing ART services, reinforcing access amid legal challenges in other states like Alabama. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans in New Jersey, including Medicaid and state employee plans, to cover specific family planning and reproductive health services without deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. It explicitly includes abortion (both aspiration and medication methods), emergency services for mothers/newborns, family planning counseling, genetic testing, pre/postpartum hospital care, and well-baby care. Childbirth itself is excluded from the required coverage. Religious employers may opt out under existing law, and exemptions for federal funding concerns are permitted but limited to the minimum necessary.