Asm. Lisa Swain

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that mail-in ballot application forms, which voters return by mail, include prepaid postage paid by the State. It directly affects voters who apply for mail-in ballots using the physical form (as opposed to the electronic option starting in 2026) by eliminating the need for them to purchase postage. The key mechanism mandates that the Secretary of State’s application forms must include prepaid postage, ensuring voters can return their applications without cost. This change streamlines the process for mail-in ballot applicants without altering eligibility or voting procedures.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A2335 creates a voluntary "Pollinator Pathway" designation for municipalities that meet specific habitat standards. To qualify, towns must provide pollinator habitat, include native host plants supporting butterfly species (like milkweeds), offer seasonal nectar sources, ensure water/shelter access, and implement at least five conservation practices (e.g., reducing pesticides, using native plants, rainwater harvesting). The Department of Environmental Protection will issue a standardized sign to qualifying municipalities after a statewide logo contest every decade. This bill directly affects New Jersey municipalities seeking to enhance local ecosystems and support declining pollinator populations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A933) allows eligible residents to deduct education loan payments from their state gross income tax. Taxpayers with New Jersey taxable income under $75,000 can deduct both principal and interest on loans for their own education, while those earning $75,000-$150,000 can only deduct interest. For loans paid on behalf of a dependent, taxpayers earning under $100,000 can deduct principal and interest, and those earning $100,000-$175,000 can deduct interest only. The deduction uses federal definitions for "qualified education loan" and "dependent," and applies to taxable years starting after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a five-year pilot program for "creative crosswalks" in New Jersey, where public schools can submit student-designed crosswalks using colors and textures to improve visibility and beautify existing crosswalks. Public schools must apply with municipality approval, and up to 10 schools (with regional diversity) will be selected yearly to replace standard crosswalks with student-designed options. The program requires state officials to report on safety and participation after the pilot ends, focusing on low-cost, creative engagement for students.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3158) requires New Jersey's Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to submit an annual report to the oversight boards of each veterans' facility. The report must summarize the ombudsman's work related to veterans' facilities, document significant care system issues, analyze trends, and include recommendations to improve care quality and protect residents' rights. It mirrors the existing annual report the ombudsman submits to the Governor and Legislature but specifically targets veterans' facilities. The bill applies to all facilities designated as "veterans' facilities" under state law (P.L.1989, c.162). The report must be submitted by September 30 each year and made publicly available.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 20% refundable gross income tax credit for New Jersey taxpayers with gross income under $150,000 who are permanently disabled or age 65+. It applies to expenses paid to a registered health care service firm for in-home companion, health care, or personal care services provided at the taxpayer's residence. The credit excludes expenses reimbursed by insurance and is applied after other tax credits. It directly affects low-to-moderate income seniors and disabled residents needing in-home care support.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most residential landlords in New Jersey to provide a written or email receipt for each cash rent payment made by a tenant. It expands the requirement to cover all landlords renting properties for at least one month (excluding hotels, motels, or transient housing), removing previous exemptions for small landlords like those managing two-unit properties or owner-occupied homes with three units. The receipt must include the payment amount, date, purpose, and names of both landlord and tenant. Landlords who fail to comply face escalating penalties starting at $100 per violation, with higher fines for repeat offenses within five years.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's law enforcement agencies to collect specific applicant data - including identity details, position sought, employment status, and disqualification reasons - and submit it to a confidential database maintained by the State Police. The database will include information like name, address, social security number, and whether an applicant was disqualified (e.g., due to a positive drug test in the Central Drug Registry). All agencies must consult this registry before making job offers to applicants. The Attorney General must issue guidelines for data collection, disqualification criteria, and database confidentiality, ensuring the registry remains non-public.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits medical students, residents, and trainees from performing certain examinations on female patients who are anesthetized or unconscious without the patient's informed consent. It requires a supervising health care practitioner to first obtain the patient's consent or confirm the exam is medically necessary. Female patients must be allowed to choose whether to undergo such examinations before or after anesthesia if the exam relates to their procedure or is deemed necessary beforehand. The law applies to all clinical settings where these examinations occur and takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey taxpayers to exclude certain retirement plan contributions from their state gross income tax. It applies to contributions made to 401(k) plans, traditional IRAs, qualified pension plans, government deferred compensation plans (457 plans), and the federal Thrift Savings Fund. These contributions would be taxed upon withdrawal rather than at the time of contribution, effectively reducing taxable income for eligible taxpayers in the year they make contributions. The change would apply to contributions made in taxable years beginning January 1 following the bill's enactment.