Rep. Bob Auth

Maddy summaryAJR 27 is a ceremonial resolution designating May each year as "Law Enforcement and Correctional Police Officer Appreciation Month" in New Jersey. It calls for citizens and officials to observe the month with activities honoring these officers, and requests the Governor issue a proclamation to recognize their service. The bill directly affects all New Jersey law enforcement and correctional police officers by formally acknowledging their role in public safety through a symbolic annual observance. This is a non-binding resolution with no new funding, regulations, or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of State to match the Statewide voter registration system with jury records to identify and remove non-citizen voter registrants. Specifically, it mandates an agreement with the courts to cross-check voter data against juror records - including requests for excuses based on non-citizenship - to remove ineligible registrations. The matching applies retroactively to all available jury records since 1994, when New Jersey allowed voter registration at driver's license offices. This process aims to improve the accuracy of voter rolls by ensuring only eligible citizens remain registered.

Maddy summaryACR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey to create a property tax credit for seniors. It would provide a 50% credit on primary residence property taxes (capped at $10,000 annually) for residents aged 65 or older, with no income restrictions. The credit would be paid directly by the state to the municipality where the home is located, and surviving spouses who meet age and residency requirements would retain the credit. This amendment, if approved by voters, would enshrine this tax relief permanently in the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that spitting on a law enforcement officer's food or into their beverage is a third-degree aggravated assault, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a mandatory $15,000 fine. It directly affects restaurant employees who commit this act and requires restaurant employers to immediately suspend such employees upon criminal charges and terminate them if convicted. Employers who fail to comply face civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. The bill defines "restaurant" broadly but excludes mobile vendors and temporary food events.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires automatic recounts in New Jersey county and municipal elections where the vote difference is 10 votes or less, triggered by a candidate's request within 24 hours of election certification. The state covers recount costs, and recounts must be completed within three days of certification. It also creates three geographic regions (Northern, Central, Southern) for assigning Superior Court judges to handle election recount cases, with strict timelines: initial hearings within 36 hours of filing and appeals within 24 hours. The bill directly affects candidates in closely contested local races and election boards responsible for conducting recounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 341) removes the requirement that all school district boards of education in New Jersey must be members of the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA). It changes state law to make NJSBA membership optional, meaning school boards no longer have to pay dues, select a delegate to the association, or maintain membership. The key provision eliminates mandatory membership and associated financial obligations, allowing boards to choose whether to join or leave NJSBA at any time. This directly affects every school district board of education across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Medical Examiners to create a certification process for non-physicians (like licensed estheticians or technicians) to legally perform laser tattoo removal. It mandates that non-physicians must meet specific qualifications, pass approved testing, and complete continuing education to obtain certification. Certification is required before offering these services and must be renewed every two years. The law directly affects non-physician service providers seeking to enter the tattoo removal field, establishing standardized safety and competency requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires courts to place defendants charged with specific crimes - bail-restricted offenses or vehicular homicide - in pretrial home supervision instead of general release, if they are not detained before trial. It applies when a court orders release under existing law (P.L.2014, c.31) for these offenses. The key provision mandates that home supervision become a standard condition of release, ensuring defendants remain under monitored supervision while awaiting trial. This policy change directly affects individuals facing these charges who would otherwise be released without structured oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 550) allows individuals seeking to self-exclude from in-person casino gambling in New Jersey to submit requests through the Division of Gaming Enforcement's website, by mail, or in-person - expanding current options that previously required in-person visits to offices. It mandates the division to establish verification procedures specific to each submission method (e.g., confirming identity and intent for online vs. mail requests) and requires casinos to deny excluded individuals access to benefits like credit or promotions. The bill also protects casinos from liability if they accidentally allow excluded persons to gamble or disclose exclusion status in non-willful cases. It directly affects problem gamblers who voluntarily seek to restrict their casino access, aligning physical casino self-exclusion with existing online options.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1634) prohibits New Jersey local governments - including municipalities, counties, school districts, and public agencies - from naming public property (like roads, schools, parks, or buildings) after groups designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the federal government, excluding recognized sovereign nations. Local governments must remove existing names within 30 days and rename affected property within 90 days, with the state reimbursing associated costs. Violations trigger daily deductions from state aid, calculated by dividing annual aid by the number of fiscal days. The Division of Local Government Services must maintain and publish an annual list of designated terrorist groups for compliance.