Asm. Bob Auth

Maddy summaryThis bill adds Bergen County to the list of pilot counties allowed to participate in New Jersey's "Common Sense Shared Services Pilot Program." It directly affects municipalities in Bergen County and tenured local employees in specific roles (municipal clerks, chief financial officers, assessors, tax collectors, municipal treasurers, or public works managers). The key mechanism allows these municipalities to enter shared services agreements under existing law, where tenured employees in these roles may be dismissed if not selected to provide services across multiple municipalities, but they retain the right to return to their original positions if the agreement ends within two years. The program aims to evaluate whether sharing these services can reduce local costs for taxpayers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 575) raises the threshold for a 1% fee on commercial real property transfers from $1 million to $2 million. It directly affects purchasers of commercial properties (Class 4A) or controlling interests in entities holding commercial real property valued above $2 million. The key change is increasing the trigger amount for the fee, which is now calculated as 1% of the transfer value exceeding $2 million. The fee must be paid by the purchaser and collected by county recording officers at the time of deed recording. This adjustment applies to transfers recorded after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's bribery statute to criminalize offering, accepting, or agreeing to accept benefits as consideration for future official actions - even before someone takes office. It directly affects candidates for public office and individuals seeking political positions, prohibiting them from soliciting or accepting benefits (like campaign contributions) in exchange for future decisions or favors. The law explicitly excludes general campaign activities, speeches, or lawful contributions under campaign finance laws, focusing only on direct quid pro quo arrangements. Violations are classified as second-degree crimes (up to 10 years in prison), or third-degree if the benefit is $200 or less.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that defendants charged with specific child-related offenses must be held in pretrial detention unless they prove otherwise. It directly affects individuals accused of child sexual abuse (sexual assault or criminal sexual contact with a minor) or endangering a child's welfare when the victim is a minor. Under the bill, courts must presume pretrial detention is necessary for these cases without requiring the prosecutor to prove it, shifting the burden to the defendant to demonstrate why release would be safe. The presumption applies only to the exact offenses listed in the bill text, such as N.J.S.2C:14-2 (sexual assault with minor victim) and N.J.S.2C:24-4 (endangering welfare of a child). Defendants may challenge this presumption at a hearing but remain detained pending appeal.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Division of Unemployment Insurance within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The audit will examine whether the division efficiently uses funds (both federal and state), has enough staff to meet legal requirements, processes applications effectively (especially during emergencies), and operates its IT systems cost-effectively. The State Auditor must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within 90 days detailing findings and recommendations. This bill directly affects the Unemployment Insurance division's operations and oversight, without creating new benefits or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to give priority processing to applicants seeking a firearms purchaser identification card or handgun permit when they are subject to an active domestic violence restraining order (as defined under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act). It directly affects victims of domestic violence who are applying for firearm permits, ensuring their applications are handled more quickly. The key mechanism adds a priority status to these applicants during the permit issuance process, without changing the existing prohibition on issuing permits to individuals subject to restraining orders. The change streamlines access for eligible victims while maintaining the existing restriction on firearm access for those with restraining orders against them.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits home-based small businesses to operate as "permitted accessory uses" in residential zones without needing special zoning variances, directly affecting homeowners running small businesses from their homes. It establishes eight specific requirements they must meet, including compatibility with residential use, no visible signs or excessive traffic, no noise or pollution, and compliance with insurance rules. Municipalities cannot require ordinance changes to comply but may set local standards for guest volume or delivery traffic. The bill does not override community deed restrictions or affect existing zoning that aligns with its provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey public and private institutions of higher education from receiving state funding if they boycott or divest from Israel-supporting businesses or Israeli entities. Specifically, it blocks state operating aid, student scholarships, and certain bonds if an institution boycotts Israeli goods, boycotts companies doing business with Israel, divests due to a company's support for Israel, or supports the BDS movement. Exceptions apply for divestment due to "prudent economic reasons." The law directly affects all higher education institutions in New Jersey, including their endowment funds and departments. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county clerks to publicly report provisional ballot data for each election district during primary and general elections, starting on election day instead of the following day. County clerks must provide daily updates online detailing the number of provisional ballots cast, their results, and remaining counts - broken down by district - until the election is certified, with a final report due within 30 days of certification. These reports must be accessible on county websites and include timestamps, noting they are unofficial and subject to change. The bill directly affects election officials (county clerks and boards) and the public, increasing transparency about provisional ballot processing.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new maximum hour limits for emergency medical technician (EMT) certification in New Jersey. It requires that all combined training for EMT-Basic certification (including coursework, clinical training, and field experience) must not exceed 90 hours, and additional certifications for EMT-Basics must not exceed 30 hours. Training agencies offering EMT-Basic programs must comply with the 90-hour limit to maintain certification. The bill directly affects EMT trainees, training programs, and the State Board of Medical Examiners by standardizing and reducing the required training duration.