Asm. Bob Auth

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey electric utilities from raising rates specifically to cover smart meter installation costs. It requires utilities to publicly disclose rate increase details (amount, date, reasons, and impact) 30 days before and after any increase, with fines up to $10,000 for noncompliance. For rate hikes causing a 5%+ average bill increase, utilities must report to the federal Department of Energy 60 days in advance and provide annual reports on service interruptions and overdue bills. The bill also bans disconnecting service or charging late fees for affected ratepayers for six months following such significant increases. These provisions directly protect residential and business electricity customers from unexpected costs while increasing utility transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires community group home applicants to obtain local government approval before applying for a state license. Specifically, it mandates that applicants get a "certificate of preliminary approval" from municipal officials confirming the home meets all local zoning and land use regulations. This applies directly to organizations seeking to operate community group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities or addiction needs. The state department of human services cannot issue a license without this municipal approval, adding a new local review step to the licensing process.

Maddy summaryACR 30 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt the first $60,000 of the assessed value of a senior citizen's primary residence from property taxes. This would directly affect New Jersey residents aged 65 or older who own their primary home and pay property taxes. The exemption would reduce the taxable portion of their home's assessed value, lowering their annual property tax bill. The amendment requires voter approval in a statewide election to become part of the New Jersey Constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 232) creates a 10% tax credit against New Jersey's gross income tax for businesses that spend money on research and development (R&D) activities conducted within New Jersey. It directly affects companies subject to New Jersey's gross income tax that incur qualified R&D expenses or make basic research payments, including those that previously couldn't claim the federal R&D credit. The credit is calculated similarly to the federal version but only applies to R&D done in New Jersey, and it cannot be used for expenses already covered by other tax benefits. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to seven years. The goal is to incentivize in-state R&D investment to support technological and economic growth.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's domestic violence restraining order procedures to strengthen protections for victims. It requires courts to hold hearings within 10 days, apply a standard where the victim must show abuse is more likely than not, and consider factors like past abuse and immediate safety risks. The bill mandates that restraining orders prohibit defendants from possessing firearms and require immediate surrender of weapons, while also allowing courts to order monetary compensation for victims' losses - including counseling costs, property damage, and other expenses. These changes directly affect victims and defendants in domestic violence cases by clarifying court procedures and enhancing safety measures.

Maddy summaryBill A 860 temporarily lowers New Jersey's corporate tax rate from 9% to 7.5% for five tax years (starting in 2027) and repeals the separate 2.5% corporation business surtax. It directly affects most corporations and partnerships with annual net income under $100,000, reducing their tax burden by eliminating the surtax and lowering the base rate. The bill applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2027, through 2031, and is pending before the Assembly Commerce Committee. This is a concrete tax rate change, not a procedural measure, affecting business tax obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey school districts from banning active or retired law enforcement officers (including school resource officers) or registered security officers from carrying firearms while performing school security duties, provided those officers are already authorized to carry firearms under state law. It directly affects school districts that contract with such officers, requiring them to allow firearm carry during security duties if state law permits it. The key provision overrides existing restrictions (like N.J.S.2C:39-5) that might otherwise prevent officers from carrying weapons in schools. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain Class Two special law enforcement officers in New Jersey to carry firearms at all times while in the state, under specific conditions. It directly affects officers employed by municipalities with over 300,000 residents who work at least 35 hours weekly, meet residency requirements, and complete 280 hours of required training (covering arrest, search, criminal law, and deadly force) plus annual firearm qualification. The key provision permits off-duty carry only after successfully completing the training and obtaining an annual permit from the chief of police, which can be revoked. This replaces the prior rule requiring officers to return firearms at the end of their workday.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows members of New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) who participated in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations to qualify for accidental disability retirement benefits. It presumes that disabilities resulting from these operations - such as respiratory illnesses, PTSD, or skin conditions - are work-related, eliminating the need to prove direct connection to duties. To qualify, members must have worked at least eight hours at the site between September 11-12, 2001, or have a documented injury preventing them from completing eight hours. The change applies specifically to disabilities linked to 9/11 exposure, streamlining eligibility for affected first responders and workers.

Maddy summaryAJR 16 designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize service dogs' role in assisting veterans with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to promote public awareness, highlighting that service dog training costs $3,000-$5,000 (not covered by veterans' benefits) and relies on nonprofit organizations like Paws Healing Heroes. This ceremonial resolution does not create new funding or legal requirements but aims to honor the support service dogs provide to veterans.