Asm. Bob Auth

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts the sale of used passenger cars, motorcycles, motor homes, and off-road vehicles from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It applies to all retail transactions - whether sold privately, casually, or by dealers - where the vehicle has been previously owned and transferred from its original owner. The exemption removes the tax obligation for both in-state sales and out-of-state purchases of these secondhand vehicles. The policy change directly affects buyers and sellers of used motor vehicles across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill would change New Jersey's income tax system to a flat tax rate of 5.9% for taxable income over specific thresholds. For single filers, married individuals filing separately, and estates/trusts, the tax would apply to income over $37,500. For married couples filing jointly, heads of household, and surviving spouses, the tax would apply to income over $75,000. Taxpayers with income below these thresholds would not owe any income tax under this bill. This would replace New Jersey's current progressive tax system, which has rates ranging from 1.4% to 10.75% across multiple income brackets.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to use settlement funds from 3M Company to purchase equipment for cleaning up PFAS contamination. It establishes a dedicated "PFAS Settlement Remediation Fund" to cover both direct state purchases of filtration systems and reimbursements to local governments (counties/municipalities) that buy such equipment to remove PFAS from drinking water or other contamination sites. Local governments must submit receipts for reimbursement, and the DEP must report annually on fund expenditures. The bill ensures settlement money is exclusively used for PFAS cleanup equipment, not other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school districts and charter schools to verify the work authorization of teaching staff and school employees using the federal E-Verify system. Starting with hires for the next full school year after enactment, schools must check eligibility at hiring and annually thereafter. It directs the state education commissioner to provide guidance on the requirement and federal E-Verify rules to school boards. The bill explicitly allows schools to hire noncitizen teachers with valid limited certificates under existing state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the sales tax rate by 50% on used passenger cars, motorcycles, motor homes, and off-road vehicles sold in New Jersey. It applies to all types of sales - including private transactions, casual sales, and dealer sales - where the vehicle has been previously owned (i.e., transferred from the original buyer). The tax cut lowers the effective rate to 3.3125% (based on current rates), directly affecting buyers of secondhand vehicles. The change takes effect two months after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A6023) requires owners of venues hosting large public gatherings (1,000+ capacity, like stadiums, theaters, and arenas) and youth sports organizations (e.g., Little Leagues) to maintain an automatic external defibrillator (AED) on-site at events. It mandates that AEDs be accessible 24/7, properly maintained, and staff trained in their use, with specific protocols for cardiac emergencies. Venues must display clear signage, notify emergency services, and ensure certified personnel are present during events. Non-compliance carries civil penalties ($250-$1,000 per violation), while proper AED use provides legal immunity for venues and staff. The bill excludes church halls and similar religious spaces from coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the threshold for two real estate transfer fees from $1 million to $2 million. It applies to the sale of residential, commercial, farm properties (with residential use), and cooperative units when the sale price exceeds $2 million, and to controlling interest transfers in commercial property entities when the value exceeds $2 million. Both fees remain at 1% of the sale price or value. As a result, transactions valued between $1 million and $2 million will no longer be subject to these fees and taxes.

Maddy summaryThe "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act" (S 3309) requires used car dealers to check for open recalls on vehicles before sale using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website and provide prospective buyers with printed recall information if any are found. Dealers cannot sell vehicles subject to stop-sale or do-not-drive notices issued by NHTSA. The bill mandates dealers to report vehicles with unresolved recalls (for which repairs remain uncompleted six months after initial notice) to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission every 180 days, prompting the Commission to send notices directly to vehicle owners. For vehicles with unavailable parts for recalls, dealers receive monthly compensation equal to 1.75% of the vehicle's value until repairs are completed.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a bill) establishing a special committee. It creates the "Assembly Special Committee on Staten Island Annexation" with 12 members (6 appointed by the Assembly Speaker, 6 by the Minority Leader). The committee's sole purpose is to investigate New Jersey's historical, legal, and geographic claims to Staten Island - including colonial land grants, the 1834 boundary compact, and relevant case law - and to report on lawful avenues for annexation, subject to consent from Staten Island residents, New York State, and Congress. The committee must publish a final report after completing its work.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents New Jersey electric utilities from charging customers for electricity during power outages. It requires utilities to reduce fixed monthly charges (not tied to usage) by an amount proportional to the duration of any service interruption. Additionally, utilities must repair damaged street lights under their maintenance within 10 business days of notice and cannot bill customers for those lights until repairs are complete. These provisions directly affect residential and business customers who experience power disruptions or rely on street lighting maintained by utilities.