Rep. Bob Auth

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a property tax exemption for New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities. It provides a proportional exemption based on disability percentage (up to 100%), covering veterans with conditions like paralysis, amputations, or total blindness, and caps partial exemptions at $10,000. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans or those who died in service also qualify for similar exemptions. Crucially, the state will reimburse municipalities 102% of the lost tax revenue from these exemptions to offset costs. The law amends existing veteran property tax protections under P.L.1948, c.259.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's assault statute (N.J.S. 2C:12-1) to increase penalties for assaulting specific public safety personnel. It designates assault on a Class Two special law enforcement officer while performing duties as aggravated assault, and adds that causing bodily injury through arson (violating N.J.S. 2C:17-1) that harms emergency services personnel (including firemen, medical staff, and law enforcement) is also aggravated assault. The bill does not include provisions allowing arson investigators to carry firearms, as that detail is absent from the provided bill text. The summary is based solely on the assault statute amendments included in the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 508) allows parties in existing family court cases (like custody or domestic disputes) to request a venue change to a different judicial district if they publicly comment on a Superior Court judge nominee's qualifications during a Senate committee hearing. Specifically, if a party makes oral remarks about the nominee's character or qualifications at such a hearing, they may file a motion to move their case to another district - avoiding the one where the nominee would serve if confirmed. The court must consider all parties' interests and grant the change only if there's a "substantial doubt" about fair treatment in the original venue due to the public remarks. The policy applies to nominations reviewed by the Senate after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey to grant real estate licenses without exams to professionals from other states who hold active licenses there, provided those states offer equal reciprocity and have licensing standards comparable to New Jersey's. It directly affects out-of-state real estate brokers, broker-salespersons, and salespersons seeking to practice in New Jersey. The New Jersey Real Estate Commission must grant these licenses under these conditions, and the rule applies to applications received on or after July 1, 2026. The bill does not change existing licensing requirements for New Jersey residents.

Maddy summaryThe "Stop Social Media Censorship Act" (A 530) creates a private legal claim for New Jersey users (18+) of major social media platforms (over 75 million subscribers, publicly accessible, non-affiliated with single religion/politics) whose political or religious speech is deleted, blocked, or algorithmically suppressed. If a platform violates this, users can seek $75,000 minimum statutory damages per incident, plus actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. The law explicitly excludes content involving calls for violence, obscenity, court orders, or minor-user bullying from protected speech. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year Statewide Animal Advocate Program within New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). It allows courts to appoint a special advocate in criminal cases involving animal welfare (such as cruelty or dog fighting charges) to represent the animal's best interests, rather than the owner or state. The advocate monitors cases, reviews records from vets and officers, shares information with attorneys, and recommends animal placement to the court. The program expires after two years, requiring a report on implementation and recommendations for continuation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits foreign governments and certain foreign persons from acquiring or owning land within 10 miles of military facilities in New Jersey. Existing foreign owners of such "protected land" must sell or transfer ownership to a U.S. entity within five years of the law's effective date. Limited exceptions allow temporary ownership for debt-related acquisitions (requiring sale within two years) or inheritance, but not for new purchases. The law does not apply to foreign entities covered by U.S. treaties.

Maddy summaryThis bill criminalizes squatting in vacant homes by creating three new offenses: "housebreaking" (forcibly entering without permission to live there), "unlawful occupancy" (living in a vacant home without permission), and "unlawful reentry" (returning after being evicted via court order). It presumes people know they lack permission unless they have a notarized rental agreement with the owner's contact details. The law directly affects individuals occupying vacant properties without legal authorization, making these acts fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. The bill aims to replace current eviction processes with criminal penalties for unauthorized occupancy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 519) changes how New Jersey handles funds in inactive online gaming accounts. It requires casinos to treat money left in accounts inactive for three years as "unclaimed property" under state law, instead of splitting it 50/50 between the casino and the casino control fund. Before closing such accounts, casinos must attempt to contact account holders via mail, phone, or computer. This directly affects online gamblers who do not access their accounts for three years, shifting the funds to the unclaimed property process. The change takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 946), now law as P.L.2025, c.177, requires mental health services to be provided in the communication method preferred by each deaf or hard of hearing individual - such as sign language or oral communication - based on their assessment. It mandates that mental health professionals be fluent in that method, trained in cultural needs, and able to collaborate with interpreters. The law also requires a state resource guide listing specialized mental health services and ensures individuals can help shape their own care plans. It directly affects all deaf or hard of hearing residents seeking mental health support in New Jersey, addressing long-standing barriers in access and care quality.