Asm. Bob Auth

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Non-Profit Loan Guarantee Pilot Program through the Economic Development Authority (EDA), providing loan guarantees to eligible non-profit organizations for constructing new facilities. To qualify, non-profits must be IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations with 10+ years of operation, prior state financial assistance, and must demonstrate plans to create 10+ full-time jobs and generate sufficient revenue (e.g., through ticket sales or donations) to repay loans. The EDA will use a dedicated fund - financed by the Economic Recovery Fund, loan repayments, and other EDA funds - to guarantee loans up to $15 million per organization for up to 20 years, with participating banks providing the actual financing. The EDA must report annually on program demand, effectiveness, and recommendations for improvement.

Maddy summaryThis bill would restore approximately $331 million in municipal aid reductions that occurred during fiscal years 2009-2011 by gradually increasing distributions from the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over five years. Starting in fiscal year 2017, municipalities would receive incremental increases (20% in 2017, 40% in 2018, 60% in 2019, 80% in 2020, and 100% starting in 2021) to fully restore aid levels from fiscal year 2012. The bill requires municipalities to subtract any additional aid received from their property tax levy when calculating their next year's tax amount. This directly affects all New Jersey municipalities that received aid from these funds, allowing them to lower property tax rates for residents while maintaining their overall aid levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals New Jersey's participation in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC). The compact would have required New Jersey to allocate its electoral votes to the presidential candidate who won the national popular vote, rather than the candidate who won in New Jersey. By removing the state's commitment to the compact, the bill ensures New Jersey's electoral votes will continue to be awarded based on the state's popular vote outcome, maintaining the current winner-take-all system. The repeal eliminates all statutory references to the agreement in New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryACR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's annual veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $1,250, effective 2024. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses who reside in the state, allowing them to deduct the full $1,250 from property taxes (or cancel the tax if it's less than $1,250). The current $250 deduction has remained unchanged since 2003, and this amendment requires voter approval to take effect. If passed, it would be the first increase since 1999, when the deduction rose from $50 to $250.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow eligible New Jersey seniors aged 65 or older with an annual household income under $50,000 to defer property tax payments on their primary residence. To qualify, seniors must own a home valued under $500,000 without a reverse mortgage. The deferral amount is limited to 110% of the previous year's taxes (adjusted for rebates) and cannot exceed 75% of the home's equity, with interest accruing at 9% annually. Payments become due upon the senior's death, sale of the home, or if the home ceases to be their primary residence (with limited health-related exceptions).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and distribute special blue envelopes for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes must hold driver's licenses, registration, and insurance documents, feature a distinct color recognizable to police, clearly identify the holder's diagnosis, and include communication guidance for law enforcement. It applies directly to autistic drivers, their parents, guardians, or caregivers who apply for the envelopes. The MVC must design these envelopes in consultation with autism advocacy groups, the Human Services Commissioner, and State Police. The bill draws from a 2020 Connecticut law and takes effect 12 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Attorney General to establish a formal agreement with the U.S. Attorney General under a federal immigration enforcement program (Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act). It would authorize specific, trained corrections officers in state and county facilities to investigate whether inmates are lawful U.S. residents *at the time of incarceration*. If an inmate's status is found to be unauthorized under federal law, officers would report this information to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agreement would outline training, reporting protocols, federal funding for costs, and clarify that these officers act under federal authority for legal immunity purposes. This directly affects designated corrections officers and inmates in New Jersey's correctional system.

Maddy summaryBill A805 amends New Jersey's bribery statute (N.J.S.2C:27-2) to criminalize accepting benefits (such as campaign contributions) as consideration for future official actions, even before taking office. It specifically applies to candidates for public office who solicit, accept, or agree to accept such benefits in exchange for future decisions or actions. The law sets penalties: second-degree crime (5-10 years in prison, up to $150,000 fine) for benefits over $200, or third-degree (3-5 years, up to $15,000) for $200 or less. It explicitly excludes standard campaign activities that comply with election laws, such as public speeches generating lawful contributions under the Campaign Contributions Act.

Maddy summaryACR 31 is a New Jersey legislative resolution applying to Congress for an Article V Convention of States. It seeks to propose constitutional amendments limiting federal government powers, imposing fiscal restraints on spending, and restricting terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution is a continuing application, meaning it remains in effect until two-thirds of U.S. states make similar requests on the same issue. This is a procedural step, not a law; it does not change existing federal policy but requests Congress convene a convention to consider specific constitutional amendments.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $2,000 tax exemption for New Jersey volunteer firefighters, first aid, and rescue squad members who meet specific service and training requirements. To qualify, firefighters must serve the entire year, respond to at least 60% of fire alarms and drills, and hold Firefighter I certification; rescue and first aid members must respond to at least 10% of rescue alarms and drills and have approved training or EMT certification. Volunteer organizations must submit annual lists of eligible members to the state for verification by March 31. The exemption applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment.