Asm. Cody Miller

Maddy summaryACR 75 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow New Jersey municipalities to offer a partial property tax exemption of up to 15% on the assessed value of a primary residence for eligible volunteer first responders. It would require municipalities to pass an ordinance to implement the exemption, with each municipality deciding whether to offer it and the exact percentage (up to 15%). The exemption would apply only to active members of volunteer fire companies or first aid/rescue squads serving that specific municipality, and the home must be their primary residence within that municipality. If approved by voters, the Legislature would then need to pass a law enabling this program.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use funds from the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to provide grants or financial assistance to commercial, institutional, and industrial entities for projects that refurbish or upgrade existing electricity generation facilities. These projects must modernize, expand, or extend the lifespan of power plants, with a requirement that they demonstrate measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions or energy demand. The bill allocates 60% of the fund for this purpose, while 20% supports low-income residential energy programs, 10% aids local government climate initiatives, and 10% funds forest and marsh restoration. It specifies that projects must meet clear criteria for emissions reductions, including through technologies like carbon capture, and establishes administrative cost limits for managing the fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public colleges and universities to post a syllabus for every undergraduate course on their website. Each syllabus must include descriptions of major assignments, required readings (with titles/authors), and a general overview of lecture content. Institutions must make these syllabi available no later than seven days before course registration begins for each semester. The law applies to all undergraduate courses offered for academic credit at public higher education institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers with gross income of $85,000 or less to deduct certain higher education tuition and fee expenses paid during the year. The deduction applies to expenses for the taxpayer, their spouse, or dependents who are enrolled as matriculated students at accredited public or independent colleges or universities. It covers tuition and fees paid directly to the institution, not other education costs. The policy change takes effect immediately for taxable years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $34 million from constitutionally protected business tax revenues to fund farmland preservation grants. It provides counties with planning incentive grants covering up to 80% of the cost to acquire development easements on farmland, directly affecting eligible counties like Burlington, Gloucester, and Somerset. The funds are distributed through the State Agriculture Development Committee to support local efforts in preserving agricultural land. The grant amounts vary by county, with some receiving up to $8.5 million total. This policy change enables counties to protect farmland through permanent easements without requiring new tax revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Community Affairs to notify municipal clerks and mayors (or other chief executives) in writing whenever a license application is received for a cooperative sober living residence. Specifically, it applies to Class F license applications under N.J.A.C. 5:27-1.6 (or successor licenses) for these facilities. The notification must occur "as soon as practicable" after the application is submitted, informing local officials of the pending application. This change ensures municipalities are formally notified about proposed sober living residences within their jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Planning Commission to create a model ordinance for siting warehouses (like distribution centers) and update local zoning rules to align with it. Municipalities must adopt these model rules when updating their master plans and zoning, with the state providing $5 million in funding through the Department of Community Affairs to support this transition. The law directly affects local governments, which will need to revise their land-use regulations to incorporate the new warehouse siting standards. It aims to standardize warehouse development planning while giving communities flexibility to adapt the model to local needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1321) requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to revise its Pandemic Influenza Plan to better prepare for large-scale, long-running flu pandemics. The revision must address federal public health standards, clarify roles for all state agencies during emergencies, improve coordination with local health departments, establish crisis healthcare standards, and address health equity gaps exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DOH must solicit input from local health departments and stakeholders before updating the plan, which will be regularly reviewed and used to design emergency training exercises. The plan directly affects state agencies, local health departments, and healthcare systems responding to pandemic emergencies in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Bill A1696 updates optometrists' scope of practice by expanding their ability to provide eye care services. The bill allows optometrists to prescribe pharmaceutical agents (including controlled substances under specific conditions), administer immunizations for coronaviruses, flu, and shingles (for patients 18+), and perform minor procedures like removing superficial foreign bodies or treating chalazions. It also permits certain non-invasive laser/ultrasound treatments (e.g., trabeculoplasty) using only topical anesthesia, while explicitly prohibiting invasive eye surgery, orbital procedures, or general anesthesia. These changes apply to all optometrists practicing in New Jersey and require adherence to CDC guidelines for immunizations and reporting to the state immunization registry.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's alcohol licensing law to allow breweries with limited brewery licenses to operate up to 15 off-premises retail salesrooms (previously restricted to on-premises sales only). It permits breweries and wineries to jointly operate salesrooms on shared premises, expanding retail access for both. The key provision requires a $250 fee per salesroom and specifies that salesrooms must sell products in original packaging or open containers for on- or off-premises consumption. This directly affects licensed breweries and wineries seeking expanded retail options under New Jersey's current licensing structure.