Asm. Cody Miller

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new mitigating factor to New Jersey's sentencing guidelines for defendants convicted of crimes. Specifically, it allows courts to consider whether a defendant suffered physical, sexual, or emotional abuse that contributed to their criminal behavior. The provision applies directly to individuals whose abusive past was a factor in their offense, requiring judges to weigh this circumstance during sentencing decisions. The bill does not change sentencing ranges but gives judges an additional consideration to potentially reduce penalties for eligible defendants. The bill was introduced to the Assembly Judiciary Committee on January 13, 2026, and remains pending.

Maddy summaryThis bill caps residential rental application fees at $50 for most properties, prohibiting landlords or agents from charging more. Landlords violating this limit face a $1,500 penalty per offense, with $250 of each penalty returned to the tenant. The $50 cap automatically adjusts annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the New York-Northern New Jersey area if inflation exceeds zero, and the fee limit does not apply to single-family or two-family homes. The bill also requires the Division of Consumer Affairs to create an online system for tenants to report violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) from approving electric or gas utility rate increases that would cause an average residential customer's annual bill to rise more than 2%. It directly affects residential utility customers and the BPU, which must deny any proposed rate hike exceeding this 2% annual cap on the average customer bill. The key provision sets a strict limit on total annual rate increases, regardless of individual utility company proposals or cost factors. The law takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to create special "U.S. Navy Retired" license plates for eligible veterans. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of honorable Navy discharge (via DD-214 form) and pay a $50 application fee plus a $10 annual renewal fee. All fees collected fund the "U.S. Navy Veteran License Plate Fund," which the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs uses to support programs for Navy veterans. The plates must display "U.S. Navy Retired" and Navy insignia, with design finalized in consultation with the Adjutant General. The bill does not create new programs but establishes a funding mechanism through license plate fees.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Assembly Resolution (AR 25) formally recognizes Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey - as one of the nation’s two surviving Negro League stadiums - and the annual football rivalry game between Montclair State University and William Paterson University held there. It does not create new laws or funding but publicly affirms the stadium’s historical significance and the cultural value of the university game. The resolution directs copies to university leaders, the Governor, relevant legislators, and the New Jersey Historical Society to support ongoing preservation and community engagement efforts. It specifically aims to honor the stadium’s legacy in African American sports history and promote its educational role.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2546) required New Jersey’s Commissioner of Education to develop guidelines for public school policies on student use of internet-enabled devices (like smartphones and tablets) during school hours, on buses, or at school events. The guidelines must prohibit non-academic use during class, allow exceptions for emergencies or health needs, and include age-appropriate rules for device storage and social media restrictions. School boards were then required to adopt policies based on these guidelines, ensuring consistency with federal disability laws and student health plans. Note: This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as P.L.2025, c.195.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public and nonpublic schools participating in federal meal programs to provide free breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, regardless of household income or federal eligibility status. It eliminates the current requirement for schools to verify family income or collect household data to determine meal eligibility. The policy change applies directly to all students in participating schools and replaces the existing income-based system with universal provision. The bill amends existing statutes to remove income verification requirements for meal eligibility under the National School Lunch Program and federal School Breakfast Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new disorderly persons offense for individuals who wear masks or disguises with the purpose of instilling fear, hindering prosecution, or avoiding arrest while committing another crime under New Jersey law. It specifically exempts people wearing masks for medical, religious, or expressive reasons (like cultural practices or health protection). To be charged under this law, a person must already face charges for the underlying crime and must have worn the mask/disguise during its commission. Violations carry penalties of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both, and the offense cannot be merged with other criminal charges for sentencing.

Maddy summaryThis bill redirects a portion of wine tax revenue to support New Jersey's agricultural branding program. Specifically, it requires the State Treasurer to deposit $0.21875 per gallon from taxes on wine, vermouth, and sparkling wine sales (paid by wineries) into the "Jersey Fresh Program Fund." The fund, established in 2017, will be fully appropriated annually to the Department of Agriculture to fund advertising, promotions, and quality grading for "Jersey Fresh" and related programs promoting locally grown food and products. This expands the fund beyond voluntary tax contributions to include dedicated wine tax revenue, directly supporting New Jersey farmers and consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-2262) increases tuition credit amounts for volunteer firefighters and first responders in New Jersey. It raises the annual credit from $600 to $1,250 per year of service, with a total maximum of $5,000 over four years (up from $2,400), for active members of volunteer fire companies or first aid/rescue squads, their spouses, and dependent children. The existing requirement that volunteers must agree to serve four years in exchange for the credit remains unchanged. The credit applies to tuition at county colleges, vocational schools, or technical institutes, subject to course availability.