Asm. Cody Miller

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1303) strengthens tenant protections in New Jersey by restricting how landlords screen applicants and clarifying court procedures for habitability issues. Landlords cannot consider most past housing court cases when evaluating tenants (only recent judgments for eviction under specific conditions), must provide written reasons for denials including screening details, and face fines of $1,000+ for violations. It also clarifies that tenants or officials can seek court orders to fix unsafe living conditions (like lack of heat or plumbing) without requiring upfront rent deposits, and that such cases may be based on the basic right to habitable housing. The bill directly affects residential landlords and tenants in New Jersey, particularly those involved in housing court or habitability complaints.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the list of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding under New Jersey's FY2026 environmental infrastructure program. It updates which projects qualify for funding from existing state revolving funds (like the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds) and ensures unused balances from prior programs are reallocated to support clean water and drinking water projects. The bill directly affects the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which administers these funds for eligible municipal and public infrastructure projects. Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as the funding updates were already approved under P.L.2025, c.182.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It formally expresses the New Jersey General Assembly's appreciation to all its staff members - including the Chief Clerk, committee staff, administrative personnel, and others - for their dedication and service during legislative sessions. The resolution commends their "outstanding dedication, cooperation, and excellent work" in supporting the Assembly's operations. It requires the Clerk to send copies of the resolution to every staff member. As a procedural measure, it has no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill shortens the training timeline for governing board members at New Jersey's public colleges and universities from one year to six months after appointment, and requires all members to complete training within six months of each new term. The Secretary of Higher Education, not the institutions, will now set the training content to cover governance roles, ethics, financial management, legal issues, and board fiduciary responsibilities. Members who miss the deadline face a 30-day grace period, and failure to complete training may result in resignation and a two-year disqualification from serving on any public higher education governing board. The bill also repeals an outdated section of law and appropriates $350,000 annually for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires providers of developmental disability services under contract with New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to submit quarterly expenditure reports detailing how state funds are spent, including a 10% cap on general and administrative costs. The Office of the State Comptroller and DHS's Division of Developmental Disabilities must review these reports to verify costs are reasonable and properly documented. It also mandates annual unannounced facility visits to assess whether services meet individualized care goals and includes surveys for staff and families to provide feedback on provider performance. If providers violate reporting rules or fail to deliver effective services, DHS may take negative actions like non-renewal, but must follow due process for the provider.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey counties to choose cremation as an option for unclaimed bodies, instead of requiring burial. It clarifies that counties bear the cost of cremation or burial if no family or estate can pay, and requires hospitals to store unclaimed bodies for up to 30 days before county action. Cremated remains must be kept by medical examiners for at least one year before burial, and anyone claiming a buried body later pays disinterment costs. The bill directly affects counties (financial responsibility), hospitals (storage duties), and families (payment obligations for claims).

Maddy summaryThis bill increases compensation payments to New Jersey municipalities for land owned by the State or qualifying nonprofit organizations for recreation and conservation purposes. It raises the initial 13-year payments (based on prior tax assessments) and establishes new annual per-acre rates after year 13, ranging from $3 to $40 per acre depending on the percentage of conservation land in the municipality. Payments are funded from the General Fund, not constitutionally dedicated moneys, and apply only to permanently preserved land. Municipalities receive these payments to offset lost tax revenue, with rates increasing as conservation land makes up a larger portion of the municipality's total area.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey gross income tax credit for active members of volunteer fire departments, first aid squads, and rescue organizations who use personal vehicles for emergency duties. Eligible members receive a credit based on miles driven for emergency response, calculated using the IRS standard mileage rate (capped at $500 per individual or $1,000 for married couples filing jointly). To qualify, members must maintain active status, complete required service hours (400+ hours or attendance thresholds), and provide documentation through their organization. The credit directly reimburses volunteers for vehicle-related costs incurred while serving their communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $400,000 from New Jersey's General Fund to fund the "Patient Pet Food Security Wellness Program" through the nonprofit Living for a Cause. It directly assists patients in Burlington County and surrounding areas who are undergoing medical care and facing economic hardship, by providing pet food to reduce the financial burden of pet ownership. The funds will prevent pet surrender to shelters by ensuring these patients can afford pet food during medical treatment. The grant is distributed as part of the Department of Health's budget under the specified program.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits local governments and state agencies from approving new large warehouse construction (100,000+ sq. ft. storage facilities) on land within 1,000 feet of designated historic districts. It directly affects developers seeking permits for such warehouses near historic areas, with exceptions for specific redevelopment projects under existing law. The bill allows planning boards to grant waivers if developers request them, but requires approval before permits can be issued. It takes effect immediately for new applications not yet approved by the enforcing agency.