Asm. Cody Miller

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's film and digital media tax credit program to include wages and salaries paid to workers not subject to New Jersey's gross income tax due to reciprocity agreements with other states. It expands the definitions of "qualified film production expenses" and "qualified digital media content production expenses" to cover these payments, including compensation paid to workers from states like Pennsylvania with which New Jersey has reciprocal tax agreements. The bill also updates the definition of "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include workers whose wages aren't subject to New Jersey tax due to reciprocity agreements. The changes apply retroactively to January 1, 2024, allowing taxpayers who haven't used their tax credit certificates to receive revised certificates under the new rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to screen all students in kindergarten through third grade three times annually using assessments that measure reading skills like phonological awareness and decoding to identify those not reading at grade level or at risk of falling behind. The New Jersey Department of Education must establish a working group on student literacy, contract with at least two approved assessment providers, and make these assessments available to schools. School districts must notify parents within 15 days of a reading concern, provide evidence-based interventions, and annually report screening data to the state.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 138) symbolically designates June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New Jersey. It urges public officials and citizens to commemorate the month with appropriate activities, recognizing the contributions and struggles of LGBTQIA+ individuals (including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and non-binary people). The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the community's achievements and ongoing advocacy. It follows similar designations by federal and state governments, emphasizing visibility and equality.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two new benefit programs under New Jersey's Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) cash assistance program. It provides eligible participants with a $14 monthly benefit for menstrual hygiene products (tampons, pads, or cups) for individuals aged 18-50, and a $30 monthly benefit per child under 36 months for diaper products. Benefits are added to participants' existing WFNJ electronic cards on the same schedule as regular benefits, with unspent funds carrying over monthly. The $2.5 million appropriation funds these programs, which directly affect low-income WFNJ recipients and their dependent children.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's film and digital media content production tax credit program to expand eligibility for tax credits. It specifically modifies the definitions of "qualified film production expenses" and "qualified digital media content production expenses" to include wages paid to employees who are exempt from New Jersey income tax due to reciprocity agreements with other states, such as Pennsylvania residents. The bill also updates the definition of "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include these workers. These changes apply retroactively to January 1, 2024, allowing taxpayers who received tax credit certificates before this date to surrender them for new certificates under the revised terms. The changes directly affect film and digital media production companies operating in New Jersey that employ workers from states with income tax reciprocity agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for teacher candidates in New Jersey to pass a basic skills test (such as the Praxis Core) to obtain certain teaching certificates. Specifically, it eliminates the need for candidates seeking a certificate of eligibility, certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, provisional certificate, or standard instructional certificate to complete a Commissioner-approved test of basic reading, writing, and math skills. The change directly affects individuals pursuing teaching certification in the state by streamlining the certification process. It repeals the existing law requiring these tests, making certification more accessible for educators meeting other standard qualifications. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's requirements for inspecting residential rental properties for lead-based paint hazards. It mandates that municipalities inspect rental units at tenant turnover or every three years (with lead-safe certifications now valid for three years), while repealing an outdated provision requiring the Department of Community Affairs to conduct these inspections. The bill also modifies inspection methods based on local child blood lead level data and requires municipalities to report lead hazard findings to the Department of Community Affairs. These changes aim to streamline lead hazard inspections while maintaining protections for tenants, particularly children, from lead paint exposure.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4081) imposes civil penalties on employers who threaten or disclose an employee's immigration status to prevent them from reporting violations of state labor laws. It directly affects employers and immigrant workers, particularly in cases where employers withhold wages, benefits, or comply with tax laws and then pressure workers about their immigration status. The bill adds tiered penalties: $1,000 for a first violation, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for subsequent violations per affected employee. These penalties apply in addition to existing penalties under laws like the New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law, targeting employers who misuse immigration status to conceal other violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates the sale of "intoxicating hemp products" in New Jersey by requiring sellers to be licensed by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. It defines intoxicating hemp products as those containing more than 0.5 milligrams of total THC per serving or 2.5 milligrams per package, prohibits sales to anyone under 21, and bans products not derived from naturally occurring biologically active chemical constituents. Violations carry escalating fines: $100 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $10,000 for third and subsequent offenses. The bill clarifies that hemp products meeting the THC limits (not more than 0.3% on dry weight basis) remain regulated under the Hemp Farming Act, while intoxicating products fall under cannabis regulations. It also requires the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to develop a public education program for businesses on these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10,067,905 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for grants to nonprofit organizations. The funds will support 11 land acquisition projects ($5.7 million), four park development projects ($3.58 million), and two stewardship activities ($309,000) across multiple counties. These grants will help nonprofits acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, with $479,000 allocated for DEP administrative costs. The bill specifies that funds come from dedicated tax revenues established by the Preserve New Jersey Act and will support specific projects approved by the DEP.