Asm. Dan Hutchison

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A5513 (introduced March 2025) requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a public information campaign about utility meter inspections and calibration. The campaign must inform electric, gas, and water utility customers - directly affecting all residential and business customers - about meter testing requirements, how often meters must be checked, and procedures for disputing billing errors. It mandates clear details on independent meter accuracy verification, dispute timelines, and available resources, delivered through BPU and utility websites, multilingual printed materials (English/Spanish), and a toll-free hotline. The bill focuses on transparency in billing processes without altering utility rates or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a 30% surtax on electric public utilities in New Jersey that earn "windfall income" - defined as taxable net income exceeding 20% above their five-year average. The surtax applies to the excess income amount, in addition to the utility’s regular corporate business tax. All revenue collected (excluding funds constitutionally reserved for open space/farmland) must be distributed proportionally to all ratepayers of the affected utility via the Board of Public Utilities. It targets utilities that see unusually high profits compared to their historical performance, directing the tax revenue back to consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to improve public access to their rulemaking processes. It mandates that agencies publish detailed information online, including organizational descriptions, permit fees, deadlines, final decisions, and a quarterly rulemaking calendar. Agencies must now provide a 90-day public comment period for proposed rules (up from 60 days) and make all rulemaking documents accessible via websites. These changes directly affect all state agencies by increasing transparency and public engagement in regulatory decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a fee refund program for New Jersey businesses applying for state permits, licenses, or certifications. State agencies must submit detailed catalogs of their permit types, fees, and processing times to the Governor, who will then set recommended processing deadlines. If an agency exceeds these deadlines after receiving a complete application, it must refund the application fee (to the extent allowed by law), without affecting the application's outcome. The program applies to all state departments, boards, commissions, and authorities issuing such permits.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-run insurance plan to provide coverage for New Jersey homeowners who cannot obtain standard homeowners insurance, with special focus on those facing flood risks. It requires all licensed insurers in New Jersey to participate in the plan and offer coverage as defined by the commissioner's rules. Key provisions include establishing fair pricing rules to ensure financial stability, prohibiting external subsidies for the plan, and allowing insurers to transfer applicants to other providers through a limited assignment system. The plan must be reported on annually to the legislature and governor, including actuarial reviews of its financial health.

Maddy summaryBill A5451 prohibits most institutional investors (such as large real estate firms, corporations, or trusts owning significant properties) from purchasing or acquiring single-family homes in New Jersey, including townhomes. Key exemptions include nonprofits developing affordable housing, family trusts, family LLCs, small investors owning four or fewer homes, and properties acquired through foreclosure. Violators must sell the home within six months and pay profits to the state, with daily fines of $500 for first offenses. The law requires annual reporting to the Department of Community Affairs and applies to all home purchases after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5446) prohibits New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) from approving electric or gas utility rate increases that would raise the average residential customer's annual bill by more than 2%. It directly affects residential utility customers across New Jersey by capping annual rate hikes. The key mechanism requires the BPU to reject any proposed rate increase projected to exceed this 2% annual limit on average residential bills. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement that health care sharing ministries (HCSMs) must have been continuously operating since December 31, 1999, allowing new HCSMs to be created without this historical barrier. It exempts HCSM members from New Jersey's minimum essential coverage mandate, meaning they no longer need health insurance or pay a tax for coverage. The bill establishes new transparency rules requiring HCSMs operating in New Jersey to post detailed annual reports on their websites, including participant numbers, financial data, and operational information. Non-compliance may result in penalties or legal action from the state's Consumer Affairs Director.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program to include disabled residents who receive disability payments under the federal Railroad Retirement Act (45 U.S.C. § 231 et seq.). Currently, only disabled individuals receiving payments under the federal Social Security Act (Title II) qualify for this reimbursement. The bill expands eligibility by adding Railroad Retirement disability payments as a qualifying source, without altering existing income thresholds or residency requirements. This change would allow more disabled New Jersey residents to claim property tax reimbursement on their primary residence if they meet all other program criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7.65 million from New Jersey's "Securing Our Children's Future Fund" to expand career and technical education programs at the Cumberland County Technical Education Center. The funding is specifically directed to this single institution in Cumberland County for vocational program enhancements. The bill does not create new programs but allocates existing state funds for immediate use under the Securing Our Children's Future Bond Act.