Asm. Dan Hutchison

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public utilities in New Jersey to include a clear bill insert for customers affected by any rate increase approved by the Board of Public Utilities. The insert must list each specific rate or fee change in plain language (in both English and Spanish, 12-point font) and explain the reason for the increase. It directly affects residential and business customers whose bills include approved rate hikes. The bill aims to improve transparency in utility billing practices by making rate changes easier for customers to understand.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3253) directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create two new programs: 1) A fixed monthly incentive for owners of geothermal energy systems (which use the earth’s constant temperature to heat/cool buildings), available to residential, commercial, industrial, and government entities, funded through existing energy program fees. 2) A grant program to help counties and municipalities join or maintain government energy aggregation programs (which pool buying power for cheaper electricity). The incentives must mirror solar energy program value, and both programs must be established within 18 months of the bill’s effective date. It directly affects property owners, local governments, and utilities by expanding clean energy adoption and aggregation options.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3264) proposes to expand New Jersey's cyber-harassment law to include online communications made with "reckless disregard for the safety of another," not just those intended to harass. It adds a new provision where reckless online threats, sharing lewd material recklessly, or making threats against someone's property or person could be charged as a disorderly persons offense (a less serious offense than current fourth-degree crimes). The bill directly affects people making online communications, minors found guilty of cyber-harassment (who may face mandatory education programs), and parents/guardians who fail to comply with court orders related to their minor's behavior. If enacted, it would change penalties for reckless online harassment from higher-level crimes to a less severe classification.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill provides temporary mortgage relief to homeowners directly impacted by Hurricane Ida's 2021 flooding. It requires mortgage servicers to grant a one-year payment pause (forbearance) to eligible homeowners who received federal disaster aid for storm-damaged primary residences, meet income limits (under 150% of median income), and have limited savings. During this period, servicers cannot charge fees, penalties, or report negative credit information, and must halt foreclosure actions. The relief applies only to those who obtained FEMA or similar federal assistance for damage sustained to their homes.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the tax rate on fire insurance premiums collected by out-of-state insurers from 2% to 3% for properties located in New Jersey. It directly affects non-New Jersey-based fire insurers and their agents/brokers who place insurance with such companies. The tax is calculated on premiums received during the prior year and paid annually to the New Jersey State Firemen's Association. Funds collected are allocated to local fire districts or, if no local association exists, to the New Jersey Firemen's Home for operational expenses and capital projects. The change applies to all fire insurance premiums excluding those on stored vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Regulatory Modernization Commission to review state regulations and reduce unnecessary burdens on businesses and residents. The commission, composed of 11 members including small business and regulatory experts, will annually assess rules, solicit public feedback via a digital portal, and publish reports with economic impact analysis. State agencies must respond to the commission’s recommendations within 90 days, though the commission has only advisory authority and cannot change regulations itself. The bill appropriates $250,000 for the commission’s operations and requires all findings to be posted publicly. (Bill A-1344, "New Jersey Regulatory Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act")

Maddy summaryThis bill allows businesses registered with New Jersey's Division of Revenue to opt into receiving official business notices (like new rules or economic incentives) via email instead of paper mail. It applies to most business entities (corporations, nonprofits, etc.) that file registration documents, excluding government agencies. Businesses must still maintain physical mailing addresses for legal notices, and paper mail remains required where state law specifically mandates it. The Division of Revenue will collect email addresses and share them with relevant agencies (like Taxation and Economic Development) to enable electronic notifications.

Maddy summaryAJR 45 is a ceremonial resolution designating March 31 of each year as "Jack Antonoff Day" in New Jersey. It honors Jack Antonoff, a Bergenfield-born musician and producer known for his work with Taylor Swift and other artists, as well as his advocacy for LGBTQ youth through the Ally Coalition. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day. It does not create new laws or allocate funds - only recognizing Antonoff's contributions to music and LGBTQ+ support. This is a symbolic gesture, not a substantive policy change.

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 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.