Asm. Dan Hutchison

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey high school students to complete a one-semester financial literacy course as part of their curriculum. The course must cover budgeting, savings, credit, debt, taxes, college financial planning, and other personal finance topics, while excluding primarily business or economic instruction. Teachers must hold specific endorsements (e.g., in Finance, Social Studies, or Business) to teach the course, and school districts must integrate it into graduation requirements for state-endorsed diplomas. The requirement applies to students entering 12th grade in the 2027-2028 school year.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A 3535 would allow developers to convert vacant office parks (50,000+ sq ft) and retail centers (15,000+ sq ft) with at least 40% vacancy into mixed-use developments (combining homes, shops, and offices) by temporarily overriding local zoning rules that prohibit such projects. It applies only to properties near transit, within designated planning areas, and not adjacent to hazardous sites or industrial zones. Developers must submit applications within 25 months of the bill's effective date to qualify for this zoning exemption. The bill aims to repurpose underused "stranded assets" without requiring special variances, focusing on properties meeting specific eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to incorporate cybersecurity education into grades 9-12 curricula, based on state-developed guidelines covering topics like internet safety, computer fundamentals, and career pathways. It also mandates the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to create model cybersecurity curricula for four-year colleges and community colleges to support degree programs. Additionally, the bill establishes a loan redemption program to help repay student loans for individuals working in approved cybersecurity occupations after completing qualifying degrees. These provisions directly affect K-12 schools, higher education institutions, students, and cybersecurity professionals in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3262) requires New Jersey automobile insurers to include an appraisal provision in all auto insurance policies. It directly affects policyholders who disagree with insurers on the value of a car claim (actual cash value or repair costs) or third-party settlement offers. If a dispute arises, the policyholder can select a repair shop for an estimate, then either party can request an independent appraisal by a neutral appraiser within 20 days. The appraisers must jointly determine the value within 20 business days, and if they disagree, an umpire or judge resolves the dispute. The bill does not take effect until 90 days after enactment and applies to claims filed after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes key deadlines for New Jersey counties handling property tax assessments. It moves the annual report deadline for county boards of taxation from August 15 to June 1, and shifts the equalization table submission deadline for county tax administrators from March 1 to May 15. These changes apply to most counties, though counties in specific programs (like the Property Tax Assessment Reform Act) retain their current deadlines. The bill updates administrative timelines to streamline property valuation reporting and review processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands requirements for public awareness signage about human trafficking. It adds 10 new locations where businesses and facilities must display the Commission on Human Trafficking's sign, including gas stations, staffing agencies, law enforcement offices, nail salons, and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission offices. The sign must be 8.5x11 inches, in 16-point font, and bilingual (English/Spanish), containing the national trafficking hotline number. Businesses failing to display or replace defaced signs face $300 fines for first offenses and $1,000 for subsequent violations. The bill directly affects the listed establishments by mandating visible signage to aid trafficking victims.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Tuition Aid Grant Program to cover eligible workforce training programs, directly affecting students seeking non-degree credentials in high-demand fields. To qualify, programs must require 150+ classroom hours, offer industry-valued credentials, and maintain 70%+ completion and job placement rates. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will designate eligible programs and set participation rules, while institutions must report program success metrics. This change allows workforce training participants to access state aid previously limited to degree-granting programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands protections for cooperating witnesses in New Jersey by authorizing state funding for their safety and relocation. It amends existing law to include cooperating witnesses (those testifying for prosecutors or working with law enforcement, including confidential informants) under the Crime Victim's Bill of Rights, guaranteeing them protection from harm and access to safety-related services. The bill specifically directs the Victim and Witness Advocacy Fund to cover relocation expenses for witnesses and their household members, plus safety costs like crisis response, counseling, and emergency services. These changes directly affect witnesses who cooperate with prosecutions and their families, ensuring they receive concrete support to safely participate in criminal justice proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's veteran property tax deduction rules to help veterans who purchase a home after October 1 but before December 31 of the tax year. It allows veterans to qualify for the deduction on their new home if they were previously eligible for the deduction on another property in the state before October 1. The key change removes the requirement that veterans must own the property by October 1, preventing loss of benefits when moving homes late in the year. This applies directly to veterans who become property owners after October 1 but before year-end.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how fire districts in New Jersey can request permission to raise property taxes above the standard 2% annual levy cap. Currently, fire districts must seek voter approval through a public referendum to exceed the cap, but this bill allows them to instead apply directly to the Local Finance Board for approval. The Board must consider the fire district's specific financial circumstances, such as budget changes or revenue shifts, when reviewing the request. If denied, the Board's decision is final for that fiscal year with no appeals allowed. This applies only to fire districts, not other local governments like municipalities.