Asm. Al Barlas

Maddy summaryThis bill streamlines EMT-Basic certification in New Jersey for veterans who served as Combat Army Medics or Navy Hospital Corpsmen (or equivalent roles). It allows eligible veterans to bypass standard training requirements if they hold a current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification, have served in those specific military roles, and pass a background check. The bill also requires the Department of Health to publish clear online guidance about these streamlined requirements. This directly affects honorably discharged veterans with qualifying military medical experience seeking EMT certification.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill allows businesses to claim a tax credit equal to 10% of wages paid to employees with developmental disabilities (verified by the state’s Division of Developmental Disabilities). The credit is capped at $3,000 per employee and $60,000 total per business annually for both corporation business tax and gross income tax. Businesses cannot claim this credit for the same employee if they also claim credits under existing disability employment programs. The credit applies to wages paid for any employment setting, not just specialized workshops.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to keep nasal rescue medications (like diazepam or midazolam sprays) and portable oxygen devices in secure, accessible locations throughout all school buildings and during school events. School nurses must designate trained staff to administer these during seizures if the nurse isn't present, after obtaining parental written consent and confirming staff training through state-established protocols. Parents must sign agreements acknowledging the school has no liability for injuries from administration and agree to cover potential costs. The state will reimburse districts for these costs, with training protocols developed by the Department of Education and Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to conduct biennial (every two years) on-site inspections of all licensed nursing homes and assisted living facilities to ensure compliance with uniform safety and care standards. Within 180 days of the bill's effective date, the Department must establish these standards for facility operations. Inspection reports will be posted online for public access, and the Department may conduct additional reviews as needed. The bill directly affects all licensed nursing homes and assisted living facilities operating in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1.5 million annually from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund to support the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP) or its successor. NJMEP is a nonprofit organization that helps New Jersey manufacturers improve competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency through customized training and technical assistance. The funding is designated as a permanent, dedicated source within the broader workforce development fund, separate from other allocations for worker training programs. This provision ensures consistent financial backing for NJMEP's services to manufacturers across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New Jersey's annual property tax deduction for eligible seniors (65+), persons with disabilities, and veterans from $250 to $500. It directly affects qualifying residents who own or occupy their primary residence, allowing them to reduce their property tax bill by the new higher amount each year. The deduction would take effect starting in 2024, but only after voters approve a constitutional amendment to formalize the change. The bill amends existing laws (P.L.1963, c.171 and c.172) to update the deduction amounts and includes specific provisions for veterans living in continuing care retirement communities.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A119) creates a rebuttable presumption requiring pretrial detention for defendants charged with motor vehicle theft (N.J.S. 2C:20-2) that caused death, serious injury, or created a substantial risk of such harm. It directly affects individuals facing these specific theft charges, shifting the burden to them to prove they should not be detained before trial. The key mechanism establishes that courts must detain such defendants unless they demonstrate that no bail or release conditions could reasonably assure court appearance, community safety, or prevent obstruction of justice. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee after its January 13, 2026, introduction.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 117) allows eligible volunteer firefighters, first aid, and rescue squad members to claim a $5,000 deduction from their state income tax. To qualify, volunteers must serve the entire tax year and meet specific duty requirements: firefighters need 60% fire service attendance (or 400+ duty hours with ≤50% drills) plus Firefighter I certification, while rescue members need 10% rescue service attendance (or 400+ duty hours) plus EMT training. Departments must verify eligibility annually by submitting lists to state health or community affairs departments by March 31, and taxpayers must provide proof with their tax claim. The deduction applies to tax years starting after the bill’s enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the threshold for a 1% fee on commercial real estate transfers from $1 million to $1.5 million, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. It directly affects commercial property sellers and buyers in New Jersey whose transfer value exceeds $1.5 million (adjusted yearly for inflation). The fee applies only to Class 4A "commercial properties" transferred for consideration above the new threshold, collected by county recording offices. The change simplifies the fee structure for most commercial transactions while ensuring the threshold keeps pace with inflation.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates a $500 minimum fine for underage possession or consumption of alcohol or cannabis in locations like schools, public places, or vehicles. It removes prior provisions that allowed written warnings for first and second offenses and community referrals for third offenses, replacing them with a direct disorderly person offense penalty. Now, any violation by an individual under the legal age for purchasing alcohol or cannabis will result in a minimum $500 fine. The bill directly affects underage individuals found in possession or consumption in the specified locations.