Asm. Al Barlas

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding bill), not a law. It condemns the Alabama Supreme Court's 2023 ruling in *LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic* that classified embryos as "children," which caused Alabama IVF clinics to close. New Jersey's resolution expresses support for reproductive rights and reaffirms the state's commitment to protecting access to IVF services. It has no legal effect but serves as a public statement of policy alignment.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a $2,000 deduction from New Jersey gross income tax for eligible volunteer firefighters, first aid squad members, and rescue squad volunteers. To qualify, individuals must serve the entire tax year, meet specific duty requirements (60% fire service attendance or 400 duty hours for fire volunteers; 10% rescue service attendance or 400 duty hours for first aid/rescue volunteers), and hold required certifications (Firefighter I for fire volunteers or approved EMS training for rescue volunteers). Fire departments and first aid/rescue squads must submit annual lists of qualifying members to state agencies by March 31st. The deduction applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to create policies for emergency treatment of students with seizure disorders, specifically for administering nasal seizure rescue medication and using manual vagus nerve stimulators. It directly affects students with diagnosed seizure disorders, school nurses, and designated school staff trained to provide these emergency interventions. Key provisions include mandating written parental consent, requiring school nurses to train at least two volunteer staff members, ensuring medication access, and requiring hospital transport after emergency treatment. The policy also includes liability protections for school employees acting in good faith under the guidelines.

Maddy summaryACR 55 creates a special legislative committee to investigate costs in New Jersey's public employee health care programs. The committee will examine premium increases for state health benefits, contract disputes with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, allegations about Governor's Office interference in Treasury staff decisions, and the implementation of a 2019 law establishing fund subaccounts and third-party reviews. This procedural resolution does not change policy but mandates a fact-finding investigation to inform future legislative decisions. The committee’s report will recommend potential policy changes after reviewing these specific issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded program to reimburse full-time public school teachers in New Jersey for classroom supply expenses up to $250 per school year. Teachers submit receipts for approved supplies (like books or computer equipment), and districts distribute funds based on actual spending, with leftover money reserved for teachers who spent over $250. Any remaining funds at year-end are held in reserve for future reimbursements. The program is funded exclusively through federal pandemic relief funds (like the American Rescue Plan Act), not state taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to allow students attending nonpublic (private) schools to try out for and participate in their district's high school sports teams, provided they meet the same eligibility requirements as public school students. Nonpublic school students must provide proof of district residency and satisfy the district's standard requirements for sports participation, such as physical exams, academic standards, and fees. Districts may charge nonpublic students a fee up to the actual per-pupil cost of the sport (excluding those qualifying for financial hardship), but are not required to provide transportation or alter team schedules. The law does not change existing eligibility rules set by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.

Maddy summaryAJR 88 designates April of each year as "Autism Acceptance Month" in New Jersey. The bill requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities raising awareness about autism spectrum disorders. This resolution aligns New Jersey with the existing National Autism Acceptance Month in April and addresses the state's status as having the highest autism rate in the U.S., per CDC data. It focuses on awareness rather than new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to repeal a 2018 directive (No. 2018-6) that limited local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The directive previously prohibited police from sharing certain information with immigration officials - such as notifying them about detained individuals' release dates or extending detention solely based on immigration requests - when immigration enforcement was the sole purpose. The bill directly affects state, county, and local police departments by removing these restrictions on sharing information with federal immigration authorities. It aims to restore full cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies, as specified in the directive's current provisions. The repeal would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill gradually reduces New Jersey's Corporation Business Tax (CBT) rate for corporations filing tax returns. It lowers the standard tax rate from 7% for tax years ending after December 31, 2020, to 5% in 2021, 3% in 2022, and 2.5% in 2023. Small New Jersey S corporations with net income under $100,000 will see reduced rates (3.5% for 2020-2021, 2.5% for 2021 onward). The changes apply to corporations calculating tax under existing law, modifying the rate schedule in Section 5 of P.L.1945, c.162.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, directly affecting pet shops, breeders, brokers, and animal shelters/rescues. It requires pet shops to collaborate with shelters for adoption showcases (without payment), bans shelters from paying breeders for animals, and fines violators $1,000 per violation - with license revocation for three or more offenses. The law aims to disrupt the "puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline" by prioritizing adoption over commercial breeding sales. It does not affect pet shop sales of other animals or pet supplies.