Asm. Al Barlas

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 2.5% surtax known as the "Corporate Transit Fee" that applied to corporations with New Jersey taxable income exceeding $10 million during tax periods starting in 2024-2028. It directly affects large corporations paying the Corporate Business Tax (CBT) in New Jersey, eliminating their requirement to pay this additional fee for future tax periods. The fee, which generated revenue for NJ Transit operations and capital projects starting in 2026, is now removed from law. The repeal takes effect immediately upon enactment, applying to all tax periods beginning after the bill’s passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 18-member Special Education Transportation Task Force to study and recommend best practices for transporting students with special education needs. The task force will focus on improving responses to medical and behavioral emergencies during transportation, safety protocols, access to necessary equipment, and communication with families. Composed of education officials, disability advocates, school staff, and parents, the group must submit its recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 12 months of forming. The bill does not create new laws but sets a process for evaluating and improving existing transportation practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill, now law as P.L.2025, c.272, provides employment protections for New Jersey paid first responders (including police, firefighters, EMTs, and 9-1-1 dispatchers) diagnosed with work-related PTSD. It prohibits employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against employees who take leave for qualifying PTSD treatment, requiring reinstatement to their previous position after documented recovery. Employers violating these protections face civil fines ($5,000 for first violation, $10,000 for subsequent), court-ordered reinstatement, lost wages, and attorney fees. The law applies only when PTSD arises from on-the-job trauma or vicarious trauma experienced during official duties.

Maddy summaryACR 36 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's annual property tax deduction for veterans from $250 to $1,250, effective 2024. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses who reside in New Jersey, allowing them to deduct this larger amount from property taxes or have taxes canceled if the bill is below $1,250. The amendment would require voter approval at the next general election following its passage. This change updates a long-standing provision that previously capped the deduction at $250. The bill does not alter eligibility requirements for veterans or surviving spouses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-129) would expand an existing exemption to allow honorably discharged veterans to park for free in municipal metered spaces when their vehicle displays a veteran-specific placard issued by New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Currently, only disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients receive this parking fee exemption. The bill specifies the exemption applies when the veteran is driving or a passenger, but not if the vehicle is parked more than 24 hours in one location. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans who use MVC-issued veteran placards in New Jersey municipalities with parking meters.

Maddy summaryBill A-102 requires advisory or temporary committees, councils, panels, or task forces (created by law) to meet at least once yearly to maintain activity. If they fail to meet or lack a quorum annually, the Secretary of State deems them inactive, terminating all member appointments and prohibiting them from using state, county, or municipal staff or resources. This applies to all such bodies established by statute or resolution, streamlining inactive entities without requiring new legislative action. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to promote New Jersey-made craft alcohol (beer, cider, mead, liquor) and the retailers who sell it. It establishes a "Certified Jersey Craft Alcohol Beverage Retailer" program requiring retailers to derive at least 10% of annual sales from NJ craft beverages to earn certification and use special signage. The program includes grants of up to $2,500 annually for certified retailers to support capital improvements or marketing, funded by 50% of tax revenue from craft beverage sales. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will manage the program, develop application guidelines, and track grant usage. The bill directly affects craft beverage producers (with specific licenses) and eligible retail businesses selling their products.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to earn extra credit toward their affordable housing requirements by reserving units for low- or moderate-income teachers. Specifically, each housing unit reserved for a teacher household earns one full credit plus half a bonus credit. The bill defines "teacher" broadly as anyone employed to teach pre-K through 12th grade in public or private schools. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires youth camps, recreation departments, and youth sports organizations (like Little League, soccer leagues, and police athletic leagues) to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) available on-site at all youth athletic events and practices held on their home fields. Organizations can comply if a certified first responder with an AED is present. The bill also provides legal immunity for organizations and their staff (including volunteers and coaches) who acquire or use AEDs under this requirement. These rules take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new exemption from jury service for individuals with qualifying developmental disabilities. It requires the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to develop and maintain a list of eligible people, define "developmental disability" (including conditions like autism or cerebral palsy that manifest before age 22 and cause significant life activity limitations), and create an online application form. To qualify, applicants must submit medical verification of their disability and other required information for AOC review. People approved for this exemption will be indefinitely excused from jury duty summons.