Asm. Chris DePhillips

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-426) requires all operators and riders of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters in New Jersey to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet meeting state safety standards. It directly affects anyone using these vehicles for transportation, including those riding in attached seats. The law imposes fines of up to $25 for a first violation and $100 for repeat offenses. The bill aims to reduce head injuries, citing increased crash risks compared to traditional bicycles. It is pending before the Assembly Public Safety Committee after being introduced on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the deadline for filling vacancies in four county offices (surrogate, clerk, register of deeds and mortgages, sheriff) when a vacancy occurs near an election. If a vacancy happens within 70 days before a general election (previously 37 days), the seat will be filled at the *next* general election instead of the immediate one. This aligns with existing rules for other offices and ensures sufficient time for mail-in ballot processing under state and federal requirements. The change affects how county offices are staffed during election cycles but does not alter the appointment process or political party requirements for filling vacancies.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for identity theft when the victim is a senior citizen (62+) or veteran. It elevates the offense level: a first offense against these vulnerable groups becomes a third-degree crime (previously fourth-degree), and repeat offenses become second-degree crimes (previously third-degree). The bill also raises penalties for cases involving multiple victims when at least one victim is a senior or veteran. These changes apply to all identity theft offenses under New Jersey law that cause financial harm or fraud.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds Bergen County to the list of pilot counties allowed to participate in New Jersey's "Common Sense Shared Services Pilot Program." It directly affects municipalities in Bergen County and tenured local employees in specific roles (municipal clerks, chief financial officers, assessors, tax collectors, municipal treasurers, or public works managers). The key mechanism allows these municipalities to enter shared services agreements under existing law, where tenured employees in these roles may be dismissed if not selected to provide services across multiple municipalities, but they retain the right to return to their original positions if the agreement ends within two years. The program aims to evaluate whether sharing these services can reduce local costs for taxpayers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Division of Unemployment Insurance within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The audit will examine whether the division efficiently uses funds (both federal and state), has enough staff to meet legal requirements, processes applications effectively (especially during emergencies), and operates its IT systems cost-effectively. The State Auditor must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within 90 days detailing findings and recommendations. This bill directly affects the Unemployment Insurance division's operations and oversight, without creating new benefits or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2803) would expand eligibility for state veteran benefits by updating the legal definition of "veteran" to include service in the Global War on Terror and specific military operations like Lebanon (1982-1987), Grenada (1983), and Panama (1989). It adds these conflicts to existing categories, allowing veterans who served during these periods to qualify for benefits they previously might not have been recognized for. The bill specifically targets veterans who completed minimum service periods (e.g., 90 days active duty for most conflicts) or received service-connected injuries, regardless of the duration. Currently introduced in the Assembly but not yet enacted, it would affect New Jersey veterans of these designated military engagements.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's state income tax benefits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to mirror the federal tax advantages currently available to individual taxpayers. It amends existing law (P.L.1992, c.161) to align New Jersey's gross income tax treatment with federal HSA rules, allowing residents to deduct HSA contributions and enjoy tax-free growth on savings. The policy change directly affects New Jersey individual taxpayers who use HSAs for qualified medical expenses. The bill does not alter health insurance plan requirements or coverage provisions but adjusts state tax treatment to match federal standards. It remains pending before the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges New Jersey's state and federal agencies to pause sonar testing and wind turbine mapping near offshore wind projects. It cites NOAA data showing 12 whale deaths (including 8 humpbacks) and 5 dolphin deaths in February 2023 off New Jersey's coast - deaths occurring near active wind development sites. The resolution requests an immediate moratorium to allow scientific study of whether these activities interfere with marine mammals' navigation and communication. It specifically targets the Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The resolution does not create new law but calls for a pause while investigations continue.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to provide onboard Wi-Fi service on all passenger trains it owns or operates within six months of the law taking effect. It directly affects NJT as the implementing entity and all passengers traveling on NJT rail services. The key provision mandates that every rail passenger vehicle must have Wi-Fi, expanding beyond NJT’s current station-based Wi-Fi hotspots. The law takes effect immediately upon approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Department of Commerce and Innovation as a centralized agency within New Jersey's Executive Branch to coordinate business, economic development, and innovation efforts. It consolidates fragmented responsibilities currently spread across multiple departments (like the Department of State and Economic Development Authority) into one agency, aiming to streamline business assistance and improve state competitiveness. The department will be led by a commissioner appointed by the governor, with a $1 million initial appropriation for operations. This directly affects businesses seeking state support and state agencies whose economic development functions will now report to this new department.