Asm. Chris DePhillips

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers from selling flavored cigarettes (including menthol, which was previously exempt), non-premium cigars, and oral nicotine pouches with non-tobacco flavors. It applies directly to stores, vending machines, and employees selling these products, with penalties including $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for third or subsequent violations. Retailers may also face license suspension or revocation after repeated offenses, as determined by local municipalities. The law expands an existing 2008 ban to cover these additional products and shifts enforcement focus to retailers rather than individual consumers.

Maddy summaryBill A 3936 authorizes New Jersey to issue classic license plates (replicating designs from 1979-1991) for registered motor vehicles. Vehicle owners must pay a $50 application fee and a $10 annual renewal fee on top of standard registration costs. The fees collected will fund state transportation projects through the "Special Transportation Fund," while initial program costs (like design and production) must be covered by non-public donations up to $25,000 and require at least 500 initial applications before plates can be issued.

Maddy summaryAJR 89 establishes the "Autism and Developmental Disabilities Study Commission" to examine how hospitals, law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts train staff to interact with people with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities. The commission, composed of seven members (including two state agency heads and appointments from legislative leaders and the governor), must study current training practices and submit a report within one year of its formation. It will not make policy changes but will recommend potential improvements to state agencies and lawmakers. The commission dissolves 30 days after submitting its final report to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey electric utilities to create an interest-free loan program helping residential customers buy standby emergency power generators. It directly affects homeowners who qualify for loans up to $8,000 per household to purchase generators integrated into their homes. Utilities must establish a revolving loan fund and collect an energy resilience fee (itemized on monthly bills) to repay program costs, with fees not exceeding what's needed for repayment. The fee is non-bypassable and cannot be challenged in bankruptcy, while utilities recover implementation costs through their regular revenue structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 232) creates a 10% tax credit against New Jersey's gross income tax for businesses that spend money on research and development (R&D) activities conducted within New Jersey. It directly affects companies subject to New Jersey's gross income tax that incur qualified R&D expenses or make basic research payments, including those that previously couldn't claim the federal R&D credit. The credit is calculated similarly to the federal version but only applies to R&D done in New Jersey, and it cannot be used for expenses already covered by other tax benefits. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to seven years. The goal is to incentivize in-state R&D investment to support technological and economic growth.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to cancel a previously approved 3% fare increase for bus and rail services. The increase, which had been authorized by NJT's board on April 15, 2024, was scheduled to take effect July 1, 2025. The bill directs NJT to rescind this specific fare hike immediately upon enactment. It directly affects NJT riders by preventing the scheduled fare increase from occurring.

Maddy summaryAJR 16 designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize service dogs' role in assisting veterans with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to promote public awareness, highlighting that service dog training costs $3,000-$5,000 (not covered by veterans' benefits) and relies on nonprofit organizations like Paws Healing Heroes. This ceremonial resolution does not create new funding or legal requirements but aims to honor the support service dogs provide to veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that law enforcement officers employed by schools, colleges, or universities may carry firearms on campus during their employment or while commuting to/from work. It defines "law enforcement officer" as someone authorized to enforce laws who has completed a firearms training course approved by the Police Training Commission. The bill specifically permits these officers to possess firearms in campus buildings or grounds without needing additional written authorization from the institution. This clarification does not change general campus firearm restrictions for students, staff, or non-law enforcement personnel.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits requiring masks for anyone working at, volunteering at, or attending a youth camp. It directly affects staff, volunteers, and attendees at youth camps by removing mandatory mask policies while allowing voluntary mask-wearing. The law defines "youth camp" using an existing legal definition and takes effect immediately, expiring December 31, 2022. The bill does not apply to other settings or create new requirements beyond this specific context.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits nursing homes from blocking patients who use the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) prescription drug program. Nursing homes may not restrict access to VA medications but can require drugs to be dispensed according to their facility's standard policies. It directly affects veterans and eligible patients residing in New Jersey nursing homes who participate in VA drug coverage. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.