Asm. Chris DePhillips

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the State Health Benefits Commission from five to seven members by adding two new positions: a municipal business administrator (appointed by the Governor based on a recommendation from the New Jersey League of Municipalities) and a county administrator (appointed by the Governor based on a recommendation from the New Jersey Association of Counties). The commission oversees health benefits for state employees, including setting rates and program rules. These additions ensure county and municipal governments have direct representation in decisions affecting their employees' health coverage. The change directly affects state employees, local governments, and the administration of New Jersey's state health benefits program.

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 creates a program to help New Jersey volunteer emergency responders (like fire department members and first aid squad volunteers) reduce student loan debt. To qualify, applicants must be state residents, have completed an in-state undergraduate degree or certificate, and provide proof of active volunteer status. The program redeems up to $16,000 of eligible student loans over three years of continued service: $4,000 in year one, $4,000 in year two, and $8,000 in year three (capped at specified percentages of the original loan balance). Participants must maintain active volunteer status each year to receive payments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires security personnel at gated residential communities and multi-unit buildings to allow authorized court officers (such as sheriffs, constables, or court attendants) to enter and serve legal documents on residents. Security staff must permit entry upon seeing the officer's photo ID and the legal document, without delaying or blocking access. Refusing this request would be a petty disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $500 fine. The law directly affects security personnel at these properties and streamlines the service of process for court officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a $6,000 gross income tax deduction for surviving spouses of veterans who meet specific criteria. It directly affects surviving spouses of veterans who died while on active duty, were honorably discharged, or were released under honorable circumstances from military service. To qualify, the spouse must have been married to the veteran at death, lived with them continuously (with limited exceptions), and not remarried or cohabited as a couple (with exceptions for void marriages, annulled marriages, or remarriage after age 57). The deduction applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's effective date and is added to New Jersey's existing tax code.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of fireworks on public roads (streets, highways, alleys) and on properties adjacent to where horses are housed or boarded. It directly affects residents, event organizers, and the general public who might use fireworks in these specific locations. The key provision amends existing law to add these restrictions, making such use a violation punishable as a disorderly persons offense. Penalties include up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both for violations. The bill does not change existing rules about fireworks sales, possession, or use elsewhere.

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 New Jersey bill (A3593) would allow students temporarily residing outside the state to be excused from jury duty if enrolled in out-of-state secondary, post-secondary, vocational, graduate, or professional education programs. To qualify, students aged 18+ must provide proof of enrollment and out-of-state residency to the court. The bill adds students to existing categories of people who can be excused from jury service, such as those with medical needs or caregiving responsibilities. It does not change the standard jury duty requirements but creates a specific exception for this group.

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.