Asm. Chris DePhillips

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public employees (including elected officials and local government workers) to automatically lose their positions upon conviction for certain crimes, such as dishonesty, third-degree offenses, or crimes directly related to their job. It also permanently bans convicted individuals from holding any future public office, position, or employment in New Jersey. The law mandates courts to issue immediate forfeiture orders and creates a state registry tracking all disqualifications. Key triggers include convictions under New Jersey law for crimes like fraud or third-degree offenses, or similar crimes committed elsewhere. The registry ensures transparency by documenting all disqualifications, though courts may waive penalties for minor offenses like disorderly conduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Long-Term Care Facility Infectious Disease Preparedness and Home Health Care Study Commission" in New Jersey. The commission, composed of 15 members including state officials and industry experts, will analyze how long-term care facilities (like nursing homes and assisted living centers) respond to infectious disease outbreaks and examine ways to encourage home health care services. It must submit a report within 12 months detailing findings on facility preparedness, staffing needs during outbreaks, home health aide retention, and methods to promote home care. The bill does not create new laws but directs a study to inform future policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades burglary of a residence to a second-degree crime when a person was inside during the offense. It requires offenders to serve at least 85% of their prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole, under New Jersey's "No Early Release Act" (NERA). Currently, burglary of a residence is typically a third-degree crime (with a lower parole threshold) unless aggravated by violence or weapons; this bill makes occupancy the new trigger for the stricter charge. The change applies only to burglaries where someone was present in the home at the time of the offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-1189) requires New Jersey to provide additional state school funding to reduce property tax burdens for residents. It directly affects school districts that experienced state aid reductions between 2018-2019 and 2022-2023, directing the state to pay them retroactive aid equal to their past funding losses. Key mechanisms include calculating base aid amounts based on historical funding formulas, mandating districts receiving increased state aid to lower property tax levies by the same amount, and requiring annual property tax reductions if state aid rises. The bill appropriates $2.9 billion to implement these changes, aiming to ensure school funding aligns with residents' ability to pay property taxes.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (AR 90), not a law. It formally condemns Hamas for the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and expresses support for Israel's right to exist. The resolution states New Jersey's commitment to Israel as a strategic partner and includes provisions to send copies to Israeli leaders, U.S. officials, and New Jersey's congressional delegation. It does not create new policies or affect any specific group through legislative action.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A 2662 prohibits the online posting or publishing of personal identifying information - such as home addresses, photos, or names - about judicial officers (including federal, state, and municipal judges) or their immediate family members, when done with intent to cause harassment or harm, or in reckless disregard of such risk. It makes violations criminal offenses (third degree for intentional acts, fourth degree for reckless acts) and allows victims to sue for at least $1,000 per violation plus damages and attorney fees. The law also requires state/local government agencies to obtain written permission before sharing such information about judges or family members online. It directly affects judges, their households, and anyone publishing online content that could endanger them.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for unlawfully taking motor vehicles without the owner's consent in New Jersey. It raises the offense of simply taking a vehicle (without risk) from a fourth-degree crime to a third-degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years in prison or a $15,000 fine. It also elevates the offense of taking a vehicle in a way that risks injury or property damage from a third-degree to a second-degree crime, carrying 5-10 years in prison or a $150,000 fine. The bill directly affects anyone who takes, operates, or rides in a vehicle without consent, including typical "joyriding" cases. These changes adjust the legal classification and penalties without altering the core definition of the offense.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly resolution urges federal lawmakers to create a student loan forgiveness program for doctors, nurses, and emergency medical services (EMS) workers who provided care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It specifically targets healthcare professionals who face substantial student debt from their education but may not qualify for existing federal programs like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The resolution aims to reduce financial burdens on these frontline workers by offering debt relief for their pandemic-era service, acknowledging their heightened risks and stress during the crisis. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create binding policy but formally requests congressional action.

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 changes how vaccines must be administered in New Jersey by requiring healthcare providers to give patients or parents/guardians 48 hours' notice before vaccination. Providers must provide the vaccine manufacturer's insert, information about the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), and details on opting out - including risks of disease and potential school access restrictions without medical or religious exemptions. Written consent is mandatory before administration, and providers cannot deny care or transfer patients solely due to vaccine refusal. The bill also prohibits using standing orders for vaccines except during declared public health emergencies. It directly affects all patients receiving vaccines, including minors whose parents/guardians must consent.