Asm. Chris DePhillips

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a property tax exemption for New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities. It provides a proportional exemption based on disability percentage (up to 100%), covering veterans with conditions like paralysis, amputations, or total blindness, and caps partial exemptions at $10,000. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans or those who died in service also qualify for similar exemptions. Crucially, the state will reimburse municipalities 102% of the lost tax revenue from these exemptions to offset costs. The law amends existing veteran property tax protections under P.L.1948, c.259.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipalities to approve cooperative sober living residences (CSLRs) before the state can license them. Specifically, operators must first obtain a written certificate from local officials confirming the proposed location meets all existing zoning and land use rules, prior to submitting a state license application. The bill directly affects CSLR operators seeking to open or expand facilities in New Jersey, as it adds a municipal review step to the licensing process. The key mechanism is mandating this preliminary municipal approval as a prerequisite for the Commissioner of Community Affairs to issue a license. This change modifies the existing licensure process under P.L.1979, c.496, without altering the definition or operational standards for CSLRs themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes detailed rules for county election boards on placing mail-in ballot drop boxes in New Jersey. It requires each county to install at least 10 drop boxes, with specific locations including county government buildings, municipalities over 5,000 residents, and college campuses. Boxes must be spaced at least 2,000 feet apart, equipped with security cameras, and accessible per disability laws. The bill also prohibits placement within 100 feet of police stations (with limited exceptions) and bans political displays near boxes during elections. These rules directly affect county election boards and voters using mail-in ballots.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits business entities that hold current state contracts or made campaign contributions to the Governor from contracting with the Governor's office to investigate matters involving the Governor during the Governor's term. It also bars such entities from entering future state contracts or making campaign contributions to the Governor if they previously conducted an investigation for the Governor's office. The rules apply broadly to all business types, including corporations, partnerships, and their controlling owners or family members. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires motor vehicle inspection facilities and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to check for open safety recalls (from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) during vehicle inspections and registration, then provide written notice to the owner. The notice must describe each recall and state that repairs can be done at no cost by approved dealers, except as specified by federal law. Owners must complete all required repairs before the next registration renewal, or the MVC may deny renewal - though exceptions apply if parts are unavailable or hardship is proven. The bill directly affects vehicle owners, inspection facilities, and the MVC, ensuring timely recall repairs through registration requirements.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 946), now law as P.L.2025, c.177, requires mental health services to be provided in the communication method preferred by each deaf or hard of hearing individual - such as sign language or oral communication - based on their assessment. It mandates that mental health professionals be fluent in that method, trained in cultural needs, and able to collaborate with interpreters. The law also requires a state resource guide listing specialized mental health services and ensures individuals can help shape their own care plans. It directly affects all deaf or hard of hearing residents seeking mental health support in New Jersey, addressing long-standing barriers in access and care quality.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 901, "Max's Law") requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction on the dangers of fentanyl and xylazine in health education for students in grades 6-12. Key provisions mandate teaching specific topics like abuse prevention, poisoning symptoms, emergency response, and legal protections for seeking help, using resources from federal agencies like the CDC and DEA. The bill also requires the state education department to provide resources, maintain online materials for schools and parents, and submit annual reports on the curriculum's effectiveness. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.278.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits candidates from being nominated for more than one elective office in the same primary or general election in New Jersey. It directly affects candidates who might attempt to run for multiple positions, such as two different legislative seats or a state and local office simultaneously. The key mechanism requires candidates to withdraw from any nomination if they accept a nomination for another office, and amends election code to state: "No person shall be nominated as a candidate for more than one office in any primary or general election" and "No person shall be certified as a candidate for more than one office in the same election." The law aims to prevent candidates from splitting votes or confusing voters with multiple nominations during a single election cycle.

Maddy summaryThis bill consolidates three New Jersey transportation authorities - the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, South Jersey Transportation Authority, and New Jersey Transit Corporation - into the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). It requires NJDOT to assume all powers, assets, debts, and responsibilities of these entities on a specified "Transfer Date," ending their separate existence. Employees of the consolidated entities transfer to NJDOT with retained benefits, pensions, and collective bargaining rights, while creditors and contractors can enforce existing claims against NJDOT as the successor. The bill prohibits NJDOT from issuing new bonds under the former authorities’ names and updates legal references to reflect the consolidation. This structural change aims to streamline transportation oversight and operations under a single agency.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces New Jersey's Corporation Business Tax (CBT) rate for most corporations to 2.5% of taxable net income, effective retroactively from January 1, 2020. It directly affects corporations operating in New Jersey that pay the CBT, including S corporations and professional entities, by lowering their tax burden on net income. The key mechanism adjusts the tax rate calculation under Section 5 of the existing law, replacing higher historical rates (like 9% for older periods) with the new 2.5% rate for reports covering periods ending after December 31, 2019. This change will result in reduced tax payments or refunds for affected businesses for the 2020-2023 tax years.