Asm. Chris DePhillips

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey taxpayers to exclude certain retirement plan contributions from their state gross income tax. It applies to contributions made to 401(k) plans, traditional IRAs, qualified pension plans, government deferred compensation plans (457 plans), and the federal Thrift Savings Fund. These contributions would be taxed upon withdrawal rather than at the time of contribution, effectively reducing taxable income for eligible taxpayers in the year they make contributions. The change would apply to contributions made in taxable years beginning January 1 following the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1108) excludes unemployment benefit payments made to workers laid off due to pandemic-related business closures from the calculation of employers' future unemployment insurance contribution rates in New Jersey. It directly affects New Jersey employers who had to lay off staff during the state of emergency declared March 9, 2020, related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under current law, these layoffs would have increased an employer's future insurance costs based on their "experience rating," but this bill removes pandemic-related claims from that calculation. The change takes effect immediately, preventing pandemic layoffs from raising future employer contribution rates.

Maddy summaryThis resolution establishes a special committee to investigate New Jersey's Veterans' Memorial Homes in Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland. The committee will examine how state actions, laws, and regulations have affected residents, families, and staff since March 2020, focusing on changes made after federal inspections. The committee, composed of seven members appointed by the Assembly Speaker (with no more than four from the same party), has authority to hold hearings, require testimony and documents, and issue public reports. It will provide findings and recommendations to the legislature and public regarding the homes' operations and policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1443) establishes automatic disqualification from holding any public office or employment in New Jersey for individuals convicted of certain crimes related to their position. It requires courts to immediately issue disqualification orders alongside forfeiture orders when someone is convicted of offenses involving dishonesty, third-degree crimes, or crimes directly tied to their public role. The bill also mandates a central registry maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts to track all disqualified individuals. This applies to both state and local government positions, with limited exceptions for minor offenses that may be waived by a court.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A1365 prohibits school buses from driving in the left lane of any roadway with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, except for three specific situations: preparing for a left turn (up to one mile), entering or exiting the roadway, or during emergencies like poor visibility, snow, accidents, or emergency vehicles. The bill directly affects school bus drivers and operators across New Jersey, amending the state’s vehicle code (R.S.39:4-88) to enforce this lane restriction. Violations would result in fines ranging from $100 to $300 plus a $50 surcharge. This policy change aims to improve highway safety by reducing lane changes for school buses in high-speed travel lanes.

Maddy summaryAJR 82 designates May 27 of each year as "Richard Rescorla Day" in New Jersey to honor the late Vietnam War veteran and 9/11 hero Richard Rescorla, who saved 2,700 Morgan Stanley employees during the 9/11 attacks before perishing in the World Trade Center collapse. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public recognition of Rescorla's service and sacrifice. This is a commemorative measure with no new policies, funding, or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public utilities to wait until the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) completes a hearing and determines that a requested rate increase is "just and reasonable" before implementing the increase. Currently, utilities can raise rates after BPU approval but before the hearing concludes. The bill amends state law to prevent rate hikes during the hearing process, directly affecting utilities seeking increases for services like electricity, gas, or water. This change ensures rate adjustments only take effect after the BPU fully reviews and approves them.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey to distribute a portion of federal ESSER II funds (specifically the state reserve) exclusively to school districts that met specific in-person instruction thresholds during the 2020-2021 school year. It defines "in-person districts" as those offering in-person instruction on 75%+ of days (receiving 1.5x the per-pupil funding) and "hybrid districts" as those offering it on 25%-74% of days (receiving standard per-pupil funding). Districts not meeting either definition are excluded from this distribution. Superintendents must certify compliance under penalty of perjury to qualify.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's rules for public utility franchises (like water, electricity, or sewer service agreements) granted by cities or towns. It limits new franchises to a maximum seven-year term, requires Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approval before they take effect, and allows municipalities to revoke franchises if utilities violate terms after a public hearing. The bill increases penalties for utilities violating BPU rules from $100 to up to $25,000 per violation, with a maximum $2 million cap for related violations. It also creates a "Utilities Civil Penalty Fund" to return collected fines directly to customers via bill credits within 60 days, rather than using them to offset utility rates.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 10% tax credit for New Jersey businesses that pay gross income tax, allowing them to reduce their tax bill by 10% of qualified research and development (R&D) expenses exceeding a base amount. It specifically covers R&D spending conducted within New Jersey and includes payments to energy research consortia for energy-related research. The credit applies to businesses subject to the state's gross income tax, including those that qualify as small businesses under federal rules. The goal is to incentivize in-state R&D investment, aiming to spur technological innovation and economic growth in New Jersey.