Asm. Chris DePhillips

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts New Jersey disabled veterans from admission fees at state parks and forests and removes fees for motor vehicle access to park beaches for fishing. It specifically covers veterans honorably discharged with a service-connected disability (any degree) verified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Current law already provided free entry to seniors (62+), totally disabled residents, and National Guard members with training completion, but did not include disabled veterans for beach access fees. The bill extends both free entry and free beach access to all qualifying disabled veterans, regardless of disability severity.

Maddy summaryACR 65 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee New Jersey registered voters the right to vote in person at their local polling place on election day. It would also require voters to submit a written request before receiving a mail-in ballot, preventing automatic distribution of mail-in ballots to all voters. This amendment would bar the Legislature or Governor from passing laws or issuing orders that limit in-person voting or automatically send mail-in ballots. If approved by voters, the changes would become part of the state constitution. The bill is currently in the early stages of review by the Assembly committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends civil immunity to New Jersey first responders (including volunteer fire departments, emergency squads, EMTs, and medical personnel) who forcibly enter homes, businesses, or structures during emergencies. It applies when responders reasonably believe entry is necessary for emergency medical care or to prevent imminent harm, and no property occupant responds to entry requests within a reasonable time. The immunity covers civil damages from such entries but excludes liability for motor vehicle operations or willful/wanton misconduct. It amends multiple existing statutes to codify this protection across various emergency service roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the duration of emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor under the Civil Defense Act to 14 days (expiring on the 15th day), unless the Legislature passes a concurrent resolution extending the period. It prohibits the Governor from issuing identical or similar orders for the same emergency after one expires. Exceptions include orders rescinding prior emergency actions, federal compliance requirements, internal government operations, military orders under the Governor's command, or orders under other laws allowing longer terms. The bill applies directly to the Governor's emergency authority and takes immediate effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes requiring owners of low-speed electric bicycles (max 20 mph, pedal-assisted or motor-only) and low-speed electric scooters (max 19 mph) to register them with New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and maintain liability insurance. It directly affects individuals who own or operate these specific vehicles, which are defined in the bill as having fully operable pedals, motors under 750 watts, and speed limits. Key mechanisms include mandatory MVC registration with fees, proof of insurance coverage, and a requirement for manufacturers to label vehicles with speed and motor details. The bill does not impose driver's license requirements or restrict operation on most roads/bike paths, but specifies registration is mandatory before operation. This is a proposed requirement (not yet law), introduced in 2026 and pending committee review.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $500,000 in additional state funding from the General Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the Township of Fairfield in Essex County to dredge and restore a section of the Passaic River. The funds will cover specific river cleanup activities like dredging, restoration, cleaning, and removing debris, as outlined in a plan the township must submit to the DEP. The DEP must waive permit fees for any work consistent with the approved plan and the Statewide general permit for river restoration. This directly affects Fairfield Township’s river management efforts and requires specific project planning before funds are allocated.

Maddy summaryThis bill (NJ A2670) allows New Jersey county election boards to begin processing early votes 24 hours after early voting ends and to count mail-in ballots as they are received by the county, rather than waiting until election day. It requires counties to implement security measures to protect vote secrecy during early processing and mandates that all early vote and mail-in ballot results remain confidential until polls close on election day. The bill also extends criminal penalties (third-degree crime) for unauthorized disclosure of early vote results, mirroring existing rules for mail-in ballots. These changes aim to streamline election administration while maintaining security and confidentiality.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts volunteer fire companies in New Jersey from paying the annual registration fee required under the state's Charitable Registration Act. Currently, non-profits pay fees ranging from $30 to $250 yearly based on revenue, but volunteer fire companies must register and pay this fee like other organizations. The bill specifically removes the fee obligation while maintaining their requirement to register as charitable entities. It does not change existing registration procedures or eliminate other compliance duties. The exemption applies immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Highway Traffic Safety to launch a public awareness campaign about bicyclist and pedestrian safety. It directly affects the public, including cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists, by educating them on specific safety rules. The campaign must cover existing laws requiring cyclists to stay right on roads, safe passing distances for motorists (including for e-bikes and scooters), associated penalties, and dangers of violations. The goal is to inform people about current legal requirements and safety practices without changing existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A-532) would require public school districts to provide vouchers covering 75% of tuition at nonpublic schools for students whose parents withdraw them due to objections about curriculum content. It specifically protects objections related to material conflicting with parental beliefs about sex, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or morality. The voucher amount is calculated based on the district's per-pupil spending, prorated for remaining school days. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Education Committee (introduced January 13, 2026) and would directly affect parents who withdraw children over curriculum disputes and the school districts funding those vouchers.