Asm. Chris DePhillips

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed mental health practitioners in New Jersey to complete two hours of annual suicide prevention training. It directly affects clinical social workers, therapists, counselors, psychologists, and psychoanalysts licensed under Title 45 of New Jersey law. Practitioners must complete approved training covering suicide prevention, assessment, and management, then submit proof of completion to their state licensing board. The Division of Consumer Affairs will maintain a list of approved training programs, including those from nationally recognized organizations like the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey to annually adjust its income tax brackets for inflation using the national consumer price index (CPI-U), preventing "bracket creep" where inflation alone pushes taxpayers into higher tax brackets without real income growth. The Director of the Division of Taxation would calculate these annual adjustments based on the CPI-U measure. This change would affect all New Jersey residents who pay state income tax by ensuring their tax brackets keep pace with rising prices. The bill follows the same model used for federal income tax brackets, which has been in place since the 1980s.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates an exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. It would require these venues to become smoke-free, meaning no smoking would be permitted inside for employees, patrons, or visitors. The change directly affects casino operators, staff, and customers at all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities (such as those with slot machines, table games, or dedicated seating for betting). This policy shift extends the existing indoor smoking ban to these locations, removing a long-standing exemption.

Maddy summaryACR 31 is a New Jersey legislative resolution applying to Congress for an Article V Convention of States. It seeks to propose constitutional amendments limiting federal government powers, imposing fiscal restraints on spending, and restricting terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution is a continuing application, meaning it remains in effect until two-thirds of U.S. states make similar requests on the same issue. This is a procedural step, not a law; it does not change existing federal policy but requests Congress convene a convention to consider specific constitutional amendments.

Maddy summaryThis bill affects public employees in New Jersey who are married to other public employees. It requires that when both spouses work for public employers and are eligible for health benefits, the spouse with the higher annual compensation must select coverage with their employer, and the other spouse cannot receive benefits from their employer. The bill also prohibits public employers from making payments to employees who waive health coverage, which was previously permitted under certain circumstances. This change applies to state, local government, school board, and other public employer health benefit plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill would extend New Jersey's tax treatment of health savings accounts (HSAs) to mirror federal tax treatment. It would allow New Jersey taxpayers to deduct HSA contributions that are deductible for federal income tax purposes, exclude HSA growth from gross income, and exempt qualified medical expense distributions from NJ taxation. The bill would apply to individuals covered by high-deductible health plans, which require minimum deductibles ($1,000 for self-only coverage, $2,000 for family coverage) and have out-of-pocket maximums ($5,000 for self-only, $10,000 for family). This would align New Jersey tax law with federal law for HSAs, which currently provide tax advantages not available under NJ gross income tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1498) changes how energy tax revenues are distributed by requiring energy taxpayers (such as utility companies) to pay energy taxes directly to municipalities instead of through the State. It revises the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Aid program, directing the State Treasurer to calculate each municipality's share based on historical payments and equalized property valuations, then instruct energy taxpayers to pay that amount directly to the municipality. The bill ensures municipalities receive either the full amount of energy taxes collected or the amount they would have received under current law, whichever is greater, preventing the State from retaining any portion of these tax collections for other purposes. This change would take effect starting in Fiscal Year 2022, fundamentally altering the revenue distribution mechanism for energy taxes in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a New Jersey gross income tax deduction for capital gains realized when landowners sell certain real property interests to qualified conservation organizations for preservation purposes. The deduction applies to both full market value sales and "bargain sales" (where the sale price is below market value, with the difference treated as a charitable donation). The deduction amount equals the capital gain as determined under federal tax rules, covering transactions with groups participating in programs like Green Acres, Blue Acres, and farmland preservation. This policy aims to encourage land conservation by reducing tax liability on such sales, directly benefiting landowners who sell property for environmental preservation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1541) amends New Jersey law to impose an 18-month mandatory prison term for a second or subsequent offense involving an adult (18+) using or recruiting a minor (under 17) to commit automobile theft. It directly affects individuals who exploit juveniles in car theft crimes, requiring a minimum 18-month prison sentence with no parole eligibility during that period. The bill clarifies that a mistaken belief about the minor’s age is not a defense and ensures this penalty applies to repeat offenders beyond the existing second-degree crime penalty for first offenses. The sponsor states the goal is to deter the use of juveniles in rising auto theft crimes, including part theft and vehicle smuggling.

Maddy summaryThis bill redirects $1.5 million annually from the existing Workforce Development Partnership Fund to specifically support the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP) or its successor. NJMEP is a nonprofit organization that helps New Jersey manufacturers improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness through technical assistance and training. The bill modifies the fund's allocation formula by setting aside this specific amount for NJMEP, rather than directing it to the Office of Customized Training as previously required. This change ensures dedicated, ongoing funding for NJMEP's services to manufacturers across the state.