Asm. Chris DePhillips

Maddy summaryThis bill expands automatic voter registration to include applications for hunting, fishing, trapping, and firearms permits (including firearm purchaser ID cards and carry permits) at New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Law and Public Safety offices. It requires these agencies to electronically transmit voter registration information to the Secretary of State for eligible applicants - those who provide proof of age, citizenship, and address - unless they opt out. The policy applies to existing license/permit processes, adding to current automatic registration at driver's license offices. This change streamlines voter registration by leveraging routine government interactions without creating new requirements for applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "New Jersey Family Homelessness Fund" allowing taxpayers to voluntarily add contributions to their state income tax refunds or enclose payments. It directly affects families facing homelessness in New Jersey by funding services through Family Promise affiliates. Key provisions require the state to annually allocate all collected funds to Family Promise's local affiliates for homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, and housing stabilization programs. Taxpayers can choose to contribute via their tax return, with no mandatory fees or tax increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates New Jersey's Transfer Inheritance Tax, which previously taxed beneficiaries receiving assets from estates. It repeals all related statutes (including those taxing siblings, non-relatives, and other "lateral" transfers at up to 16%) and takes effect for deaths on or after July 1, 2015. The change ends New Jersey's status as one of only six states with an inheritance tax and one of two states (with Maryland) imposing both an inheritance tax and an estate tax. Existing tax obligations for deaths before this date remain unaffected.

Maddy summaryACR 29 is a New Jersey legislative resolution requesting Congress to call an Article V convention of states. The bill seeks to propose constitutional amendments that would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. It functions as a continuing application, meaning New Jersey's request remains active until two-thirds of states make similar requests on the same issue. This is a procedural step (not a law) to initiate a potential constitutional convention process, directly affecting New Jersey's legislative action and the broader state-level effort to influence federal governance.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2658) prohibits New Jersey's state pension and annuity funds from investing in Chinese pharmaceutical companies or any company with business ties to them. It directly affects the state's pension funds managed by the Division of Investment, requiring them to divest existing holdings within three years. Key mechanisms include annual reporting to the legislature on divestment progress and requiring the State Investment Council to consult with an independent research firm to identify affected investments. The bill is pending before the New Jersey Assembly (introduced January 13, 2026) and does not yet take effect.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill replaces a tax deduction for residential tenants with a refundable tax credit. It allows tenants renting their primary residence to claim a credit equal to 30% of their rent (capped at $15,000 annually) for the portion of rent treated as property taxes. The credit is refundable, meaning any amount exceeding the tenant's tax bill is paid directly to them. It directly affects renters in qualifying housing, such as apartments and mobile home rentals, who use the property as their main home.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a 25% gross income tax deduction on hourly wages earned by qualified health care professionals working for eligible New Jersey health care entities. It directly affects licensed nurses, nurse aides, physician assistants, home health aides, and direct support professionals employed by facilities like hospitals, clinics, home care agencies, or psychiatric centers. The deduction applies to wages paid during the taxable year, reducing taxable income for these workers. The law takes effect for tax years starting after its enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create guidelines for placing bleeding control kits in state buildings and mandates all public and nonpublic K-12 schools to acquire these kits. The DOH must issue placement guidelines within 180 days, specifying that kits must include items like tourniquets, chest seals, and instructional materials, and be placed near defibrillators. Schools must ensure kits are accessible during school hours and athletic events, replacing them after each use. The kits must be stored in unlocked, clearly marked locations within reasonable proximity to defibrillators and school athletic areas.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A2643 prohibits government agencies (like cities, counties, or school districts) and public employees (such as police officers or teachers) from agreeing to confidential settlements in legal claims against them, except for cases involving national security. All such settlements must be made public records under the state's open records laws. The bill specifically preserves existing protections that keep the identities of child abuse or sexual assault victims under 18 confidential in court documents. This change aims to increase transparency in how public funds are used to resolve claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program allowing New Jersey's State Agriculture Development Committee to acquire development easements on privately-owned woodlands. It directly affects woodland owners (minimum 20 acres) who manage their land for agriculture, forestry, or horticulture under approved stewardship plans. The program permanently restricts development on these lands through easements funded by existing farmland preservation funds, requiring landowners to maintain agricultural or forest production. The committee coordinates with federal programs like the Forest Legacy Program to secure additional funding for this conservation effort.