Asm. Chris DePhillips

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates an additional $500,000 from the state General Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) specifically for dredging and restoration of the Peckman River. It directly affects the municipalities of Cedar Grove, Little Falls, Verona, and Woodland Park, requiring them to submit a joint plan for DEP approval to receive funding. The key provisions include waiving permit fees for approved dredging activities and mandating that DEP establish an application process to distribute funds based on each municipality's proposed river restoration plan. The funding covers dredging, cleaning, and other work consistent with an existing state permit for the river.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey state health officials and other government entities from requiring students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of attending public K-12 schools. It directly affects all students and schools in New Jersey's public elementary and secondary education system. The law bans any state requirement for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination to attend school, removing a potential mandate. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the portion of rent that counts toward property tax deductions for eligible renters in New Jersey, raising it from 18% to 30% for tenants with annual gross income of $150,000 or less. It directly affects low-to-moderate-income renters who occupy residential rental properties as their primary residence. The key change modifies the definition of "rent constituting property taxes" in the tax code, allowing a larger share of rent payments to reduce taxable income. This applies to all qualifying residential rental units, including those in mobile home parks, but maintains the 18% rate for renters earning over $150,000 annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to contract with AAA so that certain driver and vehicle services can be provided at AAA facilities across the state. It mandates that the contract allow for motor vehicle registration renewals, driver's license renewals (including REAL-ID upgrades), non-driver ID card services, license plate surrenders, and vision tests at these locations. The MVC must also publish a list of these services on its website within one month of signing the contract. The bill directly affects New Jersey drivers who use AAA facilities, making it more convenient to access common DMV services without visiting traditional MVC offices. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Transportation Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires courts to mandate a psychological examination for parents who lost custody of their child (due to being deemed unfit, neglectful, or grossly immoral) but haven't had parental rights terminated, when the child is in a grandparent's care and the parent seeks custody changes. It applies specifically to cases where grandparents hold custody under existing law (R.S.9:2-9). The key mechanism adds a new requirement that courts must order this examination before altering custody arrangements, ensuring parental fitness is assessed. The bill amends New Jersey's child custody statute (R.S.9:2-10) to include this provision for such cases. It does not change existing grounds for losing custody but adds a step for parents seeking to regain custody under these specific circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey state government to appropriate a minimum of $10 million annually from the General Fund to the Department of Health for Public Health Priority Funding. It directly affects local health departments across New Jersey, which currently rely on property taxes and restricted state/federal funds for specific services like vaccines or environmental health. The funding would provide dedicated, unrestricted resources to cover operational costs and support core public health programs, rather than being tied to specific purposes. This establishes a mandatory annual appropriation starting July 1 after the bill's effective date, restoring a funding mechanism eliminated in 2011.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey homeowners with solar generators in their primary residence to deduct up to $10,000 of the cost for purchasing and installing battery backup systems from their gross income tax. It directly affects homeowners who have installed solar panels and wish to add energy storage. The key provision creates a tax deduction for these specific battery backup costs, effective immediately for taxable years ending after enactment. The purpose is to incentivize battery storage so solar-powered homes can maintain electricity during power outages, as solar systems currently disconnect from the grid during outages.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2649) requires all health insurance plans sold in the state to cover annual mental health screenings as part of standard coverage for mental health conditions and substance use disorders. It applies to hospital service, medical service, and health service insurance contracts, mandating that insurers provide this coverage under the same terms and conditions as physical health care - meaning no stricter copays, deductibles, or review processes for mental health than for other medical services. The law aligns with federal parity requirements and specifically adds the annual screening as a covered benefit. This directly affects all health insurance companies operating in New Jersey and their policyholders, ensuring access to preventative mental health care without additional cost barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes an exemption in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities. Currently, these venues could permit smoking in areas used for gambling (like slot machine rooms or table games), but the bill would eliminate that exception. After passage, all indoor areas of casinos and simulcasting facilities open to the public for gambling would be required to be smoke-free. This change aligns these venues with the state's general indoor smoking ban, which applies to most public workplaces and spaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2674) changes the composition of New Jersey's State Capitol Joint Management Commission, which oversees the State House complex housing the legislature. It increases legislative representation from four to eight members (two appointed by the Senate President, two by the Assembly Speaker, two by the Senate Minority Leader, and two by the Assembly Minority Leader) while making executive branch members (Director of Budget, General Services Administrator, and two gubernatorial appointees) non-voting. The amendment aims to balance decision-making authority after reduced executive use of the complex due to the pandemic and construction. The commission's structure now divides voting responsibilities between legislative and executive subcommittees.