Asm. Bill Moen

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of certain retired police and firefighters in New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It applies specifically to members who have been retired and receiving benefits for at least 10 years, excluding those hired after the bill's effective date, those in deferred retirement, and those with 20-24 years of service. The COLAs are tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners, with benefits up to $75,000 receiving full adjustment, while higher benefits are capped at a 1% annual increase. The $75,000 threshold will adjust annually based on inflation, and the bill requires the Legislature to appropriate funds to cover both state and local costs for these adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the "economic recovery term" under New Jersey's Municipal Rehabilitation and Economic Recovery Act (MRERA) from 15 to 20 years for qualified municipalities. The economic recovery term is the period following the chief operating officer's term during which special governance procedures and economic benefits remain in place. This extension directly affects municipalities that have been under financial distress, such as the City of Camden, which is specifically cited as needing additional time to achieve fiscal stability. The bill maintains the special oversight measures and economic incentives established under MRERA during this extended period to support municipal financial rehabilitation.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the "economic recovery term" under New Jersey's Municipal Rehabilitation and Economic Recovery Act from 15 to 20 years. The economic recovery term is the period starting after a chief operating officer's term ends and lasting up to 20 years, during which qualified municipalities can implement economic development projects. It directly affects municipalities that have been under financial supervision (e.g., via a financial review board or Local Finance Board) and rely on state aid for at least 55% of their budget. The extension provides additional time for these municipalities to complete projects like job-creating infrastructure, commercial development, or tax base growth initiatives without altering eligibility criteria or project types.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $18.5 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to fund historic preservation projects in New Jersey. It allocates $15 million for restoration and preservation work on 43 specific historic sites (like the Atlantic City Fire Station and USS New Jersey), $1.47 million for site management projects (including heritage tourism planning), and $100,000 for historic preservation easements. All projects must be listed or eligible for state/national historic registers and require recipient matching funds. Additionally, $1.92 million covers administrative costs for the New Jersey Historic Trust under the Preserve New Jersey Act.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 173) is a non-binding request urging the federal government to investigate unidentified drone sightings reported across New Jersey. It directly addresses federal agencies (like the FAA, Defense, and Homeland Security departments) and asks them to conduct a thorough investigation into drone activity near critical infrastructure, military sites, and residential areas. The resolution cites over a dozen counties reporting nightly drone flights, including near President-elect Trump’s property, and emphasizes that local officials and residents feel these sightings pose security concerns despite federal claims of no verified threat. It does not create new laws or regulations but formally requests federal action to address public safety worries.

Maddy summarySJR 71 designates the first full week of May each year as "Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week" in New Jersey to honor veterans who sustained physical or mental injuries while serving. The resolution requests the Governor issue a proclamation encouraging public awareness and support for wounded veterans adjusting to civilian life. It does not create new programs or funding but formally recognizes the challenges faced by veterans, including those with combat-related stress, depression, or traumatic brain injuries. This ceremonial designation applies statewide and became law in December 2024.

Maddy summarySJR 103 is a symbolic resolution declaring New Jersey a "Purple Heart State" to honor veterans and active-duty service members from New Jersey who have received the Purple Heart Medal. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded by the President to those wounded or killed in combat, and this resolution recognizes their sacrifices without creating new benefits or programs. It builds on New Jersey's existing connections to the national "Purple Heart Trail" (a network of roads and monuments honoring recipients), which includes locations in the state and stems from a 1992 convention held in Cherry Hill. The resolution takes effect immediately and serves as a formal state acknowledgment of these veterans' service.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4208) removes a requirement that employees of the New Jersey Racing Commission must have lived in New Jersey for at least five years prior to hire. It directly affects current and future employees, including the executive director, chief inspector, and other staff positions within the Commission. The change modifies Section 4 of P.L.1940, c.17 (C.5:5-25), deleting the residency clause while maintaining other existing employment rules. The bill eliminates a specific barrier to hiring for these state positions without altering compensation or other duties. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill would expand eligibility for New Jersey veterans' benefits by removing specific time periods and locations that veterans must have served in to qualify for certain civil service and pension benefits. Instead of requiring service during particular wars or in specific conflict zones, the bill would allow veterans who have served in federal active duty in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces or Reserve component to qualify. This change would impact civil service preferences, retirement benefits through the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund and Public Employees' Retirement System, and the ability to purchase military service credit for retirement. It would make it easier for veterans of more recent conflicts to access these benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipalities, counties, and school districts in New Jersey to report cybersecurity incidents that compromise billing systems, communications, data management, or critical infrastructure (like industrial control systems). Designated employees must submit incidents via an online form developed by the Attorney General and NJ Cybersecurity Integration Cell within a prompt timeframe. Within 30 days of receiving a report, the NJCCIC must contract an independent cybersecurity firm to audit the entity’s security program and response, identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and improvement strategies. All incident reports and audit details are exempt from public disclosure under New Jersey’s open records law. The Department of Law and Public Safety covers audit costs and allows reimbursement for related expenses incurred by affected entities.