Asm. Lou Greenwald

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Fairness in Bidding Act (A 3542), requires public entities like school districts and counties to include certified cost estimate ranges in construction bid advertisements for projects over $500,000. The ranges must span no more than 5% (e.g., $100,000-$105,000) and be verified as reasonable. It also increases the required bid security deposit from 10% to 50% of the bid amount (capped at $100,000) and specifies valid reasons for rejecting all bids, such as bids exceeding the certified cost estimates. These changes apply directly to public construction contracts and aim to ensure transparency and prevent unreasonably low or high bids.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A2337 would allow employees to deduct up to $5,250 annually from their state gross income tax for employer-paid educational assistance (like tuition, fees, or books) and student loan payments (principal or interest). The deduction mirrors federal tax rules, requiring educational programs to cover legitimate coursework (not hobbies) and student loans for qualified higher education expenses. Employers must have a written plan for educational assistance, and employees can use both deductions in the same year up to the $5,250 limit per category. This policy directly affects NJ employees receiving these benefits, making such employer support tax-free under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create an online application system for residents to obtain REAL ID-compliant identification cards and driver's licenses. It directly affects New Jersey residents who need these federally recognized IDs for activities like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The key provision mandates the MVC to accept digital copies of required identity and residency documents through its website, while ensuring applications meet federal REAL ID standards. The MVC must also establish privacy safeguards for personal information processed online, with rules to be adopted within 60 days of the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on data center construction projects with annual electrical usage of 5 megawatts or more to pay prevailing wages determined by New Jersey’s Labor Commissioner. It directly affects contractors building qualifying data centers by mandating compliance with wage standards, safety training (OSHA-10/30), drug testing, insurance requirements, and detailed payroll documentation. Key provisions include prohibiting temporary labor without registered apprenticeship enrollment, requiring joint liability for unpaid wages by subcontractors, and mandating weekly sign-in records. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.335, so it is not currently in effect.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's "Safe Storage of Firearms Act" (Bill A 3560) requires all legal firearm owners to store unloaded firearms in locked containers (like gun safes) and keep ammunition separate at their homes or premises. It repeals older laws about minors accessing firearms and mandates a $500,000 public awareness campaign by the Attorney General. Retail dealers must provide written warnings about these storage rules to customers, and courts must inform convicted violators about firearm ownership restrictions. The law directly affects firearm owners, with exceptions for active law enforcement officers and certain retail displays.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts sales and use taxes for fuel cell devices, systems, and related tangible personal property in New Jersey. It directly affects businesses and consumers purchasing fuel cells that generate power through non-combustive electrochemical processes (converting fuel and oxidant into electricity). The key mechanism creates a new tax exemption for sales of fuel cell-powered systems designed to provide heating, cooling, or electrical power, and extends existing exemptions for fuel cell-related natural gas use. The exemption applies to all sales, use, or billing periods starting four months after enactment, aligning with New Jersey’s existing tax code for energy-efficient technologies.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program enabling gas public utilities to invest in renewable natural gas (RNG) infrastructure and procure RNG. It directly affects gas utilities (like gas companies) and their ratepayers (customers who pay gas bills). Key provisions require the BPU to establish a ratemaking mechanism allowing utilities to recover all prudently incurred costs - such as capital investments in RNG infrastructure, operating expenses, and RNG procurement costs - from customers through regular rate adjustments. The BPU must approve both the program and cost recovery mechanism, ensuring rates reflect actual costs while protecting ratepayers.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's transfer inheritance tax payment deadline from 8 months to 9 months after death, aligning it with the federal estate tax due date. It directly affects estate executors, administrators, and others responsible for paying New Jersey's inheritance tax. The key mechanism involves amending two tax code sections (R.S.54:35-3 and R.S.54:35-4) to replace all references to "8 months" with "nine months." This adjustment simplifies filing for estates that must handle both state and federal tax payments. The change applies immediately to tax payments due on or after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3532) sets a six-month maximum limit for acting appointments to specific state positions requiring Senate confirmation: cabinet-level department heads, the Attorney General, and county prosecutors. It requires the Governor to formally nominate a person for these roles within six months of their acting start date, or they must vacate the position. For current acting officials on the bill's effective date, the Governor must nominate them within 30 days or at the next Senate session, or the position becomes vacant. The bill applies only to roles statutorily requiring Governor nomination with Senate approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's motor vehicle franchise law to protect dealers (franchisees) from unfair practices by manufacturers (franchisors). It prohibits franchisors from imposing unreasonable performance standards, blocking franchise transfers based on non-human ownership, failing to cover recall costs, using arbitrary performance metrics, or operating competing service centers without notifying nearby dealers. The law requires all existing and new franchise agreements to comply with these rules, ensuring dealers can negotiate terms without undue pressure. These changes aim to balance bargaining power while maintaining the state's network of independent dealerships.