Asm. Lou Greenwald

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 summaryThis bill reschedules New Jersey's June 2025 primary election from June 3 to June 10, 2025, to avoid conflict with a religious observance. It also establishes a permanent rule requiring the Secretary of State to reschedule any primary election (for delegates to national conventions or general elections) if it falls on a religious observance that significantly hinders in-person voting. The new date must be the first Tuesday after the observance period, with the Secretary providing notice to election officials and the public by specific deadlines. This applies to all future primary elections affected by such observances, ensuring adjustments to related deadlines and publishing updated election calendars.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires NJ FamilyCare to reimburse for multiple medical visits with different specialty providers at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) on the same day. It directly affects NJ FamilyCare enrollees who need same-day specialist care at FQHCs, which serve medically underserved communities. The key provision mandates that the referring provider must document medical necessity for each visit, and each encounter must involve a different specialty provider. The bill explicitly states it cannot override federal Medicaid rules or existing state reimbursement policies. It aims to align NJ FamilyCare payment practices with current regulatory exceptions for multiple same-day visits under specific documented circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5080) creates a minimum 30-day special enrollment period for New Jersey health insurance policyholders when their in-network healthcare provider leaves their plan's network during the policy term. It requires the Department of Banking and Insurance to set this period and mandates insurers to notify affected individuals about the enrollment opportunity. The policy change directly impacts covered persons who suddenly lose access to their preferred providers due to network changes. The bill applies to all health insurance policies delivered, issued, or renewed after its effective date (90 days post-enactment).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an exemption from jury duty for New Jersey residents who are temporarily living outside the state to attend certain educational programs. It directly affects students enrolled in out-of-state secondary, post-secondary, vocational, graduate, or professional education programs who provide acceptable proof of their enrollment and temporary out-of-state residency. The exemption requires students to submit documentation verified by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts, similar to other existing jury duty excuses. This change modifies existing jury service rules to specifically accommodate students pursuing education outside New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Stay NJ property tax credit program, providing eligible senior citizens (65+ years old) with a property tax credit equal to 50% of their property tax bill, up to a maximum of $6,500 for tax year 2026 (with annual adjustments based on property tax increases). The program targets New Jersey residents with annual income under $500,000 who own or rent their principal residence as a homestead. Eligible claimants will receive the greater of the Stay NJ credit or the combined ANCHOR rebate and homestead property tax reimbursement, with a single application process to replace current multiple programs. The credit will be implemented starting in 2026, with applications accepted February 1 through October 31 each year.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 165) urges the U.S. federal government to create legislation providing proportional property tax relief for veterans with service-connected permanent disabilities. It proposes that veterans receive tax relief based on their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating (e.g., 30% disability would yield 30% tax relief), limited to their primary residence and veterans earning under $200,000 annually. The resolution highlights that New Jersey currently offers full property tax exemptions for veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities, but this federal standard would extend similar proportional benefits to veterans nationwide. It does not create new state law but calls for federal action to ensure consistent support for veterans across all states.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits distributing intentionally deceptive audio or visual media (such as deepfakes) within 90 days of an election if the intent is to deceive voters about a candidate or election. It criminalizes such distribution as a disorderly person offense, punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The prohibition does not apply if the media includes a clear, visible disclosure (e.g., "This advertisement contains manipulated images or sound") that remains readable throughout video or audible at the start of audio. Registered voters and candidates can seek court injunctions or sue for damages in violation cases. News organizations publishing such media for newsworthy purposes with the required disclosure are exempt from the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create a program that identifies and recruits unemployed individuals for jobs in healthcare facilities, home care services, and hospice care. It mandates that DOLWD evaluate whether training is practical for a specific role, considers job proximity and transportation options relative to an individual's home, and identifies barriers to immediate employment. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the state general fund to support training programs and resources for eligible individuals, leveraging existing DOLWD initiatives. It directly affects unemployed residents seeking healthcare sector employment and aims to streamline their transition into these roles through targeted recruitment and support.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey municipalities to revise their zoning regulations within four months to allow denser housing options in single-family residential areas. Specifically, municipalities must adopt one of three options: limit single-family lot sizes to 0.25 acres or less, permit two-unit dwellings on single-family lots, or allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - like separate living spaces with full kitchens and bathrooms on the same lot. It directly affects all municipalities with residential zoning, exempting historic districts and lots with pre-existing covenants restricting development. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment, mandating compliance to increase housing production opportunities.