Asm. Lou Greenwald

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Food Desert Elimination Act" to incentivize supermarkets and grocery stores (18,000+ sq ft) to open in designated "food desert communities" - areas with limited access to fresh food, identified using USDA and CDC data. It provides property tax-based tax credits to businesses that open their *first* supermarket or grocery store in a designated food desert community, covering the full property tax assessed by the municipality for three years after opening. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will designate up to 75 initial food desert communities, prioritizing areas with high poverty and limited healthy food access. This directly affects low-income residents in these communities by aiming to improve access to nutritious food through new retail options.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's law governing shareholder votes on matters other than electing board directors. It clarifies that corporations can establish in their bylaws a requirement for a majority of shareholders *present or voting by proxy* (not just a majority of all shares outstanding) to approve such actions. This change directly affects corporations and their shareholders when voting on issues like mergers, asset sales, or major policy changes. The bill is pending in the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee and would apply to votes occurring after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill reschedules New Jersey's 2025 primary election from June 3 to June 10, 2025, to avoid conflict with a religious observance. It establishes a permanent rule requiring the Secretary of State to move primary election dates to the first Tuesday after a religious observance that significantly burdens in-person voting. The law mandates that election officials and the public be notified within seven days for the 2025 change and by January 1st for future years. It applies to all primary elections for delegates to national conventions and general elections statewide, ensuring adjustments to all related deadlines. The bill defines "religious observance" as days when religious practices substantially prevent voting in person.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits New Jersey gas and electric utilities to use alternative rate-setting methods - such as multi-year plans, formula-based adjustments, or performance-based pricing - instead of traditional base rate cases. Utilities would propose these plans to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, which must establish rules for their implementation, including requirements for customer rate stability and utility performance. The changes aim to reduce the frequency of lengthy rate case proceedings while maintaining affordable, predictable rates for customers. This directly affects utilities' billing processes and customers' energy costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts plastic materials processed at designated "advanced plastic processing facilities" from New Jersey's solid waste disposal and recycling laws. These facilities must transform plastic into non-fuel products (like chemicals or monomers) using methods such as pyrolysis, not into fuel. The exemption excludes PETE (code 1) and HDPE (code 2) plastics. Processors using these facilities avoid state recycling/disposal rules but remain subject to air/water pollution and land-use laws.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3556) would allow employees to deduct from their gross income up to $5,250 annually in employer-paid educational assistance (like tuition, fees, or textbooks) and up to $5,250 in employer-paid student loan payments (principal or interest). It directly affects New Jersey employees who receive these benefits from their employers, matching the federal tax exclusion limit under Section 127 of the IRS code. The deduction applies to qualified higher education expenses (as defined by federal law) and student loans used for such expenses, excluding non-educational costs like hobbies. The bill is pending before the Assembly Higher Education Committee and would apply to taxable years starting after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to expand New Jersey's homestead property tax rebate program. It would allow honorably discharged veterans who served in wartime or emergencies, plus their unmarried surviving spouses (including spouses of veterans who died while on active duty), to receive the same larger rebate currently available to seniors (65+) and disabled residents. The change would extend eligibility to approximately 330,000 veterans and surviving spouses who currently qualify only for a $50 property tax deduction. The amendment requires voter approval before implementing this expanded rebate program.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the daily fee charged to rental car companies in New Jersey from $5 to $2 per rental vehicle. It directly affects rental companies and their customers who rent vehicles for short-term use (up to 28 days). The $2 daily fee remains dedicated to the New Jersey Domestic Security Account, which funds bioterrorism preparedness, nuclear facility security, State Police security services, and counter-terrorism programs. For example, a customer renting a car for five days would save $15 compared to the previous $5-per-day rate.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public works contractors in New Jersey to opt out of participating in registered apprenticeship programs by paying an annual $1,000 fee per craft classification. Contractors choosing this option must still pay all craftworkers at least the prevailing journeyman wage rate. The opt-out fees are split equally: 50% funds workforce development programs for underserved communities, and 50% provides micro-grants to female, minority, and veteran-owned construction firms. Contractors not opting out must register with the state, verify their apprenticeship program meets federal standards (29 C.F.R. sections), and provide documentation of compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's health insurance rules to make premiums more equitable for individuals and small businesses. It requires insurers to use "community rating" for certain plans, meaning premiums must be the same for all people in a plan regardless of age, health status, or location. The bill also defines "creditable coverage" to help people transition between health plans without facing higher costs due to prior health conditions. It directly affects individuals buying individual health insurance and small employers offering health benefits to their staff.