Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (SSUTA) to amend its definition of "grooming and hygiene products" to exclude oral healthcare items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwash. Currently, these products are taxed at New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax rate under the SSUTA's existing definition. The resolution requests two specific changes: (1) removing oral care products from the "grooming" category, and (2) creating a new "oral healthcare products" category to allow states to exempt these items from sales tax. As a non-binding resolution, it seeks to enable future tax exemptions for these essential health products by modifying the multistate SSUTA agreement, not by directly changing New Jersey law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 45th anniversary of the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act (passed in 1979) and the 35th anniversary of New Jersey’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan. It symbolically recognizes the longstanding diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between New Jersey and Taiwan, including $723 million in annual trade and over 200 Taiwanese companies operating in New Jersey. The resolution has no binding effect - it is purely ceremonial, expressing support through formal acknowledgment without creating new laws or policies. It does not alter U.S. or New Jersey government actions toward Taiwan.
Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 111) formally recognizes loneliness as a public health crisis in New Jersey, citing evidence that chronic loneliness increases risks for heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, and premature death by over 60%. It does not create new programs or allocate funding but directs the resolution to the Commissioner of Health for awareness. The resolution highlights that loneliness affects over one in five adults and one in three young adults, contributing to mental health challenges. It serves as a symbolic acknowledgment to encourage community-focused solutions around social connection.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the bridge over Crosswicks Creek on Interstate Highway Route 295 North (between Bordentown and Hamilton townships) as the "Benjamin Moore and the 693rd Sapper Company Memorial Highway." It honors Army Specialist Benjamin G. Moore, who died in Afghanistan in 2011 while serving with the 693rd Sapper Company, and recognizes his military service and community work as a first responder. The bill specifies that state funds cannot pay for the memorial signs; instead, the transportation department may accept private donations or grants to cover sign costs, with agreements required before any work begins.
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 establishes the Second Chance Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to connect formerly incarcerated individuals with employment opportunities through labor organizations. The program requires labor unions to identify job pathways in their trades and develop plans for hiring returning citizens, directly benefiting individuals recently released from prison who face high barriers to employment. It aims to reduce recidivism by addressing a key factor cited in the bill: the lack of viable jobs for this population, which correlates with higher reoffending rates. The program operates under the State Employment and Training Commission and mandates consultation with labor organizations to create sustainable career opportunities. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Health (DOH) to create and update annual guidelines for school districts and colleges on implementing student vaping awareness campaigns. The guidelines must include research-backed materials about vaping's health effects (lung damage, mental health, pregnancy risks), peer pressure strategies, and age-appropriate anti-vaping resources like pamphlets. Schools and colleges would use these guidelines to develop multi-level campaigns targeting adolescents and young adults, focusing on healthy decision-making. The DOE and DOH must post the guidelines online and link to additional anti-vaping resources for schools and families.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (AR 164) recognizing Bruce Springsteen's 75th birthday. It formally celebrates his New Jersey roots, career achievements (including over 120 million albums sold and 20 Grammys), and philanthropy, with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents. The resolution directs the Assembly Clerk to send copies to Springsteen and his family. As a commemorative measure, it does not enact new law or affect any legislation.
Maddy summaryAJR 48 designates the third Sunday of November each year as "World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution, sponsored by Assemblyman Robert J. Karabinchak, recognizes the impact of traffic fatalities (697 in 2021, the highest in 14 years) and honors victims, families, and emergency responders. It requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation encouraging public observance of the day through activities and programs. The bill has no regulatory or funding provisions; it is a ceremonial designation to raise awareness about traffic safety.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $250 annual gross income tax deduction for eligible New Jersey educators and paraprofessionals for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. It directly affects K-12 teachers, counselors, principals, and school aides (working at least 900 hours yearly) employed by public or private NJ schools. The deduction covers expenses like books, computers, software, and classroom materials, excluding nonathletic health/PE supplies. The policy applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment date.