Asm. Andrea Katz

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to hire a consultant to conduct a statewide assessment of recycling, composting, and reuse conditions for packaging products. It establishes a "Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council" within the DEP and appropriates $500,000 for the assessment. The study will evaluate current packaging recycling rates, collection systems (including curbside and drop-off), waste disposal data, and infrastructure gaps across covered entities like schools, government facilities, and residential buildings. The findings will help identify needs and gaps in the state's packaging recycling system.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends property tax exemptions for veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities retroactively to the date they were officially declared disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It requires the state to reimburse municipalities for property taxes paid by eligible veterans during the retroactive period. The exemption applies to veterans’ primary residences and covers specific disabilities like paralysis, blindness, or amputations. It directly affects veterans who previously paid taxes they should have been exempt from under existing law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey gross income tax credit for taxpayers who pay for licensed child care for children under six years old. The credit amount (15% to 20% of expenses) depends on the child care center's Grow NJ Kids rating (3 to 5 stars), with higher-rated centers offering larger credits. Taxpayers earning under $25,000 annually can receive the full credit as a cash refund if it exceeds their tax bill, while higher-income taxpayers may carry forward unused credit to the next tax year. The credit cannot be claimed alongside New Jersey's existing child and dependent care credit.

Maddy summaryBill A2754 requires public utilities in New Jersey to provide clearer notice to customers before rate increases take effect. Specifically, utilities must send affected customers a plain-language summary of the Board of Public Utilities' final decision on rate petitions 30 days before new rates begin if approved, or within 14 days if denied. The bill also mandates that utilities notify customers of rate increase petitions via bill inserts or local newspaper ads, including the filing's purpose and impact. Additionally, it requires the Board to respond in writing to public questions asked during rate hearings within 14 days after the final hearing. This bill focuses on transparency and customer communication for all public utilities covered under New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It formally expresses the New Jersey General Assembly's appreciation to all its staff members - including the Chief Clerk, committee staff, administrative personnel, and others - for their dedication and service during legislative sessions. The resolution commends their "outstanding dedication, cooperation, and excellent work" in supporting the Assembly's operations. It requires the Clerk to send copies of the resolution to every staff member. As a procedural measure, it has no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2756) exempts sales of qualifying reusable carryout bags from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It directly affects retailers selling these bags and consumers purchasing them, as it removes the tax on eligible products. The bill defines a "reusable carryout bag" as one made from machine-washable materials (like cloth, polypropylene, or nylon), with stitched handles, and designed for multiple uses. The tax exemption applies to all sales made four months after the bill takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that New Jersey's regional school districts with more than seven constituent districts receive state school aid totaling at least what they received during the 2024-2025 school year. It creates "regional stabilization aid" that guarantees these districts get the greater of: (1) the state aid calculated under current law, or (2) their total 2024-2025 state aid - including equalization aid, special education aid, security aid, transportation aid, adjustment aid, and Stabilized School Budget grants. The aid will first be distributed for the 2025-2026 school year. This policy directly affects eligible regional school districts by preventing reductions in their total state funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires judges, law enforcement officers, and court personnel in New Jersey to receive updated training on domestic violence, specifically adding instruction about "coercive control." Coercive control refers to patterns of controlling behavior, such as isolating victims from support networks, monitoring their movements, threatening immigration status, or making false reports to authorities. The training must cover recognizing these indicators, understanding trauma, safety planning, and racial bias impacts. Existing training curricula for these groups will be revised to include these requirements, ensuring consistent, informed responses to domestic violence cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires construction permit applicants in New Jersey to disclose the anticipated funding sources and amounts for their projects. It applies to most construction projects but excludes single-family homes, routine renovations or repairs of dwelling units, and small-scale alterations (like individual units in buildings with fewer than three units). Applicants must provide this funding information when applying for a permit, and before receiving a certificate of occupancy, they must certify the accuracy of that information or submit updated details. The Commissioner of Community Affairs will develop specific rules within 180 days to implement these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $17 million from the General Fund to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for fiscal year 2023. It establishes a grant program to assist qualified entities - including lake commissions (like Greenwood Lake and Lake Hopatcong), local governments, and nonprofits - focusing on lake management for recreation and conservation. Grants prioritize projects improving water quality, preventing harmful algal blooms, increasing public access, and controlling pollution that affects lake use. The DEP must develop application criteria and administer the program, with funds limited to eligible lake management activities.