Asm. Mike Torrissi

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 10% tax credit for New Jersey businesses that pay gross income tax, allowing them to reduce their tax bill by 10% of qualified research and development (R&D) expenses exceeding a base amount. It specifically covers R&D spending conducted within New Jersey and includes payments to energy research consortia for energy-related research. The credit applies to businesses subject to the state's gross income tax, including those that qualify as small businesses under federal rules. The goal is to incentivize in-state R&D investment, aiming to spur technological innovation and economic growth in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to waive the motorcycle road test for veterans applying for a motorcycle license. It directly affects veterans who provide proof of an honorable military discharge and have completed a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course on a U.S. military base. The key provision mandates the MVC to exempt these applicants from the road test requirement upon submission of the required documentation at the time of application. This change applies specifically to veterans meeting both criteria, streamlining the licensing process without altering other testing or licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits to New Jersey breweries and wineries equal to the full cost of purchasing "Jersey Fresh" agricultural products (grown in New Jersey) for use in producing beer or wine. The credit covers up to $10,000 per business per tax year, requiring documentation like receipts, Department of Agriculture verification, and an affidavit confirming the products were used in production. Breweries and wineries must apply the credit against their corporation business tax or gross income tax, with limits preventing credits from reducing tax below the statutory minimum or exceeding 50% of liability. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to 20 years (for corporate tax) or 5 years (for gross income tax).

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling membership from 13 to 15 members. It reduces public members from three to two, replaces the requirement for one licensed educator with two public school vocational program representatives and two private school representatives, and adds two members who own or operate hair braiding shops. The bill also broadens the six licensed professional slots to include any cosmetology-related profession the board licenses, rather than limiting them to specific roles. These changes aim to better represent New Jersey's diverse cosmetology and hairstyling industry stakeholders.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a New Jersey program to help volunteer emergency responders reduce their student loan debt. It directly affects residents who serve as volunteer firefighters, EMTs, or emergency management volunteers after completing an in-state undergraduate degree or certificate. Participants can receive up to $6,000 in loan relief - $2,000 annually in years two through four of active service - capped at their actual outstanding loan balance. To qualify, they must meet specific volunteer hour requirements (500+ hours/year for EMTs/rescue, 60% alarm response for firefighters), provide verification from their organization, and complete their education on or after the bill’s effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey utility companies (electric, gas, water, and sewer providers) to notify customers directly about upcoming public hearings on proposed rate increases. Utilities must include clear notice in monthly bills or send it via mail/e-mail, and also publish the hearing details in local newspapers across all service counties. It revises hearing locations to prioritize the largest municipality affected in each county and mandates that the Board of Public Utilities must collect and address public comments during these hearings. The law aims to improve transparency for customers before rate hikes take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Veterinary Medicine Loan Redemption Program to help veterinarians repay student loans in exchange for working in New Jersey's underserved areas. It requires participants to practice full-time for five years at approved sites (within designated underserved areas or within five miles), dedicating at least 75% of their work to large animal care (e.g., cattle, horses, livestock). The program, funded by an annual $500,000 appropriation from the General Fund, reimburses up to $30,000 per year of eligible loan expenses (covering tuition, fees, and interest). It directly affects veterinarians with student debt who commit to serving rural or livestock-focused communities, aiming to address statewide shortages in large animal veterinary care.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A709 requires the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to authorize third-party vendors - such as private driver training schools, employers, or local government agencies - to administer knowledge and skills tests for commercial driver license (CDL) applicants. The bill removes the previous requirement for the MVC to wait for a pilot program evaluation before approving vendors, and eliminates the MVC’s authority to limit the number of authorized vendors statewide. It also mandates that third-party vendors charge no more than the state’s cost for administering skills tests. This directly affects CDL applicants seeking faster testing options and third-party providers aiming to offer these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 2020 law that prohibited stores, restaurants, and food pantries from providing single-use plastic bags, paper bags, polystyrene foam containers, and plastic straws. It would allow these businesses to once again sell or provide these items without requiring customers to specifically request them. The repeal directly affects retail establishments, food service businesses, and food banks that currently face restrictions on these products. This change reverses specific environmental restrictions on single-use products implemented in 2020.

Maddy summaryACR 42 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing New Jersey municipalities to grant a partial property tax exemption for the primary residence of eligible 9/11 first responders. The exemption would cover the first 15% of a home's assessed value for police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians disabled due to WTC-related medical conditions from their 9/11 recovery work. To qualify, a first responder's disability must be certified by a federal WTC health program. Municipalities would implement this through local ordinances, but the state would not reimburse them for lost property tax revenue. This amendment requires the Legislature to pass enabling legislation before municipalities can offer the exemption.