Asm. Mike Torrissi

Maddy summaryThis bill (A703) would change New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program, commonly called the "senior freeze," by lowering the residency requirement for eligible seniors and disabled persons. Currently, applicants must have lived in the state as homeowners for 10 consecutive years (with at least 3 as owners), but this bill would reduce that to just three consecutive years of continuous homeowner residency in New Jersey. The change applies to those who already meet the program's income limits (under $80,000 for 2009 tax year, adjusted annually) and own their principal residence. It does not alter the income thresholds or expand eligibility beyond current program criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture, with input from the Department of Environmental Protection and Rutgers Cooperative Extension, to study and report on the costs specialty crop growers face to comply with environmental, safety, and other regulations. The study must identify all relevant costs, survey growers across northern, central, and southern regions to gather actual expense data, and compare New Jersey's costs to other states. Within 180 days of the study's completion, the Department must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature with findings and recommendations for potential regulatory changes. The bill expires 30 days after the report is submitted. Specialty crop growers include those cultivating fruits, vegetables, herbs, or ornamental plants (but exclude crops like corn, soybeans, or hemp used for oil, feed, or fiber).

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey from requiring private businesses (such as restaurants, stores, or entertainment venues) to verify whether customers received a COVID-19 vaccine before allowing entry. It directly affects all private businesses operating in the state by eliminating state-enforced vaccine check requirements. The law takes effect immediately but expires when the state’s current pandemic emergency order (Executive Order 103 of 2020 or its successor) ends. It does not apply to government facilities or other business operations beyond entry verification.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the duration of certain emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor under the Civil Defense Act to a maximum of 14 days. It requires the Legislature to approve any extension beyond this 14-day period through a concurrent resolution. The Governor cannot issue identical or substantially similar orders for the same emergency after one expires under this rule. Exceptions include orders rescinding prior emergency measures, federal compliance requirements, internal state government operations, military orders, or orders issued under other laws with longer terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to waive the knowledge test for military service members applying for a commercial driver license (CDL), provided they meet federal criteria under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. It directly affects active-duty, reserve, or honorably discharged military personnel who operated commercial vehicles during service and submit proof of their military CDL or relevant experience. To qualify, applicants must provide military service documentation, their military CDL, and other required records, but waivers do not apply to those seeking CDLs for vehicles carrying 16+ passengers, school buses, hazardous materials, or if they have certain traffic violations. The waiver complements an existing skills test waiver but does not replace other state or federal CDL requirements like background checks.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum property tax refund amount that a municipal employee can process without needing additional approval from the municipal council. Specifically, it raises the threshold from $10 to $20 for refunds or cancellations of small delinquencies under $20. Municipal employees would be authorized to handle these small transactions automatically, streamlining processing for property owners receiving minor refunds. The change applies directly to New Jersey municipalities and their residents who qualify for refunds under this new $20 limit.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 51) formally adopts four articles of impeachment against Robert Asaro-Angelo, the Commissioner of New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD). It cites his failure to address the state's unemployment crisis, including delaying the reopening of in-person service centers (One-Stop Career Centers), backlog of unpaid claims, and lack of timely communication. The resolution, passed by the Assembly, impeaches Asaro-Angelo and directs the Speaker to submit the articles to the New Jersey Senate for consideration. It does not create new laws but initiates the constitutional impeachment process against the commissioner.

Maddy summaryAJR 55 designates March 16 each year as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize service dogs that assist veterans with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. The resolution directly affects veterans, service dog organizations (such as Paws Healing Heroes in Glassboro), and the public by raising awareness of these animals' role in veteran support. Its key mechanism is an annual designation requiring the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public observance. This is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with funding or regulatory changes, and it takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow crematories to operate as stand-alone facilities separate from cemeteries and funeral homes, rather than being restricted to cemetery property or existing funeral home operations. It would permit crematories to be established on property owned or leased by a crematory company (defined as a stand-alone facility separate from cemeteries and funeral homes) and would require these companies to be nonprofit organizations. The bill would require crematory companies to file annual reports with the New Jersey Cemetery Board, adopt regulations for crematory use, and publicly post their service charges. This change would directly affect crematory companies, funeral homes, and cemetery operators in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey police departments to donate unclaimed bicycles to qualified nonprofit organizations instead of selling them at auction. Specifically, if a bicycle is found by police and remains unclaimed for six months (or if the owner refuses it), departments may donate it to nonprofits exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Municipalities must approve eligible nonprofits annually through a resolution, and donations can only occur after the six-month waiting period. The change supports nonprofits that refurbish and distribute bikes to families and individuals in need, particularly those facing economic hardship.