Asm. Mike Torrissi

Maddy summaryThis bill provides free admission to New Jersey State parks, forests, and beaches for two groups: (1) all New Jersey-resident veterans (defined as honorably discharged service members), and (2) active-duty military personnel (including reserves) who are either New Jersey residents or stationed in the state. It expands existing exemptions that previously covered only National Guard members after basic training, seniors 62+, and disabled residents. The bill amends current law to remove residency barriers for active military personnel and explicitly includes all veterans under the free access provision. The policy change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A690) prohibits intentionally displaying false or misleading caller identification information during phone calls or texts with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or obtain value. It directly affects telecom providers, telemarketers, and individuals who spoof caller IDs - such as scammers impersonating legitimate businesses. The law amends state consumer fraud law to make such manipulation unlawful, with penalties up to $10,000 for first offenses and $20,000 for repeat violations, plus possible cease-and-desist orders. Exceptions include law enforcement activities under court orders and blocking caller ID features, while aligning with federal caller ID rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A686) allows licensed hunters to ride in the bed of a pickup truck while traveling between hunting sites or to a clubhouse/lodge, provided the vehicle moves at under 35 mph. It directly affects hunters with valid licenses in New Jersey who travel between locations for hunting purposes. The key provisions override existing laws to permit this specific passenger arrangement under the stated speed and travel-purpose restrictions. The law takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A702) raises New Jersey's income threshold for excluding pension and retirement income from state taxable income from $100,000 to $125,000 annually. It directly affects seniors aged 62+ or disabled individuals receiving retirement benefits who file taxes as singles, married couples, or married filing separately. Under the change, taxpayers with gross income up to $125,000 (instead of $100,000) can exclude a set amount of pension/retirement income - such as $75,000 for single filers - without paying state tax on it. The bill updates the existing exclusion policy, which previously used a $100,000 threshold dating to 2005.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that when a dwelling unit in an age-restricted community in New Jersey is resold (including through foreclosure, bankruptcy, or tax sales), the new purchaser must certify that the unit will be occupied by an older adult meeting federal "housing for older persons" standards under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. It applies directly to buyers of units in such communities after the initial developer sale, ensuring these properties maintain their legally recognized status. The certification must be submitted before resale and recorded, with the unit's occupancy restricted to qualifying older adults regardless of whether the sale was for affordable housing. The bill clarifies that "resale" includes non-traditional sales like foreclosures, preventing unintended loss of the community's age-restricted designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to create written policies for students using medical devices that need school internet access (like remote health monitors). Within 90 days of the law taking effect, districts must establish policies covering parent information requirements, strict data privacy measures, and parental acknowledgment of the rules. Schools must also maintain the necessary technology infrastructure for these devices, with funding available through a new "Medical Device Technology Fund" administered by the state education department. School districts must annually report to the state on device usage, implementation challenges, and suggestions for improvement. The policy directly affects students with medical devices, their families, and school districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes "gang shoplifting" as a new third-degree crime in New Jersey. It applies when two or more people enter a store together and openly take items without paying (intending to deprive the store of them) or tamper with property to endanger people or damage the store. Convicted individuals face a mandatory minimum one-year prison sentence without parole eligibility, plus potential fines up to $15,000. The bill directly targets coordinated retail thefts, specifically addressing incidents described as "flash mobs" looting stores in public view.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local government units receiving loans or guarantees from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to establish programs ensuring military- or veteran-owned businesses (including those owned by spouses of military members or veterans) can supply materials and services for infrastructure projects. It expands existing requirements - currently mandating programs for minority workers and socially/economically disadvantaged contractors - to include military and veteran-owned businesses without specifying a contract percentage. The bill applies to all projects funded through the NJ Infrastructure Bank, which finances public infrastructure improvements across New Jersey. This change aims to increase participation of military/veteran-owned businesses in state-funded construction and service contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill criminalizes occupying an empty or vacant home without the owner's permission, addressing what the bill calls "squatting." It creates three specific offenses: forcibly entering a vacant dwelling (housebreaking), taking up residence without permission (unlawful occupancy), and reentering after a court-ordered eviction (unlawful reentry). All are classified as fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. The bill presumes a person knows they lack permission unless they provide a notarized rental agreement with the owner's contact details, changing the current process where owners must seek civil court eviction.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 57) urges New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to impose an immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping activities off the New Jersey coast. It is prompted by the unexplained deaths of at least 12 whales (including 8 humpbacks) and 5 dolphins recorded near offshore wind development areas since December 2022. The resolution calls for pausing these activities to allow for scientific study of potential links between sonar/mapping technologies and the marine life deaths. As a resolution, it does not create law but formally requests federal and state agencies to halt related operations pending investigation.