Asm. Brian Rumpf

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts veterans from paying any camping facilities fee at New Jersey State parks and forests. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans (including those who served in the American Merchant Marine during WWII) and Gold Star Family members, who will no longer pay fees for campsites, cabins, lean-tos, or shelters. The law amends existing statutes to prohibit the Department of Environmental Protection from charging these fees for veterans' use of park facilities. The exemption applies immediately upon the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1443) establishes automatic disqualification from holding any public office or employment in New Jersey for individuals convicted of certain crimes related to their position. It requires courts to immediately issue disqualification orders alongside forfeiture orders when someone is convicted of offenses involving dishonesty, third-degree crimes, or crimes directly tied to their public role. The bill also mandates a central registry maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts to track all disqualified individuals. This applies to both state and local government positions, with limited exceptions for minor offenses that may be waived by a court.

Maddy summaryACR 63 proposes a temporary constitutional amendment to create a New Jersey constitutional convention focused specifically on reforming property taxation and reducing government spending. If approved by voters, the convention would convene in April following a special election in March to elect 80 delegates (two from each legislative district). The convention would be limited to developing proposals that eliminate inequities in property taxation, reduce local government reliance on property taxes, and revise spending priorities while maintaining revenue neutrality. All convention proposals would be submitted to voters at the next general election for approval or rejection as a single package, with voters unable to approve only part of the proposals. The temporary constitutional amendment would expire 30 days after the election where the convention's proposals are voted on.

Maddy summaryThis bill caps New Jersey's annual retention of energy tax revenues at $403 million - the amount the state "skimmed" in fiscal year 1998 - and requires the remaining revenue to be distributed to municipalities as annual aid. It directly affects all New Jersey municipalities by ensuring they receive their fair share of energy tax collections, which have been increasingly retained by the state in recent years. The bill amends existing law to mandate that any revenue exceeding the $403 million cap be distributed to municipalities in proportion to their prior year distributions from this fund. This policy change aims to provide consistent property tax relief funding to municipalities while preventing the state from unilaterally increasing its share of these revenues.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey municipalities to dredge waterways in lagoon communities - defined as coastal residential developments where waterways function as streets for boat access - to maintain transportation. Municipalities may finance dredging through special assessments on benefiting property owners or by issuing bonds under existing laws. The bill covers both maintenance and restorative dredging for waterways serving these communities. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the requirement that New Jersey National Guard veterans must have served in federal active duty to qualify for a $3,000 annual gross income tax deduction. Currently, National Guard members need to have been called to federal active duty (under federal authority) to claim this deduction, but the bill removes that condition. The change applies to all honorably discharged or released New Jersey National Guard veterans, making the deduction available regardless of whether they served under federal authority. This aligns the tax benefit for National Guard members with the recognition provided to veterans of other military branches.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows municipalities with decommissioned nuclear power plants (where spent fuel is stored onsite) to impose a fee on plant owners. The fee, capped at $15 per kilogram of stored spent nuclear fuel, is calculated annually based on the total fuel weight. Revenue from this fee must be used exclusively to reduce the municipality’s property tax levy. It directly affects plant owners in eligible towns and aims to offset local tax burdens related to long-term nuclear waste storage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey courts to consider the results of a domestic violence assessment before dissolving restraining orders when a defendant has two or more such orders against them. The assessment, conducted by a qualified professional like a psychologist or social worker, evaluates the likelihood of future violence and is paid for by the defendant. Courts must weigh this assessment along with other factors, including whether the victim fears the defendant, the defendant's history of contempt violations, and whether the defendant has engaged in counseling. The bill defines the assessment process and requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to develop standards for who can conduct these assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires males under age 26 applying for a New Jersey driver's license, learner's permit, or nondriver ID to consent to registering with the U.S. Selective Service System as part of the application process. It directs the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to forward applicants' personal information to Selective Service if they haven't registered, with the application submission serving as their consent. The MVC must print a clear notice on all relevant forms stating that submitting the application means consenting to Selective Service registration if required by federal law (or upon turning 18 for applicants under 18). The bill aims to ensure compliance with federal registration requirements, which carry penalties including fines, imprisonment, and loss of federal benefits like student aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Internet Predator Investigation and Prosecution Fund" and requires a $200 assessment on individuals convicted of certain computer crimes or sex offenses. The collected assessments will be deposited into this fund, which will be administered by the State Treasurer. The Attorney General will award grants from the fund to county prosecutor's offices to cover costs for training and equipment needed to investigate and prosecute offenders who use electronic means to arrange meetings with children for criminal purposes. This policy directly affects convicted offenders of specified computer crimes and sex offenses, with the funds specifically targeting internet predators who exploit technology to commit crimes against children.