Asm. Brian Rumpf

Maddy summaryThis bill, called the "Defense of Community Standards Act," increases buffer zones around sexually oriented businesses from 1,000 to 2,500 feet from schools, places of worship, residential areas, hospitals, child care centers, and public recreation areas. It requires these businesses to maintain a 50-foot physical barrier around their perimeter, limit exterior signs to two specific types (with size restrictions), close by 11:00 PM, and maintain at least six feet between performers and patrons at all times. Municipalities would have authority to regulate the time, place, and manner of operation of these businesses, including requiring licenses for the businesses and their employees. The bill directly affects sexually oriented businesses operating in New Jersey and gives municipalities more control over their location and operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would restore approximately $331 million in municipal aid reductions that occurred during fiscal years 2009-2011 by gradually increasing distributions from the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over five years. Starting in fiscal year 2017, municipalities would receive incremental increases (20% in 2017, 40% in 2018, 60% in 2019, 80% in 2020, and 100% starting in 2021) to fully restore aid levels from fiscal year 2012. The bill requires municipalities to subtract any additional aid received from their property tax levy when calculating their next year's tax amount. This directly affects all New Jersey municipalities that received aid from these funds, allowing them to lower property tax rates for residents while maintaining their overall aid levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission in New Jersey to improve coordination of state services supporting veterans. The commission, composed of 13 members including veterans, agency representatives, and community experts, will assess and coordinate existing state programs to prevent veteran suicides. Key mechanisms include reviewing agency efforts for alignment with veterans' needs, tracking progress on suicide prevention initiatives, and issuing annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. The commission directly affects veterans, active service members, and their families by enhancing access to coordinated care during their transition to civilian life.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to automatically provide a 10% toll discount to seniors aged 65 and older who have an NJ E-ZPass account for passenger vehicles. The discount applies automatically when a senior turns 65 or when a senior applies for an E-ZPass account, eliminating the need for separate applications. It affects all seniors using E-ZPass on NJTA and SJTA toll roads, ensuring they pay at least 10% less than standard E-ZPass rates at all times. The program must be implemented without requiring additional action from eligible seniors.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts eligible veterans from New Jersey's state gross income tax. To qualify, a veteran must have been honorably discharged from U.S. Armed Forces, a reserve component, or the New Jersey National Guard (in federal active duty status) and have gross income of $50,000 or less annually. The exemption applies to all taxable income under New Jersey's Gross Income Tax Act, regardless of filing status. It directly affects low-income veterans meeting these specific military service and income criteria. The law would take effect for tax years starting January 1 after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2703) amends New Jersey tax law to exclude military compensation from gross income tax for service members who are domiciled in New Jersey but stationed outside the state. It specifically exempts pay received for service performed while stationed outside New Jersey, including active duty pay and housing allowances. The change applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment. This directly affects New Jersey-domiciled military personnel serving at out-of-state locations, reducing their state tax burden on military compensation. The bill modifies N.J.S.54A:6-7 to clarify this tax exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and distribute special blue envelopes for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes must hold driver's licenses, registration, and insurance documents, feature a distinct color recognizable to police, clearly identify the holder's diagnosis, and include communication guidance for law enforcement. It applies directly to autistic drivers, their parents, guardians, or caregivers who apply for the envelopes. The MVC must design these envelopes in consultation with autism advocacy groups, the Human Services Commissioner, and State Police. The bill draws from a 2020 Connecticut law and takes effect 12 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits under the Pension Adjustment Act (P.L.1958, c.143) for members of New Jersey's State-administered retirement systems. It directly affects retirees and beneficiaries of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund, Judicial Retirement System, Public Employees' Retirement System, Police and Firemen's Retirement System, and State Police Retirement System. The bill reverses a 2011 provision that had eliminated these automatic annual adjustments, ensuring benefits will adjust each year to help maintain purchasing power against inflation. By reinstating COLAs, the bill prevents gradual erosion of retirement benefits' value over time. This change provides concrete financial protection for retirees as the cost of living increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey to annually adjust its income tax brackets for inflation using the national consumer price index (CPI-U), preventing "bracket creep" where inflation alone pushes taxpayers into higher tax brackets without real income growth. The Director of the Division of Taxation would calculate these annual adjustments based on the CPI-U measure. This change would affect all New Jersey residents who pay state income tax by ensuring their tax brackets keep pace with rising prices. The bill follows the same model used for federal income tax brackets, which has been in place since the 1980s.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates an exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. It would require these venues to become smoke-free, meaning no smoking would be permitted inside for employees, patrons, or visitors. The change directly affects casino operators, staff, and customers at all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities (such as those with slot machines, table games, or dedicated seating for betting). This policy shift extends the existing indoor smoking ban to these locations, removing a long-standing exemption.