Asm. Brian Rumpf

Maddy summaryACR 31 is a New Jersey legislative resolution applying to Congress for an Article V Convention of States. It seeks to propose constitutional amendments limiting federal government powers, imposing fiscal restraints on spending, and restricting terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution is a continuing application, meaning it remains in effect until two-thirds of U.S. states make similar requests on the same issue. This is a procedural step, not a law; it does not change existing federal policy but requests Congress convene a convention to consider specific constitutional amendments.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes intentionally damaging or defacing a military monument a crime of the third degree, raising it from a disorderly persons offense. It specifically defines "military monument" as any structure honoring military personnel or commemorating battles, and "desecrate" as defacing, damaging, or polluting such monuments. The law directly affects individuals who intentionally harm these monuments, imposing stricter penalties than for other public property offenses. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1757) extends New Jersey's $6,000 veteran gross income tax exemption to the spouses of deceased veterans. Currently, surviving spouses lose this exemption after the veteran's death, even if they filed jointly in the year of death. The bill allows surviving spouses to continue claiming the $6,000 exemption in future taxable years until they remarry, provided the veteran qualified for the exemption in the year they died. It directly affects spouses of veterans who died while eligible for the tax break, reducing their taxable income without requiring new eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $2,000 tax exemption for New Jersey volunteer firefighters, first aid, and rescue squad members who meet specific service and training requirements. To qualify, firefighters must serve the entire year, respond to at least 60% of fire alarms and drills, and hold Firefighter I certification; rescue and first aid members must respond to at least 10% of rescue alarms and drills and have approved training or EMT certification. Volunteer organizations must submit annual lists of eligible members to the state for verification by March 31. The exemption applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A260) excludes certain military reenlistment and voluntary extension bonuses from New Jersey's gross income tax. It directly affects active-duty and reserve members of the U.S. Armed Forces who receive these specific bonuses while serving. The key provision amends New Jersey tax code (N.J.S.54A:6-7) to add subsection (d), explicitly excluding such bonuses from taxable income. The change applies immediately to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment. This is a tax code adjustment, not a new benefit or program.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises the rules for determining the "base year" used to calculate homestead property tax reimbursements after a qualifying resident relocates within New Jersey. It eliminates the requirement for eligible claimants (seniors or disabled homeowners meeting income thresholds) to wait an additional tax year after moving to a new homestead to qualify for reimbursement. Instead, they can immediately qualify following relocation, with the reimbursement based on property taxes from the year prior to moving into the new home. The change applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2021, and does not affect the base year calculation for new construction properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill would appropriate $2.9 billion in state funding to ensure school districts receive aid equal to their "adequacy budget" as determined under New Jersey's School Funding Reform Act. It requires districts that receive increased state aid to reduce their property tax levies by the same amount, with specific provisions for districts where property taxes exceed 5% of district income. The bill also provides additional aid to districts that experienced funding cuts between 2018-2023 and repeals certain laws that contributed to reduced state aid and higher property taxes. The policy aims to align school funding with constitutional requirements for a "thorough and efficient" education system while reducing property tax burdens on residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's civil service hiring rules for veterans by allowing applicants to qualify as veterans or disabled veterans under the federal definition (5 U.S.C. §2108) instead of only the current state definition. It removes the state's specific historical conflict time requirements, such as minimum service periods for recent operations like Iraq or Afghanistan, which previously limited eligibility. As a result, more veterans - particularly those serving in modern conflicts - will become eligible for civil service hiring preferences. The change applies only to new applicants after the bill's enactment and does not affect veterans already eligible under current law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows veterans residing in New Jersey's state-run veterans' residential facilities (including memorial homes and Veterans Haven facilities) to have dogs certified as either service animals or emotional support animals. It permits these animals without requiring federal-level service animal training standards for emotional support animals, which federal VA policy does not cover. Facilities must verify documentation confirming the animal's training, task description, and current rabies/core vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus-2). Other animals are prohibited unless for law enforcement or specific VA research purposes, and facilities may restrict or remove animals only for safety reasons like aggression or health risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $10 million grant program to support volunteer fire companies in New Jersey by funding operational costs and sustainability efforts. The program, administered by the Division of Fire Safety, provides grants for emergency equipment like protective gear, tools, maintenance, and training (but not new vehicles or buildings). Volunteer fire companies must apply with specific details on equipment needs and how funds will improve operations, and they must report on fund usage and impact within a year. The Division will publish annual reports on program outcomes, including grant recipients, equipment purchased, and recommendations for future funding.