Sen. Mike Testa

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits to New Jersey small businesses that pay higher unemployment insurance premiums than standard rates. Specifically, it allows eligible small businesses (meeting federal SBA size criteria) to claim a credit against their state income tax equal to the difference between their actual unemployment insurance payments and what they would have paid at standard "column C" rates. The credit applies for 2023, 2024, and subsequent years until unemployment insurance rates drop to or below standard levels. Businesses cannot claim credits if other subsidies already cover the same cost increase.

Maddy summaryS 948 amends New Jersey law to classify motor vehicle theft as a second-degree crime when the stolen vehicle is operated in a way that creates a risk of injury to people or damage to property. This directly affects individuals who steal vehicles and drive them recklessly, such as during high-speed chases or careless operation. The bill changes the offense from a lower-degree crime to a second-degree offense, carrying penalties of 5 to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $150,000, or both. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 45) urges New Jersey's Governor and Attorney General to provide state assistance to municipalities dealing with unpermitted mass gatherings, commonly called "pop-up parties." It directly affects local governments struggling to manage spontaneous events on public streets, beaches, and parks that often involve large crowds, drugs, alcohol, and safety risks - like the 2022 Wildwood incident. The resolution does not create new laws but calls for state support to help municipalities prepare for and respond to these gatherings, referencing the New Jersey State League of Municipalities' 2022 request for action. It emphasizes that current permitting systems for planned events (like festivals) cannot address sudden, unpermitted crowds organized via social media.

Maddy summaryS 1686 requires New Jersey school districts to implement specific emergency communication improvements. It mandates that security personnel receive two-way radios for direct contact with emergency responders, establishes multi-platform notification systems (like texts and emails) for parents during emergencies, and requires monthly testing of all emergency communication systems. The bill also directs the Commissioner of Education to develop strategies encouraging schools to clarify emergency response roles, ensure staff can communicate with administration during school hours, and explore new technologies like panic buttons or dedicated emergency frequencies. These requirements directly affect all New Jersey public school districts and their security personnel, teachers, and administrative staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires scrap metal businesses to verify the identity and vehicle ownership of sellers before purchasing used catalytic converters not attached to a vehicle. Specifically, businesses must check photo ID, record license numbers, and obtain vehicle identification numbers and title/registration copies for such sales. It upgrades theft of catalytic converters to a higher criminal offense level (from third to second degree under New Jersey law). The law directly affects scrap metal businesses, sellers of catalytic converters, and law enforcement investigating thefts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 377) requires healthcare providers in New Jersey to provide specific information to patients or their parents/guardians at least 48 hours before administering any vaccine. Providers must give a vaccine manufacturer's insert, a CDC excipient summary (list of non-active ingredients), and details about the VAERS reporting system for vaccine side effects. Patients or parents/guardians must also be informed of the option to decline vaccination and the consequences, such as potential school exclusion without a medical or religious exemption. The bill prohibits providers from refusing care or transferring patients solely due to vaccine refusal. It directly affects healthcare practitioners and patients/minors receiving vaccines in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 899) requires New Jersey's Attorney General to establish a voting fraud task force within the Division of Criminal Justice. The task force will investigate and handle cases involving voting fraud, using a coordinated approach with state, county, and local law enforcement agencies. It does not change voting rules but creates a dedicated unit to address suspected fraud. The task force would begin operations after the bill takes effect, which is set for the first day of the sixth month following enactment.

Maddy summaryS 901 requires New Jersey's Secretary of State to create a website where voters can report issues with mail-in ballots they receive, such as ballots sent to the wrong address or to a deceased person. Voters would submit their contact details and describe the problem, with reports automatically sent to county election officials for follow-up. The bill also establishes the "Vote by Mail Study Commission," a 9-member group tasked with investigating mail-in voting systems - including preventing duplicate ballots or mailings to inactive voters - and holding public hearings across the state. The commission must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of its first meeting.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1655) requires that any bill certified for a fiscal note or estimate cannot be released from a legislative committee until a complete fiscal note or estimate is provided. It directly affects bill sponsors and committees by mandating that fiscal analysis must be finalized before a bill moves forward. The key provision amends existing law to block committee release of such bills until the fiscal document is complete, ensuring lawmakers have budget impact data before proceeding. The bill does not change funding levels or create new programs - it only establishes a procedural requirement for fiscal transparency.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 1344 would expand activities permitted for limited brewery license holders. It would allow these breweries to sell beer directly to consumers both on-premises (with tour requirements) and off-premises (up to 15.5 gallons per person), host unlimited on-site events without permits, and hold up to 18 off-site events annually with a director's permit. The bill also removes the requirement for servers to complete industry-recognized training and clarifies that licensees may coordinate with food vendors without operating a restaurant. This bill directly affects small breweries holding limited licenses in New Jersey and is currently pending in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (introduced January 9, 2024).