Sen. Jim Holzapfel

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey law enforcement agencies to submit monthly data to the Attorney General about handgun permit and firearm purchase permit applications. The data must include applicant demographics (race, ethnicity, gender identity), application status (approved/denied), and denial reasons. The Attorney General must then compile and publicly release this information starting from June 2022, with an initial report due within two months of the bill's effective date. The bill aims to increase transparency around firearm licensing outcomes, particularly regarding potential disparities in denials across different applicant groups.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 3371) prohibits State-chartered banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions from requiring certain disabled veterans or their surviving spouses to disclose annual property tax obligations when applying for a mortgage or refinancing a primary residence. It directly affects veterans certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as having a 100% service-connected disability, or their surviving spouses. Instead of listing property taxes, lenders must obtain a certification from the local assessor confirming the applicant qualifies for the disabled veterans’ property tax exemption (under existing law). The requirement applies only to properties where the veteran or spouse occupies the dwelling as their primary residence and currently meets all exemption criteria except property ownership.

Maddy summarySCR 94 is a New Jersey Senate resolution urging the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate insurance companies' claims handling for Superstorm Sandy flood insurance. It specifically targets allegations that insurers allegedly rewrote engineering reports to deny coverage to homeowners who paid flood insurance premiums. The resolution cites a 2014 New York court case (Raimey v. Wright) and similar reports in New Jersey, suggesting potential fraud in claims processing. If proven, these practices could violate laws, and the resolution seeks a federal investigation to determine accountability. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create law but formally requests federal action.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's SCR 93 is a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass H.R.7570. It specifically targets service members discharged from the military in 2021 for refusing mandatory COVID-19 vaccines, who often received less favorable "general discharges under honorable conditions" instead of honorable discharges. H.R.7570 would allow these individuals to be reinstated to their previous rank, change their discharge status to honorable, and restore access to military benefits. The resolution does not change policy itself but formally requests federal action to address this specific issue for affected veterans.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 91) urges Congress to investigate whether insurance companies denied legitimate flood claims from Superstorm Sandy victims by using revised engineering reports. It specifically references a court case (Raimey v. Wright) where an engineer secretly altered a report to claim storm damage was due to pre-existing issues, leading to denied claims. The resolution asks Congress to examine if this practice - using "peer review" processes to rewrite damage assessments - is widespread and harming homeowners in New Jersey and similar states. It does not propose new laws but calls for federal investigation into these claims.

Maddy summaryThe "Fair Funding for Vulnerable Residents Act" (S 3369) requires providers of community-based residential services for adults and children with intellectual or developmental disabilities to spend at least 70% of their state and federal funding directly on resident care, such as staff wages, community outings, and equipment. These providers must annually report how they allocate funding, including direct care costs, and publish this data publicly. If a provider fails to meet the 70% threshold, they must issue a credit to the state by June 30 of the following year to adjust administrative costs or profits. The Department of Human Services will oversee implementation and ensure compliance, with federal funds returned to federal agencies if applicable.

Maddy summarySJR 79 designates October 1 of each year as "New Jersey Diner Day" to celebrate the state's cultural and economic connection to diners. The resolution recognizes New Jersey as the "Diner Capital of the World" with approximately 525 diners - the most in any U.S. state - and highlights their historical role as 24-hour destinations for commuters. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance through awareness activities, but contains no binding policy changes or direct regulatory effects. This is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with enforceable provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey law enforcement officers - including State troopers, county police, and municipal police - to be issued tourniquets for emergency use. It also mandates that all basic life support ambulances and mobility assistance vehicles (emergency medical vehicles) must have tourniquets available while in service. Funding for the tourniquets for law enforcement would come from existing criminal forfeiture funds, and the Attorney General and Commissioner of Health are authorized to create implementation guidelines. The bill aims to standardize access to this medical tool, which is not currently required for all officers or emergency vehicles under existing regulations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2754) would allow registered nurses to obtain special license plates displaying "Registered Nurse" and the caduceus symbol. It requires applicants to pay a $50 fee (in addition to standard registration fees) and specifies that the Motor Vehicle Commission must design the plates and monitor costs. Implementation depends on the state securing funding for initial design, production, and publicizing the program before the plates can be issued. The bill affects licensed nurses who own or lease vehicles registered in New Jersey and is contingent on budget approval before becoming active.

Maddy summaryS 3273 increases New Jersey's tax deduction for eligible veterans from $6,000 to $12,000, directly affecting veterans honorably discharged from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or reserve components. The bill amends the state's tax code to double the deduction amount available when calculating gross income tax liability. This change applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment date. The deduction remains available to qualifying veterans regardless of other personal exemptions.