Maddy summaryThis bill, S 3545 "Homeowners' Historic Property Reinvestment Act," allows New Jersey homeowners to claim a 25% tax credit against their state income tax for qualifying rehabilitation costs on historic properties. It directly affects homeowners who own and occupy a historic property (listed on the National or New Jersey Register of Historic Places, or locally designated) as their principal residence for 12 months after work is completed. Key provisions require rehabilitation costs to be at least 50% of the property’s assessed value, with no more than 60% of the total cost covering interior repairs. The credit applies only to properties meeting these specific historic preservation criteria, not to rental properties or vacation homes.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 1294 amends New Jersey's crime compensation law to allow victims of certain sexual offenses to qualify for financial assistance from the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) without having reported the crime to police. Specifically, it removes the police report requirement for victims who received forensic medical services (like rape exams) through a county sexual assault response team within nine months of the offense - covering aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, or related crimes. This directly affects victims who chose not to report to law enforcement but sought medical care through designated response teams. The change ensures these victims can access compensation for medical, counseling, or other eligible expenses without needing a police report. The bill does not alter other eligibility rules, such as the five-year filing limit or the $25,000 compensation cap.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey law enforcement officers to have a digital photograph updated every ten years. The photo must be stored in the officer's personnel file and appear on their agency-issued ID card if photo identification is required. The Attorney General, working with the State Police Superintendent, must create guidelines to implement this requirement. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryS 2106 requires licensed private detectives in New Jersey to register their foreign government or foreign national employers with the State Police. This applies when a detective is employed by such entities, in addition to existing federal requirements under 18 U.S.C. § 951. The bill mandates that the State Police maintain a confidential registry containing the detective’s name, business address, employer name, and employer address - accessible only to the Attorney General and State Police. The registration requirement applies to all license holders upon initial licensing, renewal, or when changing employment to a foreign entity.
Maddy summaryS 1082 creates the "Jersey Craft Beverage Retailer Promotion and Grant Program" to support New Jersey's craft beverage industry. It establishes a certification program for retailers selling at least 10% of their alcohol sales from local craft producers (breweries, cideries, distilleries), requiring them to display "Certified Jersey Craft Alcohol Beverage Retailer" signage. Qualified retailers can apply for grants up to $2,500 annually to fund capital improvements or promotional activities related to selling New Jersey-made beverages. Funding comes from 50% of tax revenues on craft beverage sales, administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority with input from the Division of Travel and Tourism.
Maddy summaryS 2189 (New Jersey Senate Bill 2189) requires the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study the potential deployment of advanced transmission technologies, such as high-performance conductors, power flow control systems, and grid-enhancing software. The study will evaluate how these technologies could reduce grid congestion, increase transmission capacity, and improve reliability for electric utilities serving New Jersey consumers. The BPU must analyze specific benefits including cost savings, faster deployment timelines (3 months to 3 years versus 10 years for traditional infrastructure), and how these technologies address existing grid bottlenecks. This is a procedural study bill with no immediate policy changes; it mandates analysis to inform future decisions about grid modernization.
Maddy summaryS 309 requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide public boat access to all state and county-owned lakes and reservoirs where boats (with or without motors) are permitted, within two years of the law's enactment. The DEP must either build access points, contract with private marinas (through public bidding), or enter long-term agreements to achieve this. If access cannot be provided due to funding constraints, the DEP must report the specific locations and required funding to the Governor and Legislature. This bill directly affects public recreational users and private marina operators by mandating accessible waterways and transparent reporting for inaccessible sites.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Office of Community Schools within New Jersey's Department of Education to support public schools, charter schools, and renaissance schools in implementing community-based educational models. The office will provide training, grants, and technical assistance to schools adopting these models, which integrate educational, health, and family services to address student needs. It allocates $10 million total ($2 million from the state budget and $8 million from federal funds) to establish the office and fund its activities. The office must publish a statewide list of participating schools and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature.
Maddy summaryS 3394 requires all New Jersey food service businesses - including restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, food trucks, and movie theaters - to provide clear written notice of major food allergens (like milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, and sesame) for every menu item, including temporary offerings. Businesses must display this information directly on menus, via a scannable QR code linking to an online resource, or on separate written materials like charts or booklets, using common allergen names or approved symbols. The law excludes prepackaged foods already covered by federal labeling rules. Enforcement will be handled by the Department of Health or local health boards upon complaint.
Maddy summarySCR 96 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey veterans' property tax deductions from $250 to $2,500 over four years. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans who are New Jersey residents, with the deduction amount rising incrementally: $1,000 in 2025, $1,500 in 2026, $2,000 in 2027, and $2,500 starting in 2028. The bill does not change eligibility but phases in the higher deduction amount annually. Surviving spouses of veterans and veterans in continuing care retirement communities would retain existing benefit structures under this amendment. This is a policy change to enhance property tax relief for veterans, not a new benefit.