Sen. Andrew Zwicker

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1582) removes a requirement that New Jersey veterans must have served in active duty or federal active duty status to qualify for a $6,000 tax exemption on gross income. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, reserve components, or New Jersey National Guard who previously needed active duty service to claim this exemption. The key change modifies New Jersey tax code (N.J.S.54A:3-1(b)(7)) to eliminate the active duty language, allowing eligible veterans to claim the exemption regardless of their service status. The policy change takes effect immediately for taxable years beginning after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Ultimate Frisbee (also called Ultimate) as New Jersey's official state sport. It directly recognizes the state's historical role in the sport's development, including the 1967 introduction at Columbia High School and the first interscholastic game in 1970. The bill’s sole mechanism is a legislative designation with immediate effect, requiring no new programs or funding. It highlights New Jersey’s origins of the sport while acknowledging its global growth, including its 2015 Olympic Committee recognition. The bill does not alter existing laws or create new obligations for residents or institutions.

Maddy summaryS 1604 establishes the "State House Flag Program" through the State Capitol Joint Management Commission, allowing members of the New Jersey Legislature to request commemorative New Jersey State flags flown over the State House. The program requires the Building Management office to mail each requested flag with a certificate detailing the date flown and the recipient (individual, group, or organization). The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to cover implementation costs for this ceremonial program. This is a procedural measure with no substantive policy changes, solely enabling symbolic recognition through flag displays.

Maddy summaryS 1639 requires financial guarantors (sureties) to act within 60 days when they take over responsibility for completing a transportation project, such as roads or bridges. Specifically, sureties must enter a contract with a contractor within 60 days and ensure construction begins or resumes within another 60 days after that contract is signed. For projects already under surety oversight when the law takes effect, the deadlines adjust based on whether a contract exists or work has already started. Violations carry daily penalties of at least $10,000 per day of non-compliance. The bill directly affects sureties and contractors managing state transportation projects.

Maddy summaryS 1613 creates the Blockchain Promotion and Integration Program under New Jersey's Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology. The program will help businesses - especially small ones - learn about and adopt blockchain technology through public awareness campaigns, direct assistance, and partnerships with groups like the New Jersey Blockchain Council. It requires the Commission to analyze New Jersey's blockchain sector, connect businesses with resources, and recruit investment in this industry. The Commission must also report annually to the Governor and Legislature on the sector's progress and make recommendations for further integration.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) to create guidelines for on-demand micro transit pilot programs - shared rides via mobile app or phone that pick up and drop off users at their selected times. The guidelines must ensure affordability for residents in "transit deserts" (areas with limited public transit), incentivize unionized driver employment, and specify vehicle types (including those requiring commercial driver licenses). NJT must prioritize expanding these services to Bergen, Mercer, and Middlesex counties, focusing on densely populated areas and locations with no current transit options. The bill takes effect seven months after enactment, setting operational standards for pilot programs without providing new funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded loan program to help small New Jersey businesses protect against climate risks. It creates a revolving loan fund managed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), providing low-interest loans to qualified businesses with 50 or fewer employees that implement specific resiliency projects - such as flood protection, stormwater management, or climate-adapted infrastructure. Businesses must be registered in New Jersey and maintain operations in-state, with priority given to those in municipalities with climate planning. Loans require annual reporting on fund usage but are designed to offer better terms than typical private business loans.

Maddy summarySCR 54 is a symbolic resolution passed by the New Jersey legislature condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and rejecting efforts to justify anti-Jewish hatred. It specifically addresses modern manifestations like blaming Jewish people for global issues, spreading harmful stereotypes, and targeting Jewish institutions. The resolution references rising anti-Semitic incidents in New Jersey (including 370 reported in 2021) and affirms that such hatred violates constitutional values of tolerance and religious freedom. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal force but serves as a formal statement of legislative stance.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $50 fee for filing a certified copy of a name change order in New Jersey. It directly affects residents who need to officially document a name change for legal purposes, such as after marriage, divorce, or other personal reasons. The key provision removes the fee from the state's fee schedule, making this administrative process free for individuals. The change applies immediately upon the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryS 1631 would require New Jersey to use ranked-choice voting for presidential primaries and general elections for electors of U.S. President and Vice-President. Under this system, voters would rank candidates in order of preference on ballots, and votes would be redistributed in rounds until one candidate reaches 50% plus one of the valid votes. The bill mandates ballot design allowing voters to rank at least six candidates, includes rules for handling exhausted ballots, and directs the Secretary of State to create implementation guidelines. The law would take effect immediately but would not be implemented until voting machines are certified for ranked-choice voting, 12 months after that certification. This change applies only to presidential elections, not to state or local offices.