Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2473) allows social workers in New Jersey to substitute work experience for certain education or exam requirements when applying for licensure. It directly affects applicants seeking clinical social worker, social worker, or certified social worker licenses who may lack formal training for those specific roles. The State Board of Social Work Examiners would evaluate applicants' educational and experiential records to determine if they meet competency standards without requiring a traditional exam. The bill creates a new pathway for experienced professionals to gain licensure based on verified work history, rather than solely on academic credentials or testing.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 210) creates tax credits for businesses to adopt electric vehicle infrastructure. It provides a 50% credit (up to $1,000 per station) for purchasing and installing commercial EV charging stations, and a 50% credit for converting commercial vehicle fleets to zero-emission models, capped at $25,000 for light vehicles (under 14,000 lbs), $50,000 for medium (14,001-26,500 lbs), and $100,000 for heavy vehicles (over 26,500 lbs). To qualify, businesses must apply for certification from the Environmental Protection Commissioner, proving eligible purchases and installations. The credits apply to both corporation business tax and gross income tax, with unused credits potentially carried forward for up to seven years.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual income limit for New Jersey seniors (65 or older) and disabled citizens (permanently and totally disabled) to qualify for a $250 property tax deduction from $10,000 to $15,000. Currently, the $10,000 limit applies to 2022 and prior years, but the bill would raise it to $15,000 for 2023 and beyond. The change requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment before taking effect. The deduction amount itself remains capped at $250 annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2372) requires New Jersey motor vehicle dealers and lessors to terminate a lease early if the lessee dies, provided the vehicle was leased and registered in New Jersey. It prohibits charging a fee for this termination (though reasonable fees for excessive wear/mileage specified in the lease may still apply). The bill also prevents requiring surviving family members, spouses, or estate representatives to buy the vehicle, continue the lease, or pay remaining terms. Dealers must include written disclosure about this termination right in lease agreements, with a $500 penalty for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2431) allows people with hearing impairments - specifically those holding a driver’s license with a designated hearing-impairment code - to apply for a free vehicle identification placard. The placard must display the international deaf symbol and be displayed per the Motor Vehicle Commission’s rules, but it does not grant access to disability parking unless the person also holds a separate disability placard. The bill explicitly states that using this placard will not result in citations or fines for improper display, and it clarifies that the placard does not confer disability parking privileges. The measure is pending in the Senate Transportation Committee after introduction on January 29, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a designated gallery space on New Jersey State House grounds for rotating displays of art created by residents from each county. The State Capitol Joint Management Commission must establish display standards and a schedule ensuring each county's artwork is shown for at least 60 consecutive days, with no overlapping county displays. The Director of Public Information selects specific artworks for display based on the commission's established criteria. The policy directly affects county artists whose work is chosen and the Commission/Office of Legislative Services responsible for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to cover application fees and transcript fees for veterans, active-duty military members, reserve component members, and New Jersey National Guard members who live in the state and are admitted to the institution. It directly affects these military-affiliated individuals by removing financial barriers to higher education enrollment. The key mechanism is mandating that institutions either waive these fees upfront or refund them after payment. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes an existing exception allowing smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities under New Jersey's smoke-free law. It eliminates the specific exemption that previously permitted smoking in casinos with at least 150 slot machines or 10 table games, and in simulcasting facilities with dedicated seating for 50+ patrons. As a result, smoking will now be banned in these venues, aligning them with the general smoking restrictions in public places. The change directly affects all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities operating under the state's regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides New Jersey military spouses with a refundable gross income tax credit of up to $500 to cover professional relicensing fees incurred when relocating to the state due to a military permanent change of station order. It directly affects spouses of active-duty military members who must relicense their profession (e.g., nursing, law, engineering) after moving to New Jersey under military orders. The credit applies to fees for licenses required by New Jersey to practice a profession the spouse held before relocating, within 13 months of the relocation order. The credit reduces state tax liability and is claimed through forms issued by the New Jersey Division of Taxation.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits for New Jersey taxpayers who install solar energy systems on their properties. Residential property owners can receive up to $5,000 (35% of qualified costs), apartment building owners up to $350 per unit, and commercial/industrial property owners up to $500,000. Taxpayers must apply for certification from the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, which must be processed within 90 days, and credits can be carried forward for up to seven years. The program is capped at $25 million in total credits per year and will expire after five years.