Sen. Vince Polistina

Maddy summarySCR 97 proposes a constitutional amendment to provide a $250 annual property tax deduction for New Jersey law enforcement officers who have a permanent disability directly caused by their job. This deduction would apply to property taxes on their primary residence (including cooperative housing) and extend to surviving spouses over 65 who remain unmarried and live in the same home. The amendment requires the legislature to define "law enforcement officer" and specifies the disability need not be total, only permanent. If approved by voters, this would become a constitutional requirement for future legislation.

Maddy summaryS 2977 allows up to five state employees per agency to take leave to work as census enumerators during the federal decennial census. Eligible employees may receive up to 10 paid workdays and 10 unpaid workdays during the census year, granted upon request and agency approval. This applies to all state agencies, including departments, commissions, and independent authorities. The bill directly affects state employees who volunteer for census work while maintaining their regular employment status.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "The Voter Convenience Act," allows New Jersey voters to cast ballots at any polling place within their municipality on election day, rather than being restricted to their assigned location. County election officials must develop uniform guidelines using electronic poll books to verify voter eligibility and provide the correct ballot for the voter's election district. It applies to all municipalities that choose to implement the change, with optional countywide voting locations also permitted. The bill modifies election procedures but does not alter voting eligibility or ballot content.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes county-level "ATV Law Enforcement Task Forces" in each of New Jersey's 21 counties to improve coordination of enforcement efforts for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) laws. Each task force, led by the county prosecutor and including sheriffs, police chiefs, and park law enforcement, will develop mutual aid plans to share resources and strategies for addressing illegal ATV operation. The plans will include procedures for seizing ATVs operated illegally under existing law (P.L.2021, c.353), which allows municipalities to declare illegally operated ATVs as contraband. The state will provide $1 million in funding to support these task forces, with counties required to adopt their mutual aid plans within six months of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill improves New Jersey's Better Education Savings Trust (NJBEST) program to help families save for college. It raises the income limit for tax deductions on contributions from $200,000 to $300,000 with a higher deduction cap of $15,000. The bill also expands grants: increasing the initial deposit match from $750 to $1,000 for account holders earning $150,000 or less, and adding a $500 grant for those transferring funds from out-of-state 529 accounts. Additionally, it creates a NJBEST Advisory Council to review the program's effectiveness in making college more affordable.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1625) requires the NJCLASS Loan Program administrator to include specific borrower data in its annual report to the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker. The report must detail the number of loans 90+ days delinquent (by income level), administrative wage garnishment activity (orders initiated, issued, and amounts collected), and default statistics (by income level). It also mandates reporting on loan forgiveness requests (due to death/disability), deferment requests, and forbearance requests. The bill directly affects New Jersey students who borrow through the NJCLASS program and the state agency managing the loan program. This change aims to increase transparency around borrower financial challenges and collections practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to prioritize energy security, diversity, and affordability when updating the state's Energy Master Plan. It mandates the BPU to conduct detailed cost and impact analyses for all energy generation projects and the Master Plan itself, including breakdowns of financial effects on ratepayers, state/local governments, and infrastructure costs. The plan must limit intermittent energy sources (like wind/solar) to no more than 50% of the state's energy portfolio and prioritize in-state energy generation to reduce subsidies for out-of-state sources. These changes directly affect the BPU, ratepayers (through potential cost impacts), and energy developers (requiring pre-approval analyses), while ensuring public transparency via online analysis publications and annual committee testimony.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to automatically suspend tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway east of the Garden State Parkway whenever U.S. Route 40 is closed east of that point. It directly affects drivers traveling between Atlantic City and surrounding areas who would otherwise face toll charges when U.S. Route 40 - frequently closed due to flooding - is unavailable. The suspension is automatic and takes effect immediately upon U.S. Route 40 closure, eliminating toll fees during these disruptions. This policy change ensures motorists have a toll-free alternative route during closures of the main thoroughfare.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish an Alzheimer's disease public awareness and education program. The program must include a public campaign covering symptoms, warning signs, and treatment options; educational materials for health providers; and training for police, fire, emergency medical staff, and judicial personnel to recognize symptoms and respond appropriately. DHS will develop and post accessible information about Alzheimer's on its website in English and Spanish, in consultation with the Alzheimer's Association. The law aims to improve public understanding of Alzheimer's, support early detection, and help professionals better assist affected individuals and families.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent "County Tourism Incentive Grant Fund" within the State Treasury to provide financial support for tourism advertising and promotion. It uses excess revenue from hotel and motel occupancy fees (leftover after budgeted amounts) to fund annual grants to counties. To receive funds, counties must apply by October 1, detail their advertising plans, and agree not to reduce existing tourism budgets or repay funds if misused. The grants are distributed based on each county's share of statewide hotel revenue, directly supporting local tourism marketing efforts.