Sen. Joe Cryan

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable gross income tax credit for New Jersey taxpayers who pay union dues to qualifying labor organizations. It allows taxpayers to claim a credit equal to their total union dues, fees, or assessments paid during the tax year, directly benefiting union members and public employees represented by labor organizations. To claim the credit, taxpayers must verify their dues payments through forms provided by the state tax authority. The credit reduces tax liability and can result in a refund if it exceeds the tax owed, applying after other credits are calculated. The credit applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2023, and is defined under New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2139 requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to create additional safe parking zones for commercial motor vehicles along federal-aid highways. The bill appropriates up to $50 million from federal infrastructure funds to cover costs for these parking spaces, directly benefiting truck drivers and commercial vehicle operators. The DOT must report annually on program progress, including locations created, funds spent, and safety impacts, until the funds are exhausted. This establishes a concrete safety program without altering existing laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires drunk drivers convicted of causing a death (reckless vehicular homicide while violating DUI laws) to pay financial compensation to minor children when the victim was their parent or guardian. It amends New Jersey’s vehicular homicide law (N.J.S.2C:11-5) to add this restitution requirement, which would apply in addition to criminal penalties. The driver would be ordered to pay this compensation directly to the child, not to the family or estate. The bill affects convicted drunk drivers and minor children who lose a parent or guardian to a DUI-related death.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1491) reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits paid to members of New Jersey's state-administered retirement systems. It directly affects current and future retirees in these systems by ensuring their benefits automatically increase each year to match inflation, without requiring new legislative action each time. The key mechanism is restoring a provision that had been removed, so benefits rise automatically based on the Consumer Price Index rather than relying on annual budget decisions. This change provides predictable income stability for retirees as living costs change. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 9, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent commission to study New Jersey's inconsistent legal definitions of "veteran," "disabled veteran," and "service-disabled veteran." The commission will analyze over 20 existing definitions across state statutes to identify confusion that prevents veterans from understanding their eligibility for benefits like tax deductions, education aid, and special license plates. It will recommend changes to create clearer, more uniform definitions and submit annual reports to the Governor and legislature. The commission consists of five members appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders, with staff support from the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs. This study aims to improve veterans' access to benefits but does not change current eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a sexual assault prevention and response program within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), including an independent coordinator who operates outside the military chain of command. The program directly affects service members (including National Guard personnel) and their alleged victims by allowing victims to file confidential complaints about sexual assault or harassment, receive advocacy services, and access compensation through the Victims of Crime Compensation Office. Key provisions include the coordinator’s authority to refer cases to the Attorney General for investigation, file protective orders (state and military) with victim consent, and provide resources on reporting options. The program requires annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing prevention efforts, investigation statistics, and response effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's definition of "veteran" to include individuals discharged under less than honorable conditions due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or related conduct (e.g., consensual same-sex relationships or disclosure of such). It directly affects LGBTQ veterans who were previously denied veteran status because of discriminatory military discharges. The bill requires the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) to create a standardized review process and eligibility form to verify qualifying status. This change would allow these veterans to access state benefits and protections currently reserved for veterans discharged under honorable conditions. The bill is pending in the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryS 1608 removes specific date and location requirements for New Jersey veterans to qualify for civil service and pension benefits. Currently, veterans must prove service during defined conflicts (like WWII or Vietnam) with exact dates and minimum service periods. This bill broadens eligibility by replacing those restrictions with a simpler standard: any veteran honorably discharged from federal active military service. It directly affects all New Jersey veterans who served in any conflict, regardless of when or where they served, making it easier to access benefits. The bill is pending in the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee after introduction on January 9, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires ticket sellers - including brokers, resellers, and websites - to clearly display the total price of a ticket (including all fees like service charges) before purchase. It mandates that this total cost be shown in dollars, prominently but not more prominently than the base price, and prevents price increases during checkout (except for delivery fees on physical tickets). Venues cannot charge extra fees beyond the set ticket price plus taxes, though reasonable service charges for delivery or special services are permitted. The law directly affects consumers buying tickets and businesses selling them, aiming to prevent hidden fees and misleading pricing.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a temporary tax credit for New Jersey businesses that build or improve child care facilities for their employees' children. Businesses can claim a credit equal to 50% of up to $50,000 in qualifying expenses for real property used to operate a child care center primarily serving employees' children. To qualify, businesses must agree to use the facility for 60 consecutive months and submit documentation to the state tax authority. Failure to maintain the facility as required (without exceptions like disasters) triggers repayment of the credit plus interest.