Sen. Jon Bramnick

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 59) respectfully urges the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife to reduce the state's coyote population. It cites increasing coyote sightings across all 21 New Jersey counties since 1980, concerns about coyotes carrying diseases transmissible to humans and pets, and heightened risks of attacks - especially on children - due to habituation from human feeding. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally requests the DEP take action to address public safety. As a non-binding resolution, it directs the DEP to consider population management without specifying methods.

Maddy summarySCR 76 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey to grant a 100% property tax exemption on the primary residence of police officers, firefighters, or emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who suffer line-of-duty injuries and qualify for an accidental disability pension. If approved by voters, the amendment would compel the Legislature to pass a law implementing this exemption. The exemption would apply solely to the primary residence of eligible first responders, covering all property taxes on that home. This measure does not provide immediate tax relief but sets up a process requiring voter approval before the exemption can be enacted through legislation.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (SR 56), not a binding law. It urges New Jersey residents to practice greater civility in daily interactions amid rising national political violence, citing recent attacks on politicians (like the 2024 Trump rally shooting) and data showing increased threats to Congress. The resolution specifically calls on elected leaders to model respectful debate and condemns political violence, while emphasizing that improved courtesy - without new laws - can reduce stress and foster goodwill in neighborhoods. It has no legal effect but aims to encourage behavioral change through public appeal.

Maddy summarySCR 71 is a proposed constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey's Senate and General Assembly to hold four quarterly meetings each year, exclusively for debating state government issues, policies, and legislative operations. It mandates that these sessions focus solely on state-level matters, with members allowed to raise unagendized topics during discussions. The bill would require the presiding officers to set agendas but permits members to introduce new state-relevant issues during meetings. As a constitutional amendment, it must be approved by voters in the next general election following legislative passage.

Maddy summarySCR 74 proposes a constitutional amendment to provide property tax relief for New Jersey homeowners. If approved by voters, it would limit annual increases in the assessed value of a primary residence (homestead property) to the lower of 3% or the Consumer Price Index. It would also require a full tax exemption on the first $25,000 of a home's assessed value and an exemption from non-school property taxes on the next $25,000, resulting in tax relief on up to $50,000 of a home's value. This amendment would apply to all homeowners who live in their property as their main residence.

Maddy summarySCR 72 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey's legislative districts to be drawn to promote competition between the two major political parties. It would establish a 10-member Apportionment Commission (appointed by the leaders of the two largest parties) to create districts where no party is favored by more than 10 percentage points, using past gubernatorial election data as a proxy for predicting future competitiveness. Registered voters could challenge the district map in court if they believe it fails to maximize competition, with the New Jersey Supreme Court having the final authority to order a revised map. This amendment would apply to redistricting after the next census, aiming to align legislative seat outcomes with statewide party vote shares.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement to place underage individuals (under 18) who illegally possess alcohol or cannabis into temporary custody on a first offense, then notify their parent or guardian. For subsequent violations (second or third), it mandates written warnings for all ages, with parents notified for minors and referrals to community services (like counseling) for both the minor and their guardian. It specifies that refusing these services won’t result in legal penalties. The law applies directly to minors caught violating underage alcohol/cannabis possession rules in public places, schools, or vehicles. It does not impose fines, jail time, or court action for non-compliance with service referrals.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 993) extends the time limit for prosecuting theft of a firearm in New Jersey from 5 years to 10 years after the crime occurs. It directly affects prosecutors and defendants in firearm theft cases, as it allows more time to file charges for this specific offense. The change modifies Section 2C:1-6 of New Jersey law, which previously set a 5-year statute of limitations for third-degree theft of a firearm. The bill does not alter the penalties for the crime itself, only the window for prosecution.

Maddy summarySCR 61 creates a special 14-member committee (with balanced political representation) to investigate costs and decisions affecting New Jersey's public employee health care programs. The committee will examine premium increases in state health programs, contract disputes with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, allegations of executive branch influence on Treasury staff regarding a $34 million contract, and implementation of a 2019 law establishing fund subaccounts and third-party reviews. It will gather evidence through hearings and subpoenas (with joint approval of co-chairs and leadership) and issue a report with findings and recommendations. The committee directly affects state health care program administration and the Department of the Treasury's operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for accidental disability benefits under New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to cover certain state employees. It directly affects workers employed at State psychiatric institutions or correctional facilities after January 2003 but before becoming PERS members, who sustained injuries or illnesses during those jobs. The key provision deems such injuries as occurring "during membership" if the employee later joins PERS without interruption in the same employment. This allows them to apply for benefits based on those pre-membership work-related injuries, rather than requiring membership at the time of injury. The change specifically applies to traumatic injuries sustained while performing duties related to patient care or security at these facilities.