Sen. Jon Bramnick

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey public school districts to hire state-certified security officers - either "safe schools resource officers" or "Class Three special law enforcement officers" - to provide security during school hours. The state will fund these positions for districts that choose to implement them, covering costs for new hires after the bill takes effect. School districts must also create written agreements with local law enforcement (or the State Police if no local department exists), detailing roles, training, firearm authority, and operational procedures. The policy directly affects all public school districts in New Jersey, requiring standardized security protocols for officer placement.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 974) would impose a $250 daily fine on each New Jersey legislator for failing to pass the state's annual budget law during a declared state of emergency. The fine applies to each day or partial day the Legislature misses the constitutional deadline for enacting the budget. All collected fines would go directly to the State General Fund via the State Treasurer. The bill targets legislators' accountability for budget delays during emergencies, not the budget's content or impact on residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 990) expands the State Auditor’s role to conduct performance audits of state programs at the request of legislators. It directly affects state agencies by requiring unannounced audits examining a program’s economy, efficiency, and effectiveness - beyond standard financial audits. The bill establishes an 8-member "Performance Audit Committee" (appointed by legislative leaders with expertise in accounting/business) to assist the State Auditor. If the auditor deems a request unfeasible, they must provide a 30-day written explanation, with unresolved cases referred to the Legislative Services Commission for final decision.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1030 prohibits telemarketers from intentionally manipulating caller identification services to display false phone numbers or names. It directly affects telemarketers who use deceptive caller ID practices and protects New Jersey residents from unsolicited, misleading calls. The bill creates a "disorderly persons offense" for this specific deception, making it punishable under state law. Key provisions define "caller identification service" and clarify that the law does not restrict legally protected telemarketing activity or charitable calls. The bill amends existing law (P.L.2003, c.76) to address deceptive practices that disrupt privacy and home life.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates three specific real estate transfer fees in New Jersey: the "general purpose fee," "supplemental fee," and "mansion realty transfer fee." It directly affects anyone transferring property ownership (buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals) by removing these costs from the transaction. The bill amends the existing realty transfer fee statute (P.L.1968, c.49) to repeal these fees, meaning deeds no longer require payment of these charges when recorded. The change simplifies the recording process by removing these fee structures from state law, though other recording fees may still apply.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures safety inspections for New Jersey's transportation infrastructure continue during a state emergency declared due to the state's failure to pass its annual budget by the constitutional deadline. It applies to both existing roads, bridges, and newly constructed projects funded by the Transportation Trust Fund Authority. The law requires ongoing funding for these inspections and designates inspection staff as essential personnel who cannot be furloughed. This prevents safety checks from halting during budget impasses.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a ban preventing retired New Jersey judges from practicing law in state courts while receiving a pension. It directly affects retired judges who currently cannot engage in legal practice due to their retirement benefits. The key mechanism is amending state law to delete the specific prohibition (previously in Section 13a of P.L.1973, c.140), allowing retired judges to resume legal work without losing pension income. The bill does not change retirement pay or recall procedures for temporary judicial service.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 954, proposes to reduce New Jersey's individual income tax rates by approximately 10% over three years through phased adjustments to the state's tax brackets. It directly affects New Jersey residents who pay state income tax, particularly those in higher income brackets where the largest rate reductions apply. Key mechanisms include lowering tax rates across all income levels - such as reducing the top rate from 8.97% to 8.67% for incomes over $500,000 - spread across multiple tax years starting in 2026. The bill aims to provide gradual tax relief, though the exact percentage reduction varies by income tier rather than applying uniformly. (Note: This is a proposed bill introduced in 2026; it has not yet been enacted.)

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2043) revises New Jersey's reckless vehicular homicide law to increase penalties for drivers causing death while operating a vehicle recklessly. It directly affects drivers convicted of such crimes who were driving under the influence (DUI), with a suspended license, or near schools (within 1,000 feet of school property or school crossings). Key provisions include: a mandatory minimum prison term (one-third to one-half of sentence or three years, whichever is greater), automatic pretrial detention, a license suspension of 5 years to life, and vehicle forfeiture (unless the defendant proves hardship). The law also specifies that ignorance of school proximity or lack of students present does not excuse violations near schools.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1863) allows taxpayers to deduct up to $2,500 in nonreimbursed veterinary expenses for their pets from their gross income each year. It applies to costs for examinations and care of domesticated animals maintained in or near the taxpayer’s household, provided the veterinarian is licensed in New Jersey. The deduction is limited to expenses not covered by insurance or other reimbursement. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.