Sen. Nick Scutari

Maddy summaryThis bill bars state prosecutors, the Attorney General, First Assistant Attorney General, and members of the State Commission of Investigation from campaigning for other elected offices while serving in their current roles. It requires these officials to wait three years after leaving their positions before running for elected office, extending the existing one-year ban for Commission members to match other covered positions. The bill does not apply to municipal prosecutors. It prohibits these officials from signing campaign materials or holding party positions during service and after their term ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey from sharing driver's license holders' personal information (such as names, addresses, license numbers, or photos) with other states or interstate networks. It directly affects New Jersey drivers who may have been cited by out-of-state speed cameras or red light cameras. The law specifically blocks the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and other state agencies from disclosing this data to help other states issue or collect fines for violations captured by these devices. The bill defines "personal information" broadly and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThe John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey establishes new protections for voters in racial, color, and language-minority groups. It requires that all voting policies be interpreted in favor of protecting voting rights and prohibits policies that burden these voters. The law creates a preclearance process for certain political subdivisions needing Attorney General approval before implementing voting changes. It also mandates language assistance for limited English proficient voters and establishes a New Jersey Voting and Elections Institute to maintain public voting data.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill extends the Transportation Trust Fund Authority's bond issuance capacity from $12 billion to $15.6 billion through 2029 and establishes an annual fee of $250 for zero emission vehicle owners starting July 1, 2024 (increasing by $10 annually to $290 by 2028). It also modifies the gas tax rate calculation to gradually increase annual revenue targets from $2.032 billion in 2025 to $2.366 billion in 2029. The fee revenues and adjusted gas tax collections will be credited to the Transportation Trust Fund to support transportation infrastructure projects, with the zero emission vehicle fees specifically going to the fund's capital reserves.

Maddy summaryThis bill abolishes New Jersey's Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) and replaces its system with a new municipal framework for meeting affordable housing obligations. Municipalities must now determine their own "fair share" of low- and moderate-income housing through binding resolutions, using state-published calculations, while allowing advocates to contest these determinations. The law appropriates $16 million for housing programs to support new construction and rehabilitation of substandard housing, particularly in urban areas. It directly affects all New Jersey municipalities and low-to-moderate-income residents seeking housing, ending regional contribution agreements and establishing clearer deadlines to prevent previous compliance gaps.

Maddy summaryThis bill abolishes New Jersey's Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) and replaces its system with a new municipal process for meeting the state's constitutional obligation to provide affordable housing. Municipalities must now adopt binding resolutions setting their own affordable housing goals using state-calculated standards, with public opportunities to contest these determinations. The legislation appropriates $16 million for housing programs and aims to streamline compliance with the Mount Laurel housing mandates, which require communities to provide a "realistic opportunity" for low- and moderate-income housing. It directly affects all New Jersey municipalities and low/moderate-income residents seeking housing access.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to New Jersey's transportation funding system. It revises how the state calculates the gas tax rate and establishes an annual fee for zero-emission vehicles (like electric cars). The fee would apply directly to owners of these vehicles, while the gas tax adjustment affects all drivers purchasing gasoline. These changes aim to generate revenue for transportation infrastructure projects without specifying particular projects or outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles (max 20 mph) and scooters (max 19 mph) to register them with New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and maintain insurance. It directly affects residents who own or operate these vehicles on public roads, paths, or sidewalks. Key provisions include mandating MVC registration with fees, requiring manufacturers to label speed/power specifications, and prohibiting tampering with speed capabilities. The bill defines these vehicles by motor wattage (under 750W), speed limits, and pedal functionality, but does not require driver's licenses for operators.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1470 establishes that public safety workers (firefighters, police, EMTs) who responded to the September 11, 2001 attacks and participate in the federal World Trade Center Health Program are deemed eligible for state workers' compensation benefits for related illnesses or injuries. The bill creates a presumption of compensability regardless of when a claim is filed, provided the worker is enrolled in the federal health program. Workers must file claims within two years of the bill's effective date or when they knew of a disability linked to 9/11 exposure, and prior benefits from federal or other state programs reduce new awards. Employers and government entities must notify affected workers and their families within three months of the bill's enactment about this eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual payments from New Jersey's Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund to municipalities over two years, replacing the current fixed $740 million allocation. It prohibits municipalities from counting anticipated revenue from this fund when creating their annual budgets and requires that any additional aid must be subtracted from their property tax levy amounts. The bill directly affects all New Jersey municipalities receiving these state aid payments, including cities, towns, and counties. If enacted, it would provide incremental funding increases while ensuring local tax burdens are adjusted downward proportionally.