Sen. Parker Space

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's voter registration commissioner to place voters with mail-in ballots returned as undeliverable into an "inactive" file. If such a voter fails to vote in two consecutive federal general elections, they are removed from the statewide voter registry and moved to a "deleted" file. Voters receive written notices after being placed in the inactive file, when removal is planned, and after removal. The law applies specifically to voters whose mail-in ballots could not be delivered, with the commissioner retaining undeliverable ballots for two years. This changes how voter records are managed for those with undeliverable mail-in ballots, not affecting all voters.

Maddy summaryS 1738 eliminates the current allowance for counting mail-in ballots received up to 144 hours after polls close (if postmarked by election day) or within 48 hours of closing (via USPS delivery). It directly affects voters who submit ballots after election day and individuals delivering ballots. The bill increases penalties for violating messenger/bearer rules - such as delivering ballots for more than three voters or candidates acting as messengers - to a second-degree crime, raising the severity from a third-degree offense. It also explicitly prohibits candidates from serving as ballot messengers or bearers. These changes tighten election security by removing post-election ballot acceptance windows and strengthening enforcement of messenger regulations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 342) creates a fast-track court process for property owners to remove unauthorized occupants who lack legal rights to the property. It requires owners to certify in court filings that the occupant never had a lease, paid rent, or received written permission to stay. If verified, courts must schedule a hearing within 5 business days and issue a writ of possession, leading to swift removal by court officers. Property owners who win such cases can also claim triple damages for the unlawful occupancy, and forging documents to exploit this process is a criminal offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies and increases penalties for obstructing highways or public passages in New Jersey. It separates reckless obstruction (now a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to 6 months in jail or $1,000 fine) from purposeful obstruction that affects commerce (now a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine). The bill also specifies that gathering to hear speech or communicate does not alone constitute obstruction, and makes it a violation to refuse a reasonable official order to move from a public passage. It directly affects individuals who block roads or public areas, whether alone or in groups, and updates existing penalties from current petty disorderly offense standards.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's SCR 32 is a procedural resolution requesting Congress to call an Article V Convention of States. It asks for a convention limited to proposing constitutional amendments that would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, reduce federal power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. This resolution serves as a continuing application, remaining active until at least two-thirds of state legislatures support the same request. The bill does not create new laws but formally requests Congress to convene a convention to address these specific constitutional limitations.

Maddy summaryS 1689, the "New Jersey Jobs Protection Act," requires all New Jersey employers to verify the work authorization of employees using the federal E-Verify system. It prohibits employers from intentionally or knowingly hiring individuals without legal work authorization in the U.S., directly affecting businesses across the state. Key provisions include imposing a $10,000 penalty per unauthorized worker for first violations, mandating quarterly E-Verify reports during a three-year probation period, and requiring investigations by the Attorney General or county prosecutors for complaints. The bill aims to prevent job competition with unauthorized workers and protect state unemployment funds, though it explicitly relies on federal verification systems rather than state enforcement. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Labor Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to authorize third-party vendors - such as private driving schools, employers, or local government agencies - to administer both knowledge and skills tests for commercial driver licenses (CDLs). It directly affects CDL applicants, who will have more testing options, and vendors seeking to provide these services. Key provisions include removing the MVC's prior ability to limit the number of authorized vendors, capping third-party skills test fees at the state's actual cost, and clarifying that vendor authorization no longer depends on an unimplemented 2017 pilot program. The law takes immediate effect.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate resolution opposes proposals to reclassify Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as a National Park and Preserve, specifically targeting the Delaware River National Park and Lenape Preserve Alliance's plan. It expresses concern that such a change would restrict recreational activities like hunting, harm local businesses in Sussex and Warren counties that rely on tourism, and potentially impact property rights through federal land acquisition. The resolution does not alter federal designations but formally states the state's position against the proposed boundary expansion and designation shift.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to reimburse local governments (municipalities, counties, school districts, and fire districts) for property tax revenue lost during the first year when a veteran qualifies for a 100% service-connected disability property tax exemption. It specifically covers veterans with qualifying disabilities (such as paraplegia, amputations, or total blindness) or their surviving spouses who meet the exemption criteria. Local governments must submit documentation to the state within 10 days of exemption approval, and the state treasurer must issue reimbursement within 10 days of each quarterly tax bill due date. The reimbursement applies only to the first tax year after exemption approval, not subsequent years. This change directly affects veterans receiving the exemption and local governments that previously absorbed the revenue loss.

Maddy summaryS 938 prohibits New Jersey state contractors and entities working with state agencies from sharing data with foreign adversaries. It bars these entities from obtaining or renewing state contracts, public works registrations, economic development subsidies, tax benefits, or redevelopment designations if listed by the Department of the Treasury as selling data to foreign adversaries. The law requires contractors to certify compliance before contracts are awarded, with the Treasury creating a public list after notice and comment periods. Violations of certification can trigger civil penalties of up to $1 million or twice the contract value, plus contract termination and a five-year ineligibility period.