Sen. Parker Space

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 136) urges Cranbury Township to withdraw its plan to use eminent domain to seize the historic Henry Farm - a 21-acre family-owned property since 1850 - for affordable housing. It specifically asks the township to reconsider, noting the farm’s agricultural heritage and alignment with New Jersey’s goal to preserve 500,000 acres of farmland by 2050. The resolution also calls for state-level reform of eminent domain laws to prevent using farmland for housing, arguing this approach could worsen food insecurity. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change law but seeks to influence local decision-making and state policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the government from using eminent domain (taking private land for public use) to acquire farmland that is actively used for farming or gardening, unless the land will remain in agricultural use. It directly affects landowners with active farms and government agencies seeking to condemn such land for non-farming purposes like housing or commercial development. The key provision amends New Jersey's eminent domain law to add this specific protection, requiring condemnation only for agricultural purposes. The goal is to help preserve New Jersey's farmland, supporting the state's target of maintaining 500,000 acres for food security.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3812) removes a restriction that allowed the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) to withhold retirement or death benefits from members due to ongoing civil lawsuits related to their employment. It directly affects current and future PFRS members (police officers and firefighters) who are involved in civil litigation over their jobs. The bill requires the PFRS Board to pay benefits immediately, but permits adjustments if a legal case later results in penalties. It maintains existing rules that allow withholding for criminal charges or administrative dismissals from public employment.

Maddy summaryS4503 allows New Jersey individual taxpayers to deduct capital gains from selling qualified small business stock (QSBS) held for over five years from their state gross income. The deduction amount depends on the percentage of the company's payroll attributable to New Jersey: up to $10 million (or 10x the stock's adjusted basis) if 80%+ payroll is in-state, or up to $8 million (or 8x the basis) otherwise. To qualify, the stock must be in a C corporation meeting strict criteria (under $50M assets, fewer than 225 employees, active business operations in non-excluded sectors like services or farming), and held for five years. This deduction is modeled after federal tax treatment but applies specifically to New Jersey income tax.

Maddy summaryS 4407 establishes the Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program, which provides tax credits to manufacturers and clean energy product manufacturers that make significant investments in New Jersey. To qualify, businesses must invest at least $10 million in capital projects, create at least 20 new full-time jobs with median salaries at least 120% of county manufacturing averages, and meet other program requirements. The tax credit amount equals the lesser of 0.1% of capital investment multiplied by new jobs, 25% of capital investment, or $150 million, with $100 million reserved exclusively for clean energy manufacturers during the first two years. Businesses must maintain project locations and job levels for the commitment period, with potential tax credit recapture if requirements aren't met.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey individual taxpayers to deduct certain capital gains from selling qualified small business stock held for more than five years. It applies to stock in C corporations that meet specific requirements, including having no more than $50 million in assets at issuance, using at least 80% of assets in active qualified businesses (not service industries like law or finance), and having 80% of payroll in New Jersey. The deduction is limited to the greater of $10 million (reduced by prior years' deductions) or ten times the stock's adjusted basis. The bill aims to encourage investment in New Jersey-based small businesses by reducing capital gains tax on qualifying stock sales after a five-year holding period.

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 2788 appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for farmland preservation. The funds will pay for permanent land protections on farmland through development easements or fee simple purchases, with grants available to counties (covering up to 80% of costs), municipalities, and qualifying nonprofits (covering up to 50% of costs). Additional funds cover administrative expenses, including staff salaries, appraisals, survey costs, and legal enforcement of preservation agreements. This bill implements existing farmland preservation programs under the Preserve New Jersey Act and related legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates New Jersey's sales tax on specific baby products and sunscreen. It exempts baby wash, shampoos, lotions, powders, car seats (child restraint systems), cribs, nursing bottles/nipples, and strollers from the state sales tax. It also exempts FDA-regulated sunscreen (lotion, cream, spray, or gel for UV protection) but excludes cosmetic products like sunscreens marketed for beautification. The exemption applies to retail sales starting October 1, 2025, directly affecting parents and caregivers purchasing these items for infants and young children.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the monthly personal needs allowance (PNA) from $50 to $140 for low-income residents in nursing homes, state psychiatric hospitals, and state developmental centers. The allowance is intended for personal expenses like phone calls, meals, clothing, and hobbies, allowing residents greater autonomy over basic needs. The new amount will be adjusted annually by the same percentage as the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, starting January 1 of the year following enactment.

Maddy summarySJR 166 designates the first Sunday in May each year as "Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Day" in New Jersey to honor volunteer and career firefighters who died while on duty. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation urging public officials and citizens to observe the day, and directs all state and local government agencies to fly U.S. and New Jersey flags at half-staff in tribute. It specifically recognizes the approximately 145 New Jersey firefighters who died on duty between 1990 and 2024. This is a ceremonial resolution with no new funding or policy changes, aligning New Jersey's observance with the existing National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Day.