Maddy summaryS 3466 extends the special appraisal process for Green Acres and farmland preservation programs in the Highlands Region through 2029, requiring landowners to be provided with two appraisal values when selling property for preservation. The bill allocates $7.5 million annually from constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax revenue to the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council for land preservation, with $5 million for recreation and conservation and $2.5 million for farmland preservation. It creates a new "Preserve New Jersey Highlands Preservation Fund" to support land acquisition and conservation efforts in the Highlands Region, including matching federal funding for watershed protection. The bill also requires distributing state aid to municipalities hosting watershed lands that don't receive existing watershed moratorium offset aid.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4257 establishes a 20-member Forest Fire Preparedness Commission within the Department of Environmental Protection. The commission, including officials like the Environmental Protection Commissioner and State Firewarden, plus appointed members from firefighting groups and environmental experts, will audit the state's wildfire response systems and develop coordination protocols for emergency responders. Key duties include reviewing existing fire plans, creating a statewide response roadmap for firefighters, police, and medical teams, standardizing communication channels, and assessing controlled burns. The commission must submit its final report within two years and dissolve 30 days after submission.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program to include disabled residents who receive disability payments under the federal Railroad Retirement Act (45 U.S.C. § 231 et seq.). Currently, only disabled individuals receiving payments under the federal Social Security Act (Title II) qualify for this reimbursement. The bill expands eligibility by adding Railroad Retirement disability payments as a qualifying source, without altering existing income thresholds or residency requirements. This change would allow more disabled New Jersey residents to claim property tax reimbursement on their primary residence if they meet all other program criteria.
Maddy summaryS 843 requires New Jersey's Adjutant General (within the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs) to create a program helping veterans access evaluation and treatment for service-connected PTSD, total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury. The program must coordinate support services like transportation, assistance filing disability claims, updating discharge status, and connecting veterans to healthcare resources at local, state, and federal levels. It directly affects New Jersey veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces or Reserve components, including the National Guard. The bill amends state law to mandate this program, which will be developed in coordination with relevant state agencies.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 4160) makes it a crime to knowingly harbor undocumented immigrants who have active arrest or deportation warrants. It targets individuals who help such people avoid capture by providing shelter, transportation, or other assistance. Violators face a fourth-degree crime charge, punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a $10,000 fine. The law includes an exception for people who were victims of human trafficking during the time they provided assistance.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4152 prevents state-chartered banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions from requiring disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected VA disability (or their surviving spouses) to include property tax costs in mortgage applications. If the veteran's municipality certifies they qualify for a property tax exemption (excluding ownership requirements for new purchases or including ownership for refinances), lenders cannot factor those taxes into loan approval. This applies to mortgages for homes the veteran will occupy as their primary residence. The law mandates lenders use a standardized certification form from the municipality to verify exemption eligibility before approving the loan.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public utilities (like power or gas companies) to reimburse state or local governments for costs incurred when securing dangerous conditions on utility-controlled property that threaten public safety. It applies when a utility's property creates a hazard accessible to the public, after the government notifies the utility and gives it one hour to address the issue. If the utility fails to act within that hour, the government can claim reimbursement for securing the site (e.g., setting up barriers or patrols) based on a standardized fee schedule. The bill excludes costs during declared emergencies and ensures these payments don't factor into future utility rate increases.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 124) commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration Program, established by the 1950 Dingell-Johnson Act. The resolution honors a conservation funding program that uses excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuels to support fish habitat restoration, population management, and public access to waterways across the U.S. It specifically recognizes New Jersey's benefits from the program, including improvements to species like striped bass and brook trout. The resolution has no policy impact - it directs copies to New Jersey's Fish and Wildlife Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for ceremonial purposes.
Maddy summarySJR 152 is a ceremonial resolution designating the first full week of June each year as "New Jersey Fishing and Boating Week." It directs the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public participation in related activities and requires the Division of Fish and Wildlife to publicize the week and coordinate at least one of the state’s free fishing days with it. The resolution recognizes fishing and boating as key recreational activities that connect residents to natural resources, support conservation funding, and promote family engagement. This designation does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise awareness of existing opportunities across New Jersey’s coastal, lake, and river areas.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates The Growing Stage Children's Theatre of New Jersey as the official New Jersey State children's theatre. It recognizes the theater's 40+ years of providing family-friendly performances, arts education, and community outreach to underserved areas. The designation is purely ceremonial with no new funding or policy changes; it honors the theater's historical role in promoting performing arts for children and families across New Jersey.