Maddy summaryNew Jersey's "Design Professional Self-Certification Act" (A4360, now law as P.L.2024, c.58) creates a program allowing licensed architects and professional engineers to self-certify that certain construction projects comply with building codes. It directly affects qualified design professionals who can now submit construction permit applications with self-certification forms for eligible projects (like renovations under specific size limits for residential or commercial buildings), bypassing full code reviews by local agencies. Local building departments must then conduct a simple "supervisory check" to confirm all required documents are present and issue permits - same as before - within 1-5 days. This applies only to projects not excluded (e.g., structural alterations requiring special inspections, new kitchens, or electrical upgrades over 400 amps), with the Department of Community Affairs setting qualification rules.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 2793 appropriates $1.723 million from two existing state funds - the constitutionally dedicated "Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund" (using CBT revenues) and the "2009 Farmland Preservation Fund" - to the State Agriculture Development Committee. The funds provide grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations for up to 50% of the cost to acquire development easements or fee simple titles on farmland, with the land maintained for agricultural use through deed restrictions. This directly supports five specific farmland preservation projects across Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren counties, as approved by the committee. The bill reallocates previously designated funds without creating new taxes or policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $101.7 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues and Green Acres funds to the Department of Environmental Protection for local government open space acquisition and park development projects. The funds will support $24.3 million in land acquisition projects (including planning incentive, standard, site-specific, and urban aid acquisition) and $75 million in park development projects (including inclusive playgrounds required by "Jake's Law" and projects in densely populated areas). Local governments across New Jersey will receive grants or loans to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, with $2.4 million allocated for administrative costs. The bill defines eligibility based on population density criteria to target funding to areas with higher population needs.
Maddy summaryS 3473 appropriates $101,696,535 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues and Green Acres funds to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection for local government open space and park projects. The bill allocates $24.3 million for land acquisition projects (including planning incentives, standard acquisition, and urban aid) and $75.0 million for park development projects (including inclusive playgrounds, urban aid projects, and stewardship activities). Eligible projects must be located in municipalities meeting specific population density criteria or sponsored by eligible counties. The funds will support local governments across New Jersey in acquiring or developing lands for recreation and conservation purposes.
Maddy summaryS 3203 extends New Jersey’s annual $20 million funding for horse racing purse subsidies through the state’s fiscal year 2029. The bill directly affects the state’s thoroughbred and standardbred racing industries by requiring the New Jersey Racing Commission to allocate these funds equally between the two sectors. For thoroughbreds, all funds go to Monmouth Park overnight races; for standardbreds, allocations include 60% to Meadowlands, 16% to Freehold, and specific shares for New Jersey Sire Stakes, local horse bonuses, and breeders. Recipients must submit annual reports detailing how funds were used, including impacts on race attendance, betting, and New Jersey-bred horses, to justify continued funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 360) allows taxicabs, limousines, and ride-sharing services (like Uber or Lyft) to provide paratransit transportation for people with disabilities for a two-year period. It amends New Jersey law to remove the current exclusion of these services from the definition of "paratransit," which previously limited such services to government-run or contracted providers. This change directly affects residents with disabilities who rely on specialized transportation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The key mechanism is updating legal definitions in transportation statutes to include these providers as eligible for paratransit service.
Maddy summaryThis bill would establish a self-certification program for architects and professional engineers in New Jersey, allowing them to certify that construction projects comply with building codes without full municipal review. The program would apply to specific project types and sizes (with square footage limits for different occupancy groups), excluding projects like new commercial kitchens or electrical service over 400 amps. Design professionals would need current licensure, professional liability insurance, and would be subject to random audits; false certifications could lead to program suspension. Building owners would need to sign an "owner hold harmless letter" acknowledging responsibility for compliance, and the Department of Community Affairs would maintain a public database of sanctioned professionals.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3248 exempts cribs, child restraint systems (like car seats meeting federal safety standards), nursing bottles/nipples/funnels, and strollers from the state's sales and use tax. This directly reduces costs for parents purchasing essential baby products. The bill defines "child restraint systems" as devices protecting infants in vehicles, "cribs" as infant beds, and "strollers" as non-motorized transport devices. The exemption takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's official definition of anti-Semitism by adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, including its "contemporary examples," for use by state institutions. It requires state entities to consider this definition when reviewing or investigating potential anti-Semitic discrimination or bias crimes. The bill appropriates $100,000 to fund a public awareness campaign by the Attorney General's office, promoting the state's bias crimes reporting hotline and resources for identifying and reporting anti-Semitic incidents. The campaign aims to increase public understanding and reporting of bias crimes, particularly affecting Jewish communities and other vulnerable groups in New Jersey. The bill explicitly states it does not diminish First Amendment rights or conflict with existing anti-discrimination laws.
Maddy summarySCR 81 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $2,500 over four years. The deduction would rise to $1,000 in 2025, $1,500 in 2026, $2,000 in 2027, and $2,500 starting in 2028, remaining at that level annually thereafter. This change directly affects honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses (who qualify after the veteran's death). The amendment would adjust the existing tax benefit without altering other eligibility rules or requiring new administrative processes.