Sen. Raj Mukherji

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a confidential resume bank for New Jersey residents with disabilities who wish to be appointed to state boards, commissions, authorities, or similar entities (such as special committees or task forces). The Governor would maintain an online system where individuals can voluntarily submit their resumes, contact information, disability-related details, and preferred state entities. The resume bank would be accessible only to the executive branch and Legislature, not the public, and would include an online list of available appointments. This system aims to streamline appointment opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities seeking these public service roles.

Maddy summaryS 1533 allows New Jersey municipalities to charge reduced or no beach fees for children aged 12 to 17, expanding the existing exemption for children under 12. It also updates veteran fee exemptions to require municipalities to track the number of veterans using the exemption and clarify eligibility for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The bill amends existing law governing beach access fees in coastal municipalities, which typically charge for public beach use and recreational facilities. This change applies to all municipalities owning or managing beaches and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the time window from 7 to 10 days for workers who leave a job for a new one that later gets rescinded. It prevents disqualification from unemployment benefits if a worker accepts a new job offer starting within 10 days of leaving their current position, provided the new job’s pay and hours match or exceed their previous role, and the rescission wasn’t their fault. The change specifically applies when a worker gives notice to their first employer about a planned departure date, and the second job offer is withdrawn. This adjustment aims to protect workers who face unexpected loss of new employment opportunities after voluntarily leaving their prior job.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes all New Jersey state, county, and municipal law enforcement officers to access crime scenes and evidence under their agency's jurisdiction. It prohibits anyone - including federal officers - from blocking officers from these locations, treating such obstruction as a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. The law requires the Attorney General to issue implementation guidelines and takes effect four months after enactment. It directly affects law enforcement access to evidence during investigations.

Maddy summaryS 3616 would impose a 50% tax on the annual revenue earned by private companies operating facilities that detain individuals for legal violations (such as immigration or criminal offenses) under contracts with government entities. The tax applies to all money received from these public contracts, calculated as 50% of gross receipts, starting January 1, 2027. All tax revenue would be deposited into a new "Immigrant Protection Fund" managed by the state Treasury. This fund must be used annually to support immigration-related services in New Jersey, including legal assistance and community programs for immigrants.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to deduct union dues paid to labor organizations from their gross income when filing state taxes. It directly affects workers who pay dues to labor organizations (such as unions or employee representation groups) that negotiate on issues like wages, hours, or working conditions. To claim the deduction, taxpayers must provide proof of dues paid to the state tax authority. The bill defines "union dues" broadly to include all required membership fees, assessments, or charges paid to these organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual production limit for craft distilleries operating under a limited brewery license from 300,000 barrels to a higher amount. It directly affects small craft distilleries that currently produce near the current cap, allowing them to expand output without needing a different license type. The key mechanism raises the maximum yearly production threshold for these businesses, enabling them to brew more malt alcoholic beverages. This change applies specifically to distilleries holding a limited brewery license under New Jersey law. The bill does not alter other licensing requirements or fees.

Maddy summaryS 3215 creates the "New Jersey Veterans Assistance Trust" within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to support veterans and their families. The trust is governed by a 14-member board including state agency leaders, veterans' organization representatives, business representatives, and legislative appointees. It can accept donations and grants from federal/state governments, private entities, and the state budget to provide grants or loans to veterans, their families, and approved veteran-support programs. This bill establishes the framework for funding and administering these services but does not specify particular programs or funding levels.

Maddy summarySCR 54 proposes a constitutional amendment to grant property tax exemptions for the primary residences of surviving spouses of certain first responders who die while on duty. It directly affects surviving spouses of law enforcement officers, paid or volunteer firefighters, and paid or volunteer emergency medical personnel (first aid, ambulance, or rescue squad members) who died from work-related duties. The exemption requires the property to have been the first responder's primary residence at the time of death, excludes cases involving the deceased's willful negligence, and ends if the surviving spouse remarries. It also disqualifies spouses who separated under circumstances that would have led to divorce before the first responder's death.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent "Civil Air Patrol Fund" within New Jersey's Department of Military Affairs, requiring an annual $100,000 appropriation from the state General Fund. The fund supports the New Jersey Civil Air Patrol Wing by financing specific programs like cadet STEM/aviation training, search and rescue preparation, disaster relief equipment (including a Redbird flight simulator), and volunteer training. Unspent funds carry forward annually, and the fund may also accept federal grants and public donations. It directly affects the Civil Air Patrol's operational capacity for emergency services and youth development in New Jersey.