Sen. Brian Stack

Maddy summaryThis bill allows for-profit organizations that provide low- and moderate-income housing to join with non-profit housing groups and housing authorities in shared insurance funds. It defines eligible for-profit entities as those focused on housing developments under state fair share plans or federal Section 8 programs. The shared funds cannot include municipalities, school boards, or offer health/life insurance to employees, but may provide environmental liability coverage or join higher-level insurance pools for excess risks. This changes how these housing entities access insurance options under existing law, without creating new funding or a pilot program.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows affordable housing projects funded by New Jersey's State or municipal affordable housing trust funds to be exempt from property taxes. Instead of paying property taxes, housing sponsors would make payments to municipalities equal to up to 20% of the project's annual gross revenue. These agreements between housing sponsors and municipalities must be reviewed by the Commissioner of Community Affairs and expire when the eligible loan for the project is paid in full. The policy directly affects housing developers, municipalities, and low-to-moderate income households who benefit from subsidized housing projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow affordable housing projects funded by New Jersey's State or municipal affordable housing trust funds to be exempt from property taxes. Instead, housing sponsors would make annual payments to municipalities based on up to 20% of the project's gross revenue. The tax exemption would last until the project's eligible loan is paid in full, with agreements between housing sponsors and municipalities requiring review by the Commissioner of Community Affairs. This policy aims to support affordable housing development while ensuring municipalities still receive revenue for services. The bill specifically applies to housing projects meeting affordability requirements under state or federal programs.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate Resolution (SR 82) urges the U.S. Congress to renew funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides monthly internet discounts ($30-$75) and one-time device subsidies to low-income households. The resolution highlights that the ACP currently serves over 20 million households nationwide, including 335,079 in New Jersey, saving enrolled households $8.3 million monthly in broadband costs. It notes the program’s $14.2 billion funding is set to expire in April 2024, risking loss of access for millions who rely on it for work, education, and healthcare. As a non-binding request, the resolution formally asks Congress to extend funding but cannot enact changes itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2309) allows municipalities to authorize their municipal clerks, via local ordinance, to submit written statements supporting affordable housing projects or stating a municipality's need for such projects. It directly affects municipalities seeking state funding through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA), replacing the prior requirement for the full governing body to provide these statements. The key mechanism is delegation: clerks can now act on behalf of the governing body to meet statutory requirements in two existing laws (P.L.1985, c.222 §20 and P.L.1983, c.530 §6), provided projects align with approved municipal housing plans. This streamlines administrative processes for affordable housing developers without altering funding criteria or housing requirements.

Maddy summaryS 1415 creates a pilot program requiring New Jersey's Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) to establish an Affordable Housing Insurance Fund. It directly affects for-profit affordable housing entities that receive federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, providing financial assistance for insurance premiums on eligible housing projects (like new developments using tax credits or existing properties facing 50%+ premium increases). The bill appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to cover up to $250 per unit annually or $1 million per project, with the program running for up to 20 years. The fund will use interest earnings from investments and fees collected, and HMFA must report on the pilot's success after completion.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "The Voter Convenience Act," allows New Jersey voters to cast ballots at any polling place within their municipality on election day, rather than being restricted to their assigned location. County election officials must develop uniform guidelines using electronic poll books to verify voter eligibility and provide the correct ballot for the voter's election district. It applies to all municipalities that choose to implement the change, with optional countywide voting locations also permitted. The bill modifies election procedures but does not alter voting eligibility or ballot content.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets minimum payment rates for ambulance services under New Jersey's Medicaid program. It requires $300 per emergency ambulance transport and $8.94 per loaded mile for ground ambulance services, with annual adjustments tied to Medicare rates. These changes directly affect ambulance providers serving Medicaid beneficiaries. The rates take effect July 1, 2024, and require state rule updates for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new first-degree crime called "home invasion" for entering or remaining in a residence with the intent to commit certain crimes (like robbery, assault, or sexual offenses) when others are present, and the offender uses force, threatens harm, or is armed with a weapon or explosive. It mandates a prison sentence of 10 to 30 years for home invasion, with 85% of the sentence served without parole due to inclusion under the No Early Release Act. The bill also upgrades burglary of a residence to a second-degree crime when a resident or other person is present (even if the burglar didn’t know they were there), increasing penalties from a third-degree to a second-degree offense. Burglary under these conditions now carries a prison term of 5 to 10 years and a fine up to $150,000, compared to the previous third-degree penalty.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits for businesses and individuals who purchase hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for business use. For vehicles purchased in 2023, businesses can receive a 25% credit up to $15,000 per vehicle; for 2024 purchases, the credit is 15% up to $9,000; and for 2025 purchases, it's 8% up to $5,000. To qualify, purchasers must obtain certification from the Commissioner of Environmental Protection confirming the vehicle meets hydrogen fuel cell specifications. The credits apply against business tax and gross income tax liabilities, with a limit of 50% of tax liability for the year. This policy directly affects businesses seeking to adopt hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by reducing their purchase costs through tax incentives.