Maddy summaryNew Jersey Senate Bill S3658 establishes a statewide rent cap, limiting annual rent increases for most residential properties to 5% plus the cost-of-living change or 10%, whichever is lower. This directly affects most renters in the state, including those in apartments and multi-unit buildings, but excludes non-residential properties, affordable housing units, dormitories, newly constructed buildings (within 15 years), single-family homes meeting specific landlord criteria, and duplexes where the landlord resides. Landlords violating the cap would face penalties under New Jersey’s consumer fraud law, and tenants could challenge unlawful increases or use violations as a defense in eviction cases. The bill applies retroactively to rent increases since September 1, 2024, and does not override stricter local rent control ordinances.
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Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Home Security Systems Anti-Burglary Task Force" within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety. The task force will study home security systems - including keyless entry, cameras, and alarms - to make recommendations for manufacturers and installers aimed at preventing residential burglaries. Composed of 14 members (including state officials, industry representatives from groups like the Security Industry Association, and public members with locksmith/alarm experience), it must submit a report within six months detailing improvements to security system design and product availability, along with any needed legislative or regulatory changes. The task force expires upon report submission.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $250 annual gross income tax deduction for eligible New Jersey educators and paraprofessionals for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. It directly affects K-12 teachers, counselors, principals, and school aides (working at least 900 hours yearly) employed by public or private NJ schools. The deduction covers expenses like books, computers, software, and classroom materials, excluding nonathletic health/PE supplies. The policy applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment date.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new separate criminal offense for burglary of a residential dwelling (a home or place for overnight stays), distinct from general burglary. It defines "residential dwelling" as any building primarily used as a home or adapted for overnight accommodation. The crime is classified as a third-degree offense unless the burglar causes bodily injury, uses a weapon, or enters while someone is present, in which case it becomes a second-degree offense. Penalties remain unchanged: third-degree burglary carries up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine, while second-degree carries up to ten years and a $150,000 fine. The bill aims to improve tracking of residential burglaries by establishing this specific category.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits prosecutors from negotiating plea agreements that reduce the sentence for burglary when a firearm was used during the offense. Currently, burglary involving a firearm is a second-degree crime, but the bill ensures defendants cannot receive a lighter sentence through plea deals - requiring them to face the standard sentencing for second-degree burglary as defined by law. The law defines "firearm" broadly to include items like air guns, spring guns, and other devices capable of causing injury. This directly affects individuals charged with burglary who used a firearm, eliminating the option of plea bargains for reduced penalties in these specific cases.
Maddy summaryThis bill bans the sale, distribution, import, or manufacture of children's products intended for children under six that contain lead, mercury, or cadmium. It requires manufacturers to issue immediate recalls if they discover such products, and retailers must remove recalled items from shelves within 48 hours and return inventory within 14 business days at the manufacturer's cost. Manufacturers must then destroy recalled products within 60 business days to prevent public access. Violations carry penalties including fines up to $20,000 for initial offenses, or criminal charges with up to 10 years in prison for repeated failures.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to conduct a study on residential burglaries and issue annual reports to the governor and legislature. The reports must include detailed county-level data on burglary frequency, timing (day/night/weekend), weapon use, injuries, property value, and charges against adults or juveniles. The Attorney General must also summarize current law enforcement prevention efforts and provide recommendations for reducing burglaries. The initial report is due within six months of the bill's enactment, with annual updates thereafter.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's burglary statute (N.J.S.2C:5-5) to explicitly include keyless locking mechanisms under the definition of "burglar's tools." It makes it a crime to manufacture, possess, or publish plans for tools designed to bypass keyless locks with the intent to commit burglary. Manufacturing such tools or publishing plans is a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine), while mere possession is a disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months or $1,000 fine). The law directly affects individuals who create or distribute devices specifically intended to illegally access premises through keyless systems.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires longer prison sentences for individuals convicted twice before of receiving stolen property. It applies specifically to people with two or more prior separate convictions for this crime, regardless of when they occurred. The prosecutor must request an extended sentence if the current offense happened within 10 years of either the defendant's last release from prison or their most recent prior conviction. The court must hold a hearing before imposing this sentence, allowing the defendant to challenge the evidence. This changes sentencing by mandating extended terms for repeat offenders of this specific property crime.
Maddy summaryThis bill provides mortgage payment relief and foreclosure protection for New Jersey homeowners who received federal disaster assistance after Hurricane Ida damaged their primary residence in September 2021. It requires mortgage servicers to grant a one-year payment pause (forbearance) without fees, penalties, or credit reporting, retroactive to payments missed since September 1, 2021. Homeowners must meet income limits (≤150% of area median income) and asset thresholds (less than six months of income in bank accounts), and submit a written request. The relief ends either after one year or July 1, 2024, whichever comes first, and does not apply to federally-backed loans like FHA or VA mortgages.