Sen. Benjie Wimberly

Maddy summaryThis bill phases out New Jersey's sales tax exemption for zero-emission vehicles (EVs) in two steps: a temporary 3.3125% tax applies to EV sales from October 2024 through June 2025, then the standard 6.625% sales tax applies starting July 2025. It also repeals the annual sales tax holiday for school supplies, computers, instructional materials, and sport/recreational equipment that previously exempted these items during a ten-day period each September. The bill directly affects EV buyers (who will pay tax instead of exemption) and retailers selling those specific school/sports items (who lose the tax holiday period). These changes implement policy adjustments proposed in the Governor’s 2025 budget.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends deadlines for submitting temporary certificates of occupancy for certain redevelopment projects under New Jersey's Economic Redevelopment and Growth Grant program. Specifically, it pushes the deadline from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2028 for mixed use parking projects and residential projects in Garden State Growth Zones with populations over 125,000 (excluding certain counties). The bill also modifies project cost definitions to include capitalized interest paid to third parties, debt service reserve funds, and up to 20% of total project costs for non-construction expenses. These changes apply to projects that were approved after specific dates and meet certain criteria related to municipal support and location.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's film and digital media content production tax credit program to expand eligibility for tax credits. It specifically modifies the definitions of "qualified film production expenses" and "qualified digital media content production expenses" to include wages paid to employees who are exempt from New Jersey income tax due to reciprocity agreements with other states, such as Pennsylvania residents. The bill also updates the definition of "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include these workers. These changes apply retroactively to January 1, 2024, allowing taxpayers who received tax credit certificates before this date to surrender them for new certificates under the revised terms. The changes directly affect film and digital media production companies operating in New Jersey that employ workers from states with income tax reciprocity agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for teacher candidates in New Jersey to pass a basic skills test (such as the Praxis Core) to obtain certain teaching certificates. Specifically, it eliminates the need for candidates seeking a certificate of eligibility, certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, provisional certificate, or standard instructional certificate to complete a Commissioner-approved test of basic reading, writing, and math skills. The change directly affects individuals pursuing teaching certification in the state by streamlining the certification process. It repeals the existing law requiring these tests, making certification more accessible for educators meeting other standard qualifications. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a provision that would have required the state to stop collecting hotel and motel occupancy fees if annual funding for cultural projects fell below minimums. It ensures fees continue being collected regardless of whether the specified minimums for cultural funding are met in the state budget. The change directly affects hotels, motels, and short-term rental platforms that collect these fees, as they will no longer face suspension of collections due to budget shortfalls. This maintains consistent funding streams for cultural programs under the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and other designated entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $56.6 billion in state funds and $27.5 billion in federal funds for New Jersey's fiscal year 2025 budget. It provides the necessary funding to support state government operations and public programs for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The bill establishes the financial framework for state spending and disbursement of these funds to various departments and programs. This is a routine budget appropriation measure that allocates resources to support New Jersey's public services and government functions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's FY2024 budget by adding $37.43 million in supplemental funding while de-appropriating $24 million in existing funds, resulting in a net increase of $13.43 million. It directly affects multiple state departments including Corrections (receiving $9.8 million for inmate food and utility costs), Human Services (receiving $16.41 million for Medicaid and mental health programs), and Education (receiving $11.22 million for school aid). Key provisions include redirecting $24 million from the Jersey City Art Museum project to other priorities, allowing film industry funding to support digital media initiatives, and clarifying how preschool education funds should be allocated. The bill also establishes new language provisions to facilitate transfers between departments for specific programs like mental health services and community health projects.

Maddy summaryS 2024 is a supplemental appropriations bill for New Jersey's FY2024 budget that reallocates $13.43 million in net funding by adding $37.43 million in new spending while removing $24 million from existing appropriations. It directly affects state departments including Corrections (adding $9.8 million for materials and supplies), Human Services ($12.11 million for income assistance programs and $4.3 million for psychiatric hospital support), and Education ($11.22 million in aid for schools). Key provisions include redirecting $24 million from a Jersey City redevelopment project, allowing $50 million from a health fund to support Medicaid coverage, and adjusting preschool education funding to expand access for young children. The bill also modifies language in the budget to redirect film industry funding toward digital media initiatives and clarify how school aid is distributed. These changes aim to address budget shortfalls while adjusting funding priorities across state programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10,067,905 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for grants to nonprofit organizations. The funds will support 11 land acquisition projects ($5.7 million), four park development projects ($3.58 million), and two stewardship activities ($309,000) across multiple counties. These grants will help nonprofits acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, with $479,000 allocated for DEP administrative costs. The bill specifies that funds come from dedicated tax revenues established by the Preserve New Jersey Act and will support specific projects approved by the DEP.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $65 million from the General Fund to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to purchase specific properties from the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT). The EDA must buy these properties at appraised "highest and best use" value and will maintain a 33% participation interest in future sales or leases of the properties, with NJT receiving those proceeds. Before purchasing or developing the properties, the EDA must notify the Joint Budget Oversight Committee for review. The bill directly affects the EDA, NJT, and future developers who may acquire or lease these properties for development projects.