Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits urban aid municipalities in New Jersey from using exemptions to avoid their legal obligation to provide affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. It specifically ends the practice of allowing municipalities to transfer their housing requirements to other areas through regional contribution agreements. The law requires urban municipalities to directly meet a minimum fair share of regional housing needs within their own borders, rather than relying on exemptions or off-site solutions. This change aims to increase affordable housing availability in urban centers where it's most needed, aligning with New Jersey's Mount Laurel housing doctrine. The bill amends existing law to clarify that urban aid municipalities must fulfill their housing obligations locally.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1678) allows New Jersey residents to deduct the full amount of state property taxes paid on their primary home from their state income tax liability, replacing a previous $15,000 annual cap. It directly affects homeowners who pay property taxes on their principal residence, reducing their taxable income for state tax purposes. Key provisions include removing the prior deduction limit and clarifying rules for shared ownership, rental properties, and tax years after 1997. The policy change applies to all qualifying homeowners regardless of income level (though certain income thresholds still apply under existing law). This is a direct tax deduction adjustment, not a property tax rate change.
Maddy summaryThis bill revises definitions related to unemployment benefits calculations, not employment classification. The provided text defines terms like "annual payroll," "average annual payroll," and "base year" for determining eligibility and benefit amounts under New Jersey's unemployment insurance program. It specifies how employers' payroll data is averaged and how benefit years are calculated, including special rules for individuals recovering from disability. The bill does not address whether workers are classified as employees or independent contractors, which contradicts its title. The actual focus is on administrative procedures for unemployment benefits, as shown in the defined terms.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2090) updates rules for telemedicine and telehealth providers regarding emergency care referrals. It requires telehealth providers to make a "good faith effort" to coordinate with emergency services during remote visits, including sharing the patient's location and contact details with emergency responders. Providers must also refer patients to in-person care when needed, document emergencies, and report suicide attempts during telehealth sessions per privacy laws. These changes apply directly to telemedicine providers and patients receiving remote health services in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 49) urges the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to immediately pause sonar testing and wind turbine mapping activities off New Jersey's coast. It follows a surge in unexplained marine mammal deaths - 12 whale deaths (including 8 humpbacks) and 5 dolphin deaths in February 2023 - occurring near offshore wind energy development zones. The resolution cites concerns that sonar and underwater mapping used in these projects may disrupt marine mammals' navigation and communication, warranting a temporary halt for scientific study. As a non-binding resolution, it does not impose legal restrictions but requests agencies consider a moratorium while investigating potential links to the marine life deaths.
Maddy summaryS 716 establishes a voluntary program through New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to help working parents access affordable child care. It allows employers to make direct payments to licensed child care providers for their employees' eligible costs, with the state providing matching funds to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for families. The program requires child care providers to have at least a "Grow NJ Kids" rating of three stars and targets families earning at or below the state median household income. It directly affects employers (any business in NJ), working parents with children, and licensed child care providers meeting quality standards.
Maddy summarySCR 36 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee New Jersey registered voters the right to vote in person at their local polling place on election day. It also requires voters to submit a written request before receiving a mail-in ballot, preventing automatic mail-in ballot distribution to all voters. The amendment would bar the state legislature or governor from passing laws or issuing orders that limit in-person voting for those who wish to vote that way or automatically send mail-in ballots to all registered voters. This change would take effect only if approved by voters in the next general election following its submission.
Maddy summaryS 927 allows New Jersey volunteer firefighters and first aid/rescue squad members to claim a $5,000 state income tax deduction if they meet specific service requirements. To qualify, firefighters must perform 60% of fire duty (e.g., 400 duty hours annually with ≤50% for drills) and hold Firefighter I certification, while rescue members must perform 10% of rescue duty (e.g., 400 hours or 10% alarm attendance) and complete approved training or hold EMT certification. Volunteers must serve the entire tax year, and departments must verify eligibility by submitting annual lists to state health and community affairs agencies by March 31. The deduction is limited to $5,000 per year and requires submission of proof with tax returns.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2091) gives New Jersey electric utility customers the right to refuse smart meter installation at their home or business. Utilities must provide 90 days' written notice before installing a smart meter and cannot charge fees for declining installation. Customers who decline within 30 days of notice face no fees, while those declining between 30-90 days may be charged up to $100 total. The bill applies to all residential and commercial customers of electric utilities in New Jersey and takes effect immediately (pending a 60-day delay).
Maddy summarySCR 80 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit exclusionary zoning in New Jersey, which prevents municipalities from using zoning laws to block affordable housing development for low- and moderate-income residents. The amendment explicitly clarifies that while municipalities cannot engage in such exclusionary practices, it does not require them to build or fund affordable housing units. This change aims to eliminate "builder's remedy" lawsuits that previously forced specific housing projects, while maintaining the state's commitment to ending discriminatory zoning. The bill directly affects all New Jersey municipalities with zoning authority.