Sen. Kristin Corrado

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the current tiered fee structure for property transfer taxes on real estate valued over $1 million in New Jersey. Instead of charging increasing percentages (1% to 3.5%) based on property value ranges, it establishes a flat 1% fee on all transfers exceeding $1 million. The change directly affects sellers (grantees) of high-value residential, commercial, or farm properties over $1 million, while maintaining existing exemptions for nonprofits, corporate mergers, and intercompany transfers. The fee would be collected by county recording offices and remitted to the state general fund.

Maddy summarySJR 81, sponsored by Senator Kristin M. Corrado, proposes amending New Jersey's Rules of Evidence to allow prompt reports of sexual assault or employment discrimination to be admitted in court as an exception to the hearsay rule. This means victims' timely reports (made soon after the incident) could be used as evidence without requiring the reporter to testify, helping courts assess credibility and investigative context. The change specifically targets cases involving sexual assault or workplace discrimination, where such reports are currently often excluded as hearsay. The resolution must be approved by the Governor and adopted by the New Jersey Supreme Court to take effect.

Maddy summaryThe "Fair Funding for Vulnerable Residents Act" (S 3369) requires providers of community-based residential services for adults and children with intellectual or developmental disabilities to spend at least 70% of their state and federal funding directly on resident care, such as staff wages, community outings, and equipment. These providers must annually report how they allocate funding, including direct care costs, and publish this data publicly. If a provider fails to meet the 70% threshold, they must issue a credit to the state by June 30 of the following year to adjust administrative costs or profits. The Department of Human Services will oversee implementation and ensure compliance, with federal funds returned to federal agencies if applicable.

Maddy summarySCR 92 is a non-binding resolution urging Governor Sherrill to rescind Executive Order No. 411, which allows individuals with past convictions of serious crimes (indictable offenses) to serve on juries after completing their sentences. The executive order affects approximately 350,000 New Jersey residents with prior convictions who were previously barred from jury service under state law. The resolution argues the executive order bypassed legislative process, created confusion by applying only to convictions before January 10, 2026, and undermines judicial fairness by treating similar cases differently. It does not change law but requests the Governor reverse this specific executive action.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate Resolution (SR 71) urges Congress and the President to enact the federal "Kids Online Safety Act." It does not create new laws but formally requests federal action to address social media's impact on minors. The resolution cites research linking social media use to rising mental health issues among children (ages 8-17), noting increased screen time and documented mental health risks. It specifically calls for the federal act to promote data safety, limit addictive design features, expand parental controls, and prevent harmful content for minors. As a non-binding resolution, it directly affects federal lawmakers but does not change current policy.

Maddy summaryThe bill title contains an error; the actual bill (S 3317) requires the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to maintain specific roadways surrounding the State Capitol complex in Trenton, not voter registration. It mandates NJDOT to handle road paving and snow plowing on four designated street segments: West State Street (Calhoun to South Warren), West Lafayette Street (Barrack to South Warren), Barrack Street (West State to Memorial Drive), and Memorial Drive. NJDOT may consult or contract with other agencies (state, county, or municipal) responsible for adjacent roadway sections to fulfill this requirement. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands who can legally use emergency warning lights on personal vehicles by adding county fire and emergency medical services coordinators (and their deputies) to the list of eligible users. It requires these coordinators to obtain a state-issued identification card from their county or municipal government, which serves as a permit for mounting and operating the lights. The card must be carried while the lights are in use, and these users must follow all traffic laws, with other drivers required to yield as they would for emergency vehicles. The law clarifies that this authorization applies only to official duties and does not grant exemptions from traffic laws.

Maddy summarySCR 84 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey to reimburse municipalities for property taxes lost when granting total property tax exemptions to veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities. Currently, municipalities absorb these costs, but the amendment would shift the financial burden to the state. Under the proposal, the state would pay municipalities the full amount of property taxes that would have been collected on exempted properties, and municipalities would then reimburse counties, school districts, and other local entities for their share of lost revenue. This change directly affects qualifying veterans, municipalities, and local taxing bodies that currently bear the cost of these exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3376) requires New Jersey nursing homes and assisted living facilities to undergo inspections every two years. Within 180 days of the law taking effect, the Department of Health must establish uniform care and safety standards for these facilities. The Department will conduct these biennial inspections and post all inspection reports online for public access, ensuring facilities operate according to the new standards.

Maddy summarySCR 90 establishes a new Joint Committee on Human Trafficking in New Jersey, composed of six legislators (three from the Senate appointed by the Senate President, three from the Assembly appointed by the Speaker). The committee’s role is to assess the state’s current human trafficking programs, consult with agencies like the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Unit and academic experts, and identify improvements to make these efforts more effective. It must hold public meetings, document its work, and submit an annual report with recommendations to legislative leaders and relevant committees. This resolution does not create new laws but creates a structured process for studying and improving existing anti-trafficking initiatives.