Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey local governments (such as cities, counties, and municipalities) to charge a convenience fee of up to $3 per transaction when accepting electronic payments like credit cards or online transfers. It directly affects residents and businesses paying local fees (e.g., permits, taxes, or fines) by adding this fee for electronic transactions, while requiring governments to continue offering traditional payment options like cash, checks, or money orders. The bill amends existing law to clarify that local units may impose this fee to cover administrative costs of electronic payment systems, following a recent court ruling that had blocked such fees under the prior law. This change ensures local governments can offset processing expenses without eliminating non-electronic payment alternatives.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits to New Jersey businesses for purchasing and installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations used exclusively in their operations. For 2023, businesses can claim a 25% credit (up to $500 per station) on corporation business tax and a 25% credit (up to $500 per station) on gross income tax; these rates decrease to 15% ($300 max) in 2024 and 8% ($150 max) in 2025. To qualify, businesses must apply for certification from the Environmental Protection Commissioner confirming the station meets technical standards (Level 2 or 3 charging), with a 90-day processing window. The credits are limited to 50% of tax liability and may be carried forward if unused in the current tax year.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes the limit on how many plenary retail alcohol licenses certain stores can hold. It specifically applies to grocery stores where food sales make up at least 65% of revenue, or stores where alcohol sales constitute at least 90% of revenue. The law phases in higher license limits over time (capping at 10 licenses after 10 years), but requires licensees to prove qualifying sales percentages at renewal. It does not override existing municipal restrictions on new license issuance.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 724) allows New Jersey counties to create mentoring programs pairing experienced farmers with beginning farmers and to resell farmland preserved through county programs at reduced prices to beginning farmers. It defines "beginning farmers" as those with 10 years or less farming experience in New Jersey or first-time farmers meeting federal criteria. Counties may sell or lease preserved farmland (with required agricultural use restrictions) for less than the original purchase price, and the state's share of proceeds may be reduced to reflect the lower sale price. All proceeds from such sales must fund farmland preservation efforts.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 119) clarifies procedures for fiduciaries - such as estate executors and trust managers - to resign, be removed, or be discharged from their roles. It specifies requirements including written notice to co-fiduciaries, compliance with governing documents (like wills), appointment of a successor, and adherence to Surrogate court procedures for court-appointed fiduciaries. The bill ensures fiduciaries remain liable for past actions (e.g., embezzlement or mismanagement) even after resignation or removal, and it streamlines succession to prevent administrative gaps. It directly affects individuals managing estates or trusts under New Jersey law.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 68) requires banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to cash payroll checks fee-free when an employee (including minors) presents the check with photo ID proving they are the payee and has an account at that institution or the check is drawn on it. It directly affects workers who need to access their wages quickly, particularly those without bank accounts at the institution issuing the check. Financial institutions violating the law face fines up to $500 per violation and must reimburse customers for legal fees if they sue to enforce the rule. The bill aims to prevent fees for cashing payroll checks, a common cost for low-income workers, and takes effect 90 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryS 84 allows counties and municipalities to request civil service examinations for entry-level law enforcement positions, requiring the exam to be held within 10 business days of the request. It establishes a hiring preference system prioritizing county residents first, followed by state residents who are veterans or have a parent killed while serving as a law enforcement officer, and then all other applicants. The bill mandates appointments be made in this order and requires removing appointees from civil service eligible lists after hiring. Additionally, it requires reimbursement for exam costs if a position remains vacant without a valid reason.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to expand eligibility for accidental disability benefits. It allows state employees who worked at a psychiatric institution or correctional facility immediately before joining PERS to apply for benefits if they sustained a work-related injury after January 2003 - even if the injury occurred before they became a PERS member. The key change deems such injuries as happening during membership, making the employee eligible for the benefit. This adjustment specifically applies to injuries from duties at these facilities, without altering the requirement that injuries must be work-related and reported within five years (with exceptions for delayed symptoms).
Maddy summaryThis bill waives a $75 fee for the "COVID-19 Expansion of Premises Permit" issued by New Jersey's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). It directly affects licensed bars and restaurants that previously paid this fee to temporarily expand outdoor seating during pandemic restrictions under Special Ruling 2020-10. The bill requires ABC to refund all licensees who paid the fee before this law took effect, with the change becoming effective immediately.
Maddy summaryThis bill provides legal protection for citizens who rescue animals from vehicles under dangerous conditions. It allows people to enter a vehicle without permission to save a domestic animal in immediate danger (e.g., extreme heat or cold) if they first contact rescue personnel and try to locate the owner, unless emergency circumstances prevent it. The law grants immunity from civil or criminal liability for property damage or animal injuries caused during the rescue, unless the rescuer acted recklessly or with willful misconduct. This directly affects ordinary citizens who witness animal distress in vehicles and choose to intervene. The immunity applies only when rescuers follow the specified procedures and report the situation to authorities immediately after the rescue.