Sen. Troy Singleton

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenues are allocated for fiscal year 2026 and beyond. It directs 5% of these revenues annually to a new Preserve New Jersey Urban Agriculture and Horticulture Fund, with an initial $25 million deposit upon enactment. The bill authorizes the Garden State Preservation Trust and local governments to acquire urban land for agricultural or horticultural purposes through purchase or development easements. It also establishes a grant program to support stewardship activities like soil health improvements on land acquired for these purposes.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1391 establishes a state program that allows certified first-time home buyers to open special savings accounts at participating banks or credit unions. These accounts offer gross income tax benefits on both contributions (up to $15,000 annually or $75,000 lifetime) and earnings, with assets capped at $150,000 per year. Withdrawals are tax-free only when used for qualified home purchase expenses like down payments, closing costs, or inspection fees. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency certifies eligible buyers and oversees the program, which requires financial institutions to partner with the agency to administer the accounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - secondary housing units on the same lot as a primary home - as a permitted use, rather than restricting them. It sets specific rules: ADUs must be at least 300 square feet, located at least five feet from property lines, not exceed the primary home’s height, and cannot be used for short-term rentals (less than 30 days). Homeowners seeking to build ADUs for personal use (e.g., family members) or as a rental for long-term stays would be directly affected, alongside municipalities required to update zoning ordinances within 90 days of the law’s effective date. The bill aims to expand housing options by leveraging existing residential lots without altering neighborhood character.

Maddy summaryS 1408 allows municipalities to approve converting underused office parks (50,000+ sq ft) and retail centers (15,000+ sq ft) with high vacancy rates (25%+ for 18 months) or significant revenue losses into mixed-use developments. It requires such projects to include residential space (at least 20% reserved for affordable housing), avoid industrial uses, and meet specific zoning standards for the converted site. The bill directly affects developers seeking to redevelop these properties and municipalities that must streamline approvals under updated zoning rules. Key provisions include mandatory affordable housing quotas and relaxed height/setback requirements to facilitate the conversions. This aims to revitalize declining suburban properties by enabling walkable communities with housing, retail, and amenities.

Maddy summaryS 1406 prohibits surgical declawing (onychectomy) of cats and other animals in New Jersey, except when a licensed veterinarian determines it is medically necessary for the animal's health. The bill requires veterinarians to document therapeutic justification (e.g., treating infection or injury) and submit a written statement to the Department of Health, while banning declawing for cosmetic or convenience reasons. Violations by individuals performing the procedure would be classified as disorderly persons offenses, and veterinarians failing to document properly face disciplinary action. This law directly affects veterinarians, pet owners, and animal care facilities by restricting declawing procedures to strict medical necessity.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4454 sets rules for veterinarians using telemedicine to treat animals. It requires vets to confirm telemedicine meets in-person care standards before use, establish a relationship with the pet owner (by verifying identities and disclosing credentials), and review medical records prior to sessions. The bill mandates real-time video communication during visits (with limited exceptions), written consent about telemedicine risks, and prohibits prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances without an initial in-person exam and regular follow-up visits. Vets must maintain detailed records and provide follow-up care instructions if telemedicine cannot cover all necessary clinical information.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Neighborhood Homes Investment Act creates a tax credit for developers who build or substantially renovate homes sold at affordable prices to low- and moderate-income residents. The credit equals the development costs minus the affordable sale price, but cannot exceed 35% of the lesser of the development costs or 80% of the state's median new home price. To qualify, homes must be in designated low-income census tracts, buyers must have household incomes at or below 140% of the state median, and they must commit to living in the home for at least five years. Homeowners who sell before five years must pay a penalty of 10% to 50% of the difference between the sale price and the original affordable price.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Rent-to-Own Rights Protection Act" to protect tenants in rent-to-own agreements (where renters pay rent with an option to buy later). It requires landlords to provide written agreements detailing all terms - including purchase price, option fee refundability, rent credits toward ownership, and responsibility for property costs - and gives tenants the right to an independent property inspection before signing. Landlords cannot force tenants to forfeit payments without a 30-day cure period for default, and agreements must include disclosures about property condition, liens, and insurance. Violations are treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, allowing tenants to seek $10,000 in statutory damages plus legal fees.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Baby Bond Account Program (S 4458) creates individual savings accounts with $2,000 for eligible infants born on or after January 1, 2021. To qualify, infants must be born to families with income below 200% of the federal poverty level and establish New Jersey residency within six months of birth. Account holders can access funds for post-secondary education, home purchase, business startup, or other wealth-building investments once they turn 18 (with education expense exceptions for students). The program, funded by a $70 million appropriation, will be managed by a Baby Bond Account Board with oversight from the State Treasurer.

Maddy summaryS 4455 requires online platforms that primarily show sexually explicit material (such as social media, video sites, or gaming platforms) to verify users are at least 18 years old before accessing such content. Platforms may use methods like driver's license checks via New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission, third-party services with privacy safeguards, or their own systems that don’t retain user data after access. Failure to verify age results in criminal charges under New Jersey’s obscenity law and a civil penalty of up to $50,000 for non-compliant entities. This law updates New Jersey’s existing obscenity statute to address online access, which was previously unaddressed in the original law designed for physical venues like theaters.