Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1470 establishes that public safety workers (firefighters, police, EMTs) who responded to the September 11, 2001 attacks and participate in the federal World Trade Center Health Program are deemed eligible for state workers' compensation benefits for related illnesses or injuries. The bill creates a presumption of compensability regardless of when a claim is filed, provided the worker is enrolled in the federal health program. Workers must file claims within two years of the bill's effective date or when they knew of a disability linked to 9/11 exposure, and prior benefits from federal or other state programs reduce new awards. Employers and government entities must notify affected workers and their families within three months of the bill's enactment about this eligibility.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to maintain specific staffing ratios for certified school library media specialists based on student enrollment. Schools with fewer than 300 students must have at least a half-time specialist, those with 300-1,499 students must have one full-time specialist, and schools with 1,500+ students must have two full-time specialists. Additionally, schools with 500 or more students must employ at least one full-time library clerk, plus one additional clerk for every 500 students beyond 500. The bill includes limited waivers for schools unable to hire certified staff and specifies minimum daily time specialists must dedicate to library work based on school size. It applies to all public schools in New Jersey starting with the first full school year after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual payments from New Jersey's Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund to municipalities over two years, replacing the current fixed $740 million allocation. It prohibits municipalities from counting anticipated revenue from this fund when creating their annual budgets and requires that any additional aid must be subtracted from their property tax levy amounts. The bill directly affects all New Jersey municipalities receiving these state aid payments, including cities, towns, and counties. If enacted, it would provide incremental funding increases while ensuring local tax burdens are adjusted downward proportionally.
Maddy summaryS 985 proposes a state-administered financing program to help New Jersey utility customers afford clean energy equipment like solar panels and energy-efficient upgrades. Instead of requiring large upfront payments, the program would allow customers to pay for installations through small, recurring charges added to their monthly utility bills. It specifically targets underserved households and businesses that cannot access traditional financing due to cost barriers. Administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority with oversight from the Board of Public Utilities, the program aims to expand access to affordable clean energy solutions while supporting the state's renewable energy goals.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 792) updates New Jersey's state income tax structure by automatically adjusting taxable income thresholds for inflation. It directly affects New Jersey residents filing state income tax returns, including individuals, estates, and trusts, by preventing "bracket creep" where inflation pushes taxpayers into higher tax brackets without real income growth. The key mechanism requires the state to annually revise the income levels defining each tax bracket using an inflation index, ensuring thresholds keep pace with rising costs. This change applies to all existing tax rate brackets shown in the bill's tables, maintaining the same tax rates while adjusting the income ranges that trigger them.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's inheritance rules for spouses in pending divorce cases. If a divorce or civil union dissolution complaint is filed (but not dismissed) before one spouse dies, the surviving spouse loses their right to inherit the deceased's estate under intestate succession or elective share laws. The bill specifically excludes such surviving spouses from receiving any share of the estate that would otherwise go to a surviving spouse, even if no children are involved. This directly affects individuals whose divorce proceedings were ongoing at the time of their partner's death. The change takes effect when the bill is enacted, modifying existing intestate succession statutes.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New Jersey calculates school district funding by requiring the use of a five-year average of property values instead of a single year's data. It directly affects all public school districts and county vocational school districts in the state by altering the formula that determines their "local share" contribution toward state school aid. The key provision replaces the current method (which uses the prior year's equalized property valuation) with a rolling five-year average of those valuations. This change will take effect for the 2024-2025 school year, impacting how much state aid each district receives based on local property wealth.
Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Fair Appraisals Act," prohibits licensed real estate appraisers in New Jersey from discriminating in property valuations based on race, gender identity, disability, or other protected characteristics. It directly affects appraisers by requiring them to avoid bias in their work and imposing penalties for violations, including restitution for affected property owners, mandatory anti-bias training, license suspension for repeat offenses, and civil fines up to $50,000. Appraisers must also inform property owners about how to report discrimination, and the Division on Civil Rights will collect demographic data on complaints to monitor patterns. The law aims to ensure fair property valuations and strengthen enforcement against discriminatory practices in housing.
Maddy summaryS 681 requires sellers of single-family homes with solar panels to disclose the installer’s name and contact information in property disclosure statements or contracts. If panels are leased, sellers must clearly state whether the lease transfers to the buyer and include the installer’s details if it does. Sellers who falsely claim installer information face a $1,000 penalty per violation. The law applies to homes with solar installations sold after enactment, with a public education program to inform consumers about the requirements.
Maddy summaryS 1494, named "George Floyd's Law," makes it a first-degree crime for law enforcement officers to knowingly choke another person by pressing on their throat, windpipe, or carotid artery, hindering breathing or blood flow to the brain. It directly affects police officers while they are performing their duties, prohibiting tactics like chokeholds that were used in George Floyd's death. Violating this law carries penalties of 10-20 years in prison, up to $200,000 in fines, or both. The bill takes immediate effect and aligns with New Jersey's 2020 ban on chokeholds except in deadly force situations.