Sen. Latham Tiver

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to create a program waiving E-ZPass toll fees for vehicles used by qualified disabled veteran-owned businesses. It directly affects businesses in New Jersey that are at least 51% owned by disabled veterans (certified by the VA with ≥10% service-connected disability), generate $2,500+ in annual revenue, and operate within the state. To qualify, vehicles must be owned/leased by a disabled veteran, registered in New Jersey, and linked to an active E-ZPass account. The waiver applies to all electronic toll collection fees charged by NJTA or SJTA for these business vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill lowers the minimum age requirement for surviving spouses to qualify for New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program. Currently, surviving spouses must be age 62 or older; the bill would reduce this age threshold (though the exact new age isn't specified in the provided text). It directly affects surviving spouses of current program participants (who are 65+ or disabled) by expanding eligibility to younger spouses. The key mechanism is amending the age requirement in the program's eligibility criteria, specifically for surviving spouses. This change would allow more surviving spouses to receive property tax reimbursements based on their age alone.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1931) increases penalties for reckless vehicular homicide when the driver was intoxicated. It elevates the offense to a first-degree crime if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle near schools or school zones, including: within 1,000 feet of school property, through designated school crossings, near school crossings with juveniles present (even if unmarked), or in highway construction zones. Convictions under these circumstances require a minimum prison term of one-third to one-half of the sentence or three years (whichever is greater), with no parole eligibility during that period, plus a license suspension of 5 years to life. The law applies directly to drivers convicted of causing death while driving intoxicated in these specific locations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates tax credits for supermarkets and small food stores that display Jersey Fresh products (locally grown produce certified under New Jersey's program) and New Jersey organic products. Supermarkets with dedicated displays of 25+ square feet maintained for 120+ days during a tax period qualify for a $2,000 credit, while small stores (under 2,500 sq ft) with 12+ sq ft displays qualify for $1,000. The credit applies against state income or gross receipts taxes, with specific rules for how it combines with other credits. Jersey Fresh refers to products labeled under the state's program for locally grown fruits, vegetables, seafood, and farm-sourced processed foods.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1898) amends New Jersey's firearm law to allow honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard to carry handguns. It adds veterans to the list of individuals exempt from standard firearm restrictions under N.J.S.2C:39-6, provided they comply with background checks and training requirements outlined in subsection j. The key provision removes a barrier preventing these veterans from legally carrying handguns in New Jersey, aligning their rights with other exempt groups like active law enforcement officers. The bill does not change existing restrictions for the general public or require new licensing for veterans beyond standard state requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits posting or publishing on the Internet the home address or unpublished home telephone number of active-duty U.S. military members, New Jersey National Guard members, or their spouses/children. It makes reckless violations a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in prison or $10,000 fine) and purposeful violations a third-degree crime (3-5 years in prison or $15,000 fine). Government agencies must obtain written consent before posting such information, and businesses/individuals who disclose it under circumstances risking harassment face civil liability, including minimum $1,000 per violation in damages. The law directly affects military families and entities handling their personal data online.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a simplified process for New Jersey municipalities to foreclose on tax sale certificates they've held for at least 20 years. It allows municipalities to use a "summary proceeding" instead of the standard, more costly process, requiring a 45-day public notice period and title verification before filing court action. Municipalities must first approve the use of this process via resolution, and the simplified method would be available for up to 48 months after the bill's enactment. The bill directly affects municipalities holding old tax liens and property owners who may object during the 45-day notice period.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1856) expands whistleblower protections in New Jersey to cover government employees who report mismanagement, waste, or abuse of authority by their employer. It prohibits government employers (including all state, county, municipal, school district, and agency entities) from retaliating against employees who disclose such issues to supervisors or public bodies. Protected disclosures include violations of law, fraud, substantial waste of public funds, abuse of authority, or gross mismanagement by government employers. The law aims to safeguard employees who report problems affecting public resources, operations, or public safety without requiring them to prove the disclosure was "correct" first.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1160) requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to allow unemployment claimants to schedule appointments at One Stop Career Centers by phone or internet, not just online. It directly affects individuals applying for or receiving unemployment benefits who need to meet with career center staff. The key provision expands current scheduling options - currently only internet appointments are permitted - to include telephone scheduling, defined as meetings related to unemployment benefits. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment and is procedural in nature, focusing on improving access to appointment systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1892) increases the threshold for property tax refunds and small cancellations that municipal employees can process without further approval from a local government's governing body. It raises the limit from $10 to $20 for refunds, delinquencies, or related fees, allowing designated employees to handle these routine transactions directly. The change directly affects municipal staff who process small tax adjustments and taxpayers receiving refunds under $20. The bill amends existing law to streamline this administrative process without requiring additional council or committee votes for minor cases.