Sen. Latham Tiver

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retirement benefits in New Jersey's state-administered retirement systems. It directly affects current and future retirees, including state employees and teachers, by requiring their benefits to increase each year to match inflation without needing separate legislative action. The key mechanism establishes a permanent automatic adjustment process tied to inflation data, eliminating the need for annual budget amendments. This change ensures retirees' purchasing power remains aligned with rising living costs over time.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts nonprofit historic educational programs operating steam locomotive railroads from being regulated as amusement parks or rides. It specifically applies to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or government entities that meet three requirements: personnel must be trained per railroad standards, all maintenance and boiler inspections must be completed (with proof submitted), and no paid admission or ticket sales for rides may be offered. The law clarifies that these educational programs - focused on historical railroad experiences, not public transportation - will not face amusement park regulations as long as these conditions are met. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey tax credit for family caregivers of veterans. It allows caregivers to claim a credit equal to 100% of a veteran's disability compensation (up to $675) if the caregiver has gross income under $100,000 (jointly) or $50,000 (single). The credit applies to caregivers of veterans who are honorably discharged and reside with the caregiver in New Jersey for at least six months during the tax year. It expands eligibility beyond the current law by including all honorably discharged veterans, not just those with service-connected disabilities since September 11, 2001.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to prioritize processing firearm permit applications when a domestic violence restraining order is active. It directly affects applicants subject to such restraining orders, which under current law already prohibit permit issuance. The change adds a priority system for these applications, meaning they are processed faster by the state. The bill amends existing law (N.J.S.2C:58-3) that already bans permits for people under domestic violence restraining orders.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1847) prohibits electronic payment systems from charging merchants higher fees for manually entering credit card information during a state of emergency declared by New Jersey's Governor. It applies to businesses selling goods or services in New Jersey ("merchants") and payment processors (non-bank entities handling credit/debit card transactions). The law requires that manual credit card entry fees must not exceed the standard electronic transaction fees during emergencies. This applies only during active public health or state emergencies, as defined by existing law. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 34) urges the Governor to declare an energy generation emergency in New Jersey. It highlights that the state has lost over 20% of its generating capacity in eight years, shifted from a net energy exporter to importer, and faces rising demand from data centers and AI that strains existing infrastructure. The resolution requests the Governor take steps to prioritize new energy infrastructure development and lower consumer energy costs. As a non-binding resolution, it directs the Governor and agencies like the Board of Public Utilities to address these energy challenges through emergency measures.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 360 prohibits foreign governments and specific foreign persons (including non-citizen individuals and entities controlled by foreign entities) from acquiring or owning land within 10 miles of any U.S. military facility in the state. Existing foreign owners of such "protected land" may retain ownership for up to five years after the bill's effective date but must sell or transfer it to a U.S. person or entity within that timeframe. Limited exceptions allow temporary ownership through debt collection, foreclosure, or inheritance, but even these require transfer within two years. The bill includes treaty exemptions for countries with U.S. agreements and applies immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 1857 amends New Jersey's Local Redevelopment and Housing Law to explicitly exclude farmland actively devoted to agricultural use (and taxed under the Farmland Assessment Act of 1964) from being classified as a "redevelopment area" or "rehabilitation area." This directly affects farmers who maintain agricultural operations and qualify for the farmland tax assessment program, preventing their land from being included in redevelopment projects. The key mechanism is a technical amendment to the legal definition of "redevelopment area" within the law. This change ensures farmland under the Farmland Assessment Act cannot be subject to redevelopment processes governed by the current law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public utilities (gas, electric, water, and sewer providers) to mail detailed written explanations of proposed rate increase settlements to affected customers before the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) makes its final decision. The notification must include a clear justification for the proposed rate change. It applies specifically to settlements that would increase individual rates, tolls, charges, or service schedules. The bill aims to improve transparency for customers prior to rate adjustments. (Note: This is a procedural transparency measure, not a substantive rate change.)

Maddy summaryThe Vehicle Choice Protection Act (S 1930) prohibits New Jersey state agencies from creating rules or policies that restrict the sale, registration, or use of new gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. It directly affects state departments and commissions by blocking them from adopting regulations that would limit internal combustion engine vehicles. The bill’s key provision bans any rule, regulation, policy, or executive action with the purpose or effect of restricting these vehicles, applying to all state agencies. This bill takes effect immediately upon passage and does not change existing vehicle standards or promote specific vehicle types.