Maddy summaryThis bill would allow honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard to carry handguns throughout New Jersey, similar to the existing exemption for retired law enforcement officers. To qualify, veterans would need to provide verification of their honorable discharge from the Department of Veterans Affairs, complete an approved firearms training course, and pass semi-annual qualification tests in handgun use. The bill requires veterans to apply for a two-year identification card every two years, which they must carry when carrying a handgun, and would limit eligibility to veterans under age 75. This would extend the existing right to carry handguns for retired law enforcement officers to honorably discharged veterans who meet the same requirements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new summary process for municipalities to foreclose on tax liens that are at least 20 years old. It requires municipalities to publish a 45-day notice in newspapers and online, and send written notices to property owners and relevant officials before filing foreclosure actions. The process must be completed within 48 months of the bill's enactment, and applies only to tax sale certificates held by municipalities. The bill directly affects property owners with long-standing tax liens and municipalities holding such liens.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2734 establishes a three-year "Farm to Food Bank Pilot Program" through the Department of Agriculture, allowing farmers to directly contract with food banks for the timely distribution of produce and agricultural products. The program provides grants to cover farmers' production costs (up to a reasonable market price) and requires the Department of Agriculture to develop grant guidelines, coordinate with the Department of Health on safety rules, and submit a final report to the legislature after three years. Participation is voluntary for farmers and food banks, who negotiate their own contract terms for product types and transportation. Funding for grants depends on annual appropriations requested by the Department of Agriculture as part of its budget process.
Maddy summarySCR 91 is a New Jersey legislative resolution urging Congress to exempt military retirement pay from federal income taxation. It specifically targets retirees with 20+ years of active service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, who currently pay federal taxes on this income. The resolution highlights that military retirees face unique challenges like re-entering civilian life and notes that some states already exempt this pay from state taxes. This is a non-binding request to Congress, not a bill that would change tax law itself.
Maddy summaryS 2774 requires local governments receiving loans or guarantees from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to establish programs ensuring military- or veteran-owned businesses (including spouses of military members or veterans) can bid on contracts for materials and services in infrastructure projects. This bill expands existing requirements - already mandating programs for minority workers and socially/economically disadvantaged contractors - by adding this new category for military/veteran businesses. It does not set a specific contract percentage but mandates local governments create a program to provide these opportunities. The law applies to all infrastructure projects funded through the NJ Infrastructure Bank, including those using state or federal funds.
Maddy summarySJR 78 designates neon yellow (Pantone 395) as New Jersey's official color to raise awareness of veteran suicide, directly affecting the state's public awareness efforts for veterans. The resolution adopts the "Vet 22" name - referencing the statistic that 22 veterans die by suicide daily - to symbolize support for mental health resources. It does not create new programs or funding but uses the color as a visible symbol to highlight existing support services for veterans. The bill cites VA data showing veterans have higher suicide rates than non-veterans and notes New Jersey's 340,560 veterans as of 2018. It takes immediate effect as a symbolic gesture of state support.
Maddy summaryS 2676 allows New Jersey farm operators to accelerate tax deductions for business expenses under state corporation business and gross income taxes. It matches two current federal tax provisions: enabling immediate deductions for certain equipment (Section 179) and accelerated depreciation for qualifying assets (Section 168). The bill directly affects farming businesses that produce agricultural or horticultural commodities for sale, as defined by the law. This change aligns New Jersey's tax code with recent federal updates, allowing farms to deduct eligible costs faster than previously permitted under state law.
Maddy summaryS 2367 helps military spouses who relocate to New Jersey due to a military transfer by streamlining their path to teaching certification. It extends the validity of a temporary teaching certificate from 180 to 365 days (with a possible 365-day extension) and eliminates all fees for both temporary and full instructional certificates. The bill also requires the state to expedite processing of full certification applications. These changes directly affect nonresident military spouses holding valid teaching licenses from another state who meet New Jersey's competency standards.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows places of worship (including churches, mosques, and synagogues registered as 501(c)(3) organizations) to establish a security program permitting one person to carry a handgun during religious services. The selected individual must complete a firearms training course approved by the Police Training Commission, Director of Civilian Marksmanship, or a recognized rifle/pistol association. The person may serve voluntarily or for compensation, and the program does not require places of worship to adopt it. The bill does not change existing restrictions on firearm carrying but permits places of worship to select someone who meets all other legal requirements to carry a firearm during services. This provision is intended to provide additional security options for religious institutions while maintaining existing legal frameworks.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to prevent temporary closures of its agency locations during the ongoing public health emergency related to COVID-19. If closures cannot be avoided, the MVC must provide reasonable alternatives like mobile units nearby for residents needing services. The MVC Chief Administrator must also submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within 90 days detailing efforts to maintain service access. The law expires when the public health emergency ends, as defined by state executive orders.