Sen. Latham Tiver

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey farmers to calculate their state income tax using an average of their farming income over four years (including the current year and the previous three "base years"). Farmers who qualify can claim a tax credit equal to the difference between their tax liability calculated without averaging and with averaging, capped at $5,000 annually. It directly affects farmers operating a "farming business" as defined by the bill - activities like growing crops, raising livestock, or producing agricultural commodities for sale. The credit helps smooth out tax payments during years with lower farm income, providing more stable tax liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to reimburse counties, municipalities, fire districts, and other local government entities for actual costs they incur when responding to emergencies (like rescues or natural disasters) within state parks or forests. Local units must submit a written invoice with cost documentation to the DEP within 30 days of the emergency, and the DEP must process reimbursement within 30 days of receiving the invoice. The law applies only to emergency response costs paid after the bill becomes effective. It does not change existing responsibilities but provides a clear reimbursement process for local governments covering these specific costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1491) reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits paid to members of New Jersey's state-administered retirement systems. It directly affects current and future retirees in these systems by ensuring their benefits automatically increase each year to match inflation, without requiring new legislative action each time. The key mechanism is restoring a provision that had been removed, so benefits rise automatically based on the Consumer Price Index rather than relying on annual budget decisions. This change provides predictable income stability for retirees as living costs change. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 9, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 627) exempts specific military compensation from New Jersey's gross income tax for service members domiciled in New Jersey but stationed outside the state. It amends tax code section N.J.S.54A:6-7 to exclude: (1) U.S. military pay for NJ-domiciled personnel serving out-of-state, (2) mustering-out payments, and (3) housing/subsistence allowances for active/reserve forces and NJ National Guard members on state duty. The policy change directly affects New Jersey-resident military personnel serving away from home, removing this income from state tax calculations. The exemption applies to taxable years ending after the law takes effect, which is immediate upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 725) criminalizes squatting by creating three new offenses: "housebreaking" (forcibly entering vacant dwellings without permission to occupy), "unlawful occupancy" (taking up residence without permission), and "unlawful reentry" (returning to property after being evicted by court order). It presumes occupants know they lack permission unless they provide a notarized written rental agreement with the owner's current contact details. The law affects individuals occupying vacant properties without owner consent, making these acts fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. Currently, squatting isn't a criminal offense in New Jersey, requiring owners to seek court-ordered evictions instead.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 13-member "Salute to Service and Sacrifice Memorial Commission" to design and oversee a memorial honoring New Jersey law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel who died in the line of duty. The commission, appointed by the Governor with representation from relevant unions, family members of fallen personnel, and memorial design experts, must select a location and design featuring three walls (one for each service) displaying names of fallen personnel, with space for future additions. It will establish a permanent fund for the memorial's construction and maintenance, financed through donations and appropriations, and must submit a final report within 18 months. The bill directly affects fallen first responders' families and the public through the memorial's creation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates New Jersey's State Highway Route 72 (from milepost 0 to 28.74) as the "Burlington-Ocean Purple Heart Memorial Highway" to honor military personnel who have received the Purple Heart medal for bravery or sacrifice in service. It directly affects the highway corridor and commemorates Purple Heart recipients, past and present. The key provision prohibits using public funds for signs bearing this designation, requiring private donations or grants to cover all costs for producing, installing, and maintaining the memorial signs. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 723 prohibits foreign governments and foreign persons from acquiring or purchasing agricultural land in New Jersey after the bill's effective date. Current foreign owners must sell their land within five years to a non-foreign entity (such as a U.S. citizen or business), with a deed ensuring the land remains devoted to agricultural use. The bill requires annual reports to the governor and legislature detailing foreign ownership acreage, top nationalities, and land use trends. Limited exceptions apply for land acquired through debt collection (requiring sale within two years) or inheritance, and the law does not override U.S. treaties with foreign nations.