Sen. Latham Tiver

Maddy summarySJR 26 is a ceremonial joint resolution designating May of each year as "Military Spouse Appreciation Month" in New Jersey. It does not create new laws or alter existing policies but formally recognizes military spouses' contributions. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance through activities and programs during May. This designation directly affects military spouses in New Jersey by providing official state recognition of their support for service members. The measure takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "New Farmers Improvement Grant Program" to provide matching grants for beginning farmers making specific farm improvements. Beginning farmers (defined as those with no prior farming experience, farming for 10 years or less in NJ, or qualifying under federal law) can apply for grants of $15,000-$50,000, covering up to 50% of project costs. Grants fund projects that diversify farming operations (like expanding crop types), implement sustainable practices (such as organic farming or water conservation), or create partnerships with food hubs. To qualify, applicants must operate a farm ≤150 acres, have $10,000+ in annual sales, and actively participate in farming.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts federally chartered veterans' organizations from paying motor vehicle registration fees for vehicles not used for personal pleasure or commercial hire. It adds these organizations to an existing list of exempt entities, including government agencies, fire departments, and nonprofit groups like the Red Cross. The key provision modifies New Jersey's vehicle registration law (R.S.39:3-27) to include veterans' organizations as eligible for the fee exemption. This directly affects qualifying veterans' groups that operate vehicles for organizational purposes, not personal or commercial use. The exemption applies to standard registration or special plates for these vehicles, as defined in the amended statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 189) amends New Jersey law to allow the state's Transportation Research Bureau to award research contracts to private colleges/universities and other eligible entities (like non-profits), not just public institutions. It requires the bureau to determine if such contracts serve the public interest and follow standard public bidding rules. The bill also mandates that all research funded under these contracts must consider transportation needs of residents with disabilities. It defines "entities" to include non-profits but excludes municipal planning organizations. The bill does not create new funding but changes how research contracts are awarded for transportation projects.

Maddy summaryS 1846 provides a $250 deduction from gross income for New Jersey taxpayers serving full-time in the military on active duty for the entire taxable year. This directly affects active-duty military members who reside in New Jersey and meet the full-year service requirement, potentially reducing their state tax liability. The deduction applies to taxable years beginning after the next January 1 following enactment, with the bill taking effect immediately upon passage. The sponsor notes it would impact approximately 7,669 active-duty military personnel in New Jersey as of 2017, based on Department of Defense data.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 318) criminalizes three specific acts related to vacant dwellings: forcibly entering without permission to take residence ("housebreaking"), occupying without permission ("unlawful occupancy"), and reentering after a court-ordered eviction ("unlawful reentry"). All are classified as fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. The law presumes occupants know they lack permission unless they have a notarized written rental agreement with the owner's current contact details. It directly affects property owners seeking to evict unauthorized occupants and occupants in vacant properties without documented authorization.

Maddy summarySJR 44 is a ceremonial resolution designating the fourth Sunday of October each year as "Football Tight Ends Day" in New Jersey. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies - it solely recognizes the contributions of football tight ends (players who combine blocking and receiving skills) and celebrates their often-overlooked role in the sport. The resolution cites New Jersey's football history, including its connection to NFL tight ends like Greg Olsen and Senator Cory Booker. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage public recognition of the position. This is purely symbolic, with no concrete policy changes or impacts.

Maddy summaryS 1875 exempts specific military compensation from New Jersey's state income tax for New Jersey residents serving outside the state. It directly affects New Jersey-domiciled military personnel stationed in other states or overseas by excluding their active-duty pay, mustering-out payments, and housing allowances from taxable income. The bill amends New Jersey tax law (N.J.S.54A:6-7) to create this exclusion for service performed outside New Jersey. This policy change provides tax relief to military members who maintain New Jersey residency while serving in other locations.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates inheritance taxes for siblings who inherit property from a deceased person in New Jersey. Previously, siblings faced tax rates up to 16% on inherited assets, but the bill removes this tax for all transfers occurring on or after January 1, 2022. The change applies specifically to brothers and sisters inheriting from a decedent, with no tax imposed under the amended law for these transfers. This is a direct policy change to the state's inheritance tax code (R.S.54:34-2).

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1872) changes how New Jersey calculates financial responsibility for psychiatric facility care. It specifically excludes veterans' benefits from being counted as income when determining a patient's payment obligation. Under current law, veterans' benefits were included in income calculations for the sliding-scale fee for psychiatric care; this bill removes that inclusion. The change directly affects veterans receiving treatment in state psychiatric facilities, ensuring their veterans' benefits are not considered when calculating their required payments toward care costs.