Sen. Carmen Amato

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4152 prevents state-chartered banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions from requiring disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected VA disability (or their surviving spouses) to include property tax costs in mortgage applications. If the veteran's municipality certifies they qualify for a property tax exemption (excluding ownership requirements for new purchases or including ownership for refinances), lenders cannot factor those taxes into loan approval. This applies to mortgages for homes the veteran will occupy as their primary residence. The law mandates lenders use a standardized certification form from the municipality to verify exemption eligibility before approving the loan.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense for impersonating a first responder (such as police, firefighters, or EMTs) to commit another crime. It directly affects individuals who falsely claim to be first responders - like wearing a fake uniform or lying about their identity - to facilitate other illegal acts. The penalty for this offense is one degree higher than the underlying crime (e.g., a fourth-degree crime if the underlying act was a minor disorderly persons offense), with the most serious cases carrying first-degree penalties. The law aims to deter exploitation of emergency situations where public trust in first responders is critical.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases tuition credit amounts for volunteer firefighters and first responders in New Jersey. It raises the annual credit from $600 to $1,250 per year (capping at $5,000 total over four years) for active members of volunteer fire companies or first aid squads, plus their dependent children and spouses. To qualify, participants must agree to serve for four years in exchange for the credit, with the credit applied toward tuition at county colleges or vocational schools. The change expands financial support for families of volunteers while maintaining the existing service commitment requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to prioritize principal forgiveness on environmental infrastructure loans for municipalities located in coastal areas. It amends existing law to specify that coastal municipalities should receive preferential treatment under the state's Water Bank program, which provides low-interest loans with partial principal forgiveness for wastewater and drinking water projects. The term "coastal area" is defined as per section 4 of P.L.1973, c.185 (C.13:19-4). The bill directly affects coastal municipalities seeking funding for environmental infrastructure improvements, making it easier for these communities to access financing for critical water and wastewater projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 4098, eliminates New Jersey’s tax on all lottery winnings by excluding them from gross income tax and removing the requirement for the New Jersey Lottery to withhold tax. Currently, winnings over $10,000 are taxable and subject to 3% withholding; this bill removes that threshold entirely, making all prizes tax-free. It directly affects New Jersey lottery winners who receive prizes of any amount. The law would take effect immediately for taxable years starting after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Department of Environmental Protection or authorized enforcers from issuing violations against trapping licensees for missing daily trap-check deadlines when traps are located in areas under active law enforcement investigation. It specifically applies if a federal, state, or local law enforcement agent has instructed the licensee to vacate the area. The exemption only suspends enforcement of the daily check requirement (currently mandated under state fish and game regulations) during such investigations, without altering the requirement itself. It does not affect other trapping regulations or apply outside active law enforcement scenarios.

Maddy summarySCR 121 is a legislative resolution declaring that New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) rules adopted in December 2021 - requiring 55% of Class 2b-3 truck sales and 75% of Class 4-8 truck sales to be zero-emission by 2035 - are inconsistent with prior state law. The resolution states these rules improperly incorporated California’s "Advanced Clean Trucks" program, which New Jersey’s 2003 law (P.L.2003, c.266) did not authorize, and notes the DEP failed to provide required notice to environmental committees before adopting them. Under the resolution, the DEP must amend or withdraw the rules within 30 days or the Legislature could further invalidate them. This action addresses procedural compliance with existing law, not the policy of zero-emission truck requirements.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4085 requires state law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities to notify federal immigration authorities within 24 hours when arresting or convicting non-citizens unlawfully present in the U.S. for specific crimes - including first-through-fourth-degree offenses, drug-related crimes (like possession or distribution), theft, or robbery. The bill mandates that sentencing courts and parole/probation officers also immediately contact federal immigration authorities to initiate deportation proceedings for these individuals. It defines "federal immigration authority" broadly to include ICE, CBP, and DHS personnel. The law applies to all New Jersey law enforcement entities and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryS 4095 creates a tax credit for New Jersey businesses that purchase qualified farming equipment, such as machinery used in crop production, livestock care, or dairy operations. The credit equals 10% of the equipment cost, but cannot exceed 25% of the business's annual tax liability. To claim the credit, businesses must obtain certification from the Secretary of Agriculture confirming they operate in an eligible farming activity (defined broadly to include crops, livestock, dairy, and other agricultural products) and acquired qualifying equipment. Unused credit can be carried forward for up to seven years if not fully applied in the current tax year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's four regional child abuse treatment centers to establish 24/7 mobile teams that respond to hospital requests for forensic exams on children under 13. Hospitals must contact their county's center when a pediatric patient under 13 has: (1) a referral for suspected abuse by a caregiver, or (2) injuries inconsistent with their explained circumstances. The mobile teams will perform exams at the hospital, and the bill appropriates state funds to support this service. It also mandates annual staff training on child abuse identification and reporting for hospital emergency departments.