Sen. Carmen Amato

Maddy summaryS 1022 would allow honorably discharged veterans in New Jersey to obtain special license plates displaying "Veteran" and their military branch insignia. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of honorable discharge (like a DD-214 form) and pay a $15 fee on top of standard vehicle registration costs. Surviving spouses of deceased veterans may retain these plates on their vehicles. The plates must follow a design approved by the Adjutant General and Motor Vehicle Commission, with details about eligibility included in registration renewals. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Transportation and Budget committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SCR 74) proposes a constitutional amendment in New Jersey that would require property tax assessors to reduce the assessed value of a home when owners add living space specifically for qualifying senior relatives. It directly affects homeowners who build or reconstruct additions to house senior relatives (parents, grandparents, aunts, or uncles aged 62+), provided at least one such relative resides there. The tax reduction equals the cost increase from the addition or 20% of the property’s total assessed value after the addition - whichever is smaller - and lasts until the last qualifying senior moves out or passes away. This amendment must be approved by voters before taking effect.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1897 allows current law enforcement officers enrolled in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to switch to the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) by giving up their PERS benefits. Officers must submit paperwork within 90 days of the bill's effective date to make this choice, while new law enforcement hires must enroll directly in PFRS. The bill requires PERS to transfer accumulated contributions to PFRS, with officers potentially covering any shortfall between transferred funds and full retirement credit.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual payments from New Jersey's Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund to municipalities over two years, replacing the current fixed $740 million allocation. It prohibits municipalities from counting anticipated revenue from this fund when creating their annual budgets and requires that any additional aid must be subtracted from their property tax levy amounts. The bill directly affects all New Jersey municipalities receiving these state aid payments, including cities, towns, and counties. If enacted, it would provide incremental funding increases while ensuring local tax burdens are adjusted downward proportionally.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated "Internet Predator Investigation and Prosecution Fund" managed by the State Treasurer. It imposes a $200 assessment on individuals convicted of violating N.J.S.2C:20-25 (computer crimes involving electronic means), with funds collected like fines and deposited into the new fund. The Attorney General will distribute these funds to county prosecutors to cover training and equipment costs for investigating and prosecuting internet-related predatory offenses. The bill directly affects convicted offenders of specific computer crimes, not the general public.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate resolution (SR 19) expresses symbolic support for preserving Columbus Day as both a federal and state holiday. It does not change current law but affirms the historical significance of Columbus's 1492 arrival and recognizes Italian-American heritage. The resolution specifically supports ongoing traditions like the New York City parade and sends copies to relevant organizations, the President, and New Jersey's congressional delegation. It has no legal effect but aligns with efforts by groups like Unico National to maintain the holiday.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1914) increases penalties for drivers who operate a vehicle while their license is suspended due to a prior DUI conviction. It specifically targets third or subsequent offenses: for these, the current 10-day jail sentence is replaced with 30 to 180 days in county jail. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of driving with a license suspended for DUI (under sections R.S.39:4-50 or C.39:4-50.4a), particularly repeat offenders within five years. The key change is the significant increase in mandatory jail time for these specific violations, moving from a minimum 10 days to a minimum 30 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1904) authorizes New Jersey municipalities to create local ordinances requiring owners of wharves, piers, docks, and bulkheads along waterways to maintain and repair these structures. Municipalities must follow standards developed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which will consider location, surroundings, and use to minimize risks to public safety, health, and the environment. Violations could result in fines up to $500 for first offenses or $2,000 for repeat offenses, with possible jail time up to 90 days. The DEP must establish these standards within 18 months and provide technical guidance to municipalities for inspections, notifications, and compliance verification.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public officers or employees convicted of crimes related to their duties (like theft of public funds) or found at fault in civil cases involving their work to repay public costs. Specifically, they must reimburse the state or local government for prosecution expenses and any legal fees paid by public funds - except for representation by the Public Defender's Office. If liable, their pension or retirement benefits can be garnished to cover these costs. The bill applies to offenses under New Jersey's Chapter 27 (theft/misuse of public funds) or similar crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases fines for smoking cannabis or marijuana on New Jersey public beaches. It raises penalties to $500 for a first offense (up from $250), $1,000 for a second offense (up from $500), and $1,500 for each subsequent offense. The bill also directs 50% of collected fines to state smoking cessation programs and 50% to the municipality where the violation occurred. It specifically targets cannabis/marijuana smoking on beaches, leaving cigarette smoking penalties unchanged.