Sen. Carmen Amato

Maddy summaryThis bill requires ticket issuers (like venues, promoters, or sports teams) to offer purchasers a transferable ticket option at the time of initial sale if they use a non-transferable system, allowing tickets to be resold or given away without penalty. Exceptions apply for targeted promotions (e.g., discounted group tickets based on specific affiliations), which may remain non-transferable if clearly marked and not offered publicly. It prohibits penalizing or discriminating against ticket holders solely for reselling tickets or using specific resale platforms. The bill exempts venues in certain cities with hotel occupancy fees and retail sales taxes, and aligns with similar New York State rules already in effect.

Maddy summaryS 1919 prohibits courts from awarding punitive damages against New Jersey public entities (such as municipalities, schools, or government agencies) or public employees acting within the scope of their employment. This bill explicitly states that punitive damages cannot be granted in any lawsuit involving these defendants, clarifying existing law. It affects all civil cases where punitive damages might otherwise be sought against government bodies or workers. The bill amends statutes to ensure public officials and agencies are shielded from such financial penalties when performing official duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual amount credited to New Jersey's Shore Protection Fund from $25 million to $50 million. The funding comes from the State portion of realty transfer fees collected when property deeds are recorded - specifically, the $1.25 per $500 of property value paid to the State. The change directly affects the Shore Protection Fund, which uses these funds for coastal protection projects. The bill amends existing law to adjust the credit amount without altering the fee structure or creating new taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to apply to the State Soil Conservation Committee to take over administration of the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act (P.L.1975, c.251) within their boundaries. To qualify, a municipality must pass an ordinance designating a local official and comply with committee-established rules, which will cover requirements for the ordinance, official qualifications, and enforcement standards. The committee must create these rules within one year of the bill's enactment. This shifts responsibility from state administration to local municipalities for controlling soil erosion and sedimentation during development projects, providing an alternative to the existing district-based system.

Maddy summarySCR 75 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit anyone convicted of a criminal offense (as defined by law) from holding any elected public office in New Jersey. If approved by voters, it would add a new rule to the state constitution barring individuals with criminal convictions from serving in elected positions. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election following its passage by the legislature. This change would directly affect candidates with criminal convictions seeking office in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $26.14 million from the state general fund to fund dredging and disposal of sediment from navigational waterways across New Jersey. It allocates $22.14 million for specific navigational channels (like Double Creek in Ocean County and Shark River Back Channel in Monmouth County) and $4 million for recreational/residential boating waterways (such as Hancy's Pond and Manahawkin Creek) not officially designated as navigational. The funds cover dredging operations and proper disposal of materials to maintain waterway depth and safety. This directly affects coastal communities and boating access in 15+ counties by addressing sediment buildup that impedes navigation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey individual taxpayers to deduct state fuel taxes paid on motor fuel used for personal vehicle travel from their gross income tax. It directly affects residents who drive personal vehicles, enabling them to reduce their taxable income by the amount of New Jersey fuel taxes paid for non-business trips (e.g., commuting, shopping). The deduction is capped at $1,000 for 2021 and $2,000 for subsequent years, and excludes amounts reimbursed by employers or already deducted elsewhere (like business expenses or medical costs). The deduction applies to taxes paid under New Jersey’s Petroleum Products Gross Receipts Tax Act and Motor Fuel Tax Act.

Maddy summaryS 1933 would allow New Jersey drivers to purchase special license plates featuring the New Jersey Maritime Museum. Owners would pay a $50 one-time application fee plus a $10 annual fee, with all funds deposited into a dedicated "New Jersey Maritime Museum License Plate Fund" to support the museum's operations. The museum would collaborate with the Motor Vehicle Commission on plate design and promotion, while administrative costs would be covered by the fees and initial non-public donations. The bill is pending in the Senate Transportation Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1898) allows New Jersey to garnish the retirement allowances or pension contributions of public employees convicted of stealing or misusing public funds. It specifically permits the state to collect restitution judgments - covering both the stolen funds and prosecution costs - by deducting from an employee’s retirement payments after a criminal conviction under Title 2C, Chapter 27 (theft/misuse of public funds). The law amends existing pension exemption statutes to remove retirement benefits from general protection in these specific cases. It directly affects public employees found guilty of financial crimes involving public funds, ensuring restitution can be recovered from their retirement benefits. The bill does not change general pension rules but creates a targeted exception for convicted offenders.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1916) allows New Jersey residents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to voluntarily add a notation to their driver's license, permit, or non-driver ID card. Individuals may submit their diagnosis through the MVC website, by mail, or when applying for a license, along with any additional communication assistance details. The information appears only on their MVC record and is accessible solely to law enforcement officers during traffic stops or emergencies to improve communication. Crucially, the submitted information is protected from public disclosure under New Jersey's open records laws and cannot be used for any purpose other than assisting law enforcement. This builds on an existing similar program for insulin-dependent diabetics.