Bill:

A2057

Sponsors:

Rible (R11); Prieto (D32)

Summary:

This bill reforms this State's affordable housing laws. If enacted, this legislation would abolish the Council on Affordable Housing established pursuant to the "Fair Housing Act," N.J.S.A.52:27D-301 et al., and would allow municipalities to administer their own affordable housing obligations.  The bill would do away with State-imposed calculations of affordable housing need and would permit local governments to take charge of planning for opportunities for affordable housing.  This bill charges the State Planning Commission with assisting municipalities in facilitating opportunities for affordable housing.

Related:

2010:A2071; 2010:S1

History:

02/08/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee.

Position:

Support

Bill:

S1 ScsSaScs (SCS)

Sponsors:

Lesniak (D20); Bateman (R16); Van Drew (D1) +1

Summary:

This bill reforms this State's affordable housing laws. If enacted, this legislation would abolish the Council on Affordable Housing established pursuant to the "Fair Housing Act," N.J.S.A.52:27D-301 et al., and would allow municipalities to administer their own affordable housing obligations.  The bill would do away with State-imposed calculations of affordable housing need and would permit local governments to take charge of planning for opportunities for affordable housing.  This bill charges the State Planning Commission with assisting municipalities in facilitating opportunities for affordable housing.

Related:

2010:A2057; 2010:A2071

History:

01/19/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee.
03/15/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee substitute, 2nd reading in Senate.
03/22/2010 -- Amended on Senate floor, 2nd reading in Senate 23-2 (Lesniak).
05/20/2010 -- Recommitted to Senate Economic Growth Committee by voice vote (Lesniak).
06/03/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee substitute, 2nd reading in Senate.
06/10/2010 -- Passed in Senate 28-3. Received in Assembly and referred to Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee.

Position:

Support

Bill:

A2572 Aca (1R)

Sponsors:

Cryan (D20); Quijano (D20); Ramos (D33) +3

Summary:

This bill, as amended, allows a municipality that is adjacent to two or more "qualifying municipalities" in which an urban enterprise zone is located, pursuant to the "New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zones Act," P.L. 1983, c. 303 (C.52:27H-60 et seq.), to receive assistance from the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority ("authority") if the municipality otherwise meets the eligibility criteria for a "qualified municipality" under the provisions of the "New Jersey Urban Redevelopment Act," P.L.1996, c.62 (C.55:19-20 et al.).

Related:

2010:S1794

History:

03/16/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development.
06/10/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly.
06/21/2010 -- Substituted by S-1794 (1R).

Bill:

S1794 Aca (1R)

Sponsors:

Lesniak (D20); Scutari (D22); Cryan (D20); Quijano (D20); Ramos (D33) +3

Summary:

This bill, as amended, allows a municipality that is adjacent to two or more "qualifying municipalities" in which an urban enterprise zone is located, pursuant to the "New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zones Act," P.L. 1983, c. 303 (C.52:27H-60 et seq.), to receive assistance from the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority ("authority") if the municipality otherwise meets the eligibility criteria for a "qualified municipality" under the provisions of the "New Jersey Urban Redevelopment Act," P.L.1996, c.62 (C.55:19-20 et al.).

Related:

2010:A2572

History:

03/11/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee.
03/15/2010 -- Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate.
03/22/2010 -- Passed in Senate 36-0. Received in Assembly and referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development.
06/10/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly.
06/21/2010 -- Substituted for A-2572 (1R). Motion to amend on Assembly floor (DiCicco). Motion to table bill 46-33-0 (Cryan). Passed in Assembly 52-25-1. Received in Senate, 2nd reading in Senate to concur with Assembly amendments.
06/28/2010 -- Passed in Senate and sent to Governor 30-9.

Bill:

A3055

Sponsors:

Coutinho (D29); Wisniewski (D19); Green (D22); Jasey (D27); Spencer (D29)

Summary:

The bill would extend to October 30, 2010 the suspension of the Statewide non-residential development fee imposed under the "New Jersey Economic Stimulus Act of 2009," P.L.2009, c.90.

History:

06/24/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Budget Committee. Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly.
06/28/2010 -- Passed in Assembly 55-17-6. Received in Senate and referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee.

Bill:

A355 AcaSca (2R)

Sponsors:

Jasey (D27); Voss (D38); Moriarty (D4) +7

Summary:

This bill, as amended, makes permanent the Interdistrict public school choice program.  A five-year Interdistrict public school choice program was established in 2000 and expired on June 30, 2005.  As under the original choice program, the permanent program provides for the establishment of choice districts which will be able to enroll students across district lines in designated schools of the choice district.  The permanent program, however, includes no limitation on the total number of choice districts permitted in the State.

Related:

2010:S1073; 2008:A3472; 2008:S2982

History:

01/12/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Education Committee.
02/18/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee.
03/18/2010 -- Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly.
03/22/2010 -- Passed in Assembly 75-0-1. Received in Senate and referred to Senate Education Committee.
05/13/2010 -- Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate. Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
06/24/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate.
06/28/2010 -- Substituted for S-1073 (1R). Passed in Senate 39-0. Received in Assembly, 2nd reading in Assembly to concur with Senate amendments. Passed in Assembly and sent to Governor 78-0-0.

Position:

Support

Bill:

S1473 Sca (1R)

Sponsors:

Rice (D28); Turner (D15)

Summary:

As amended, this bill establishes in the Department of Education a pilot program to integrate educational technology into public school districts that have the greatest technology need.  The goal of the pilot program would be to eliminate disparities among the various school districts in the State with respect to pupil access to the best available electronic educational technology.

Related:

2008:S1603; 2006:S1650; 2004:S2293

History:

02/22/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Education Committee.
06/03/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate. Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Position:

Support

Bill:

S1813 w/GR (1R)

Sponsors:

Madden (D4); Sweeney (D3); Egan (D17); Albano (D1); Evans (D35); DeAngelo (D14) +7

Summary:

This bill reduces the unemployment insurance (UI) tax rates which will be imposed on employers during fiscal year 2011 by setting them based on the "C" column of the UI tax table in R.S.43:21-7.  The UI tax rate which is being charged to employers during FY 2010 is based on column "B" of the tax table.  Because the UI trust fund is currently in deficit, the tax rate, under current law, would increase, starting on July 1, 2010, to the highest tax rates set by the law, the rates found in the "E" column, plus an additional 10% surcharge.  The bill reduces the UI tax burden on employers by providing that the "C" schedule will stay in effect throughout fiscal year 2011.

Related:

2010:A2624

History:

03/16/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Labor Committee.
05/10/2010 -- Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate.
05/20/2010 -- Motion for Senate floor substitute. Motion to table bill 23-16 (Buono). Passed in Senate 28-9. Received in Assembly w/o committee reference, 2nd reading in Assembly. Substituted for A-2624. Motion for Assembly floor substitute (Schroeder). Motion to table bill 46-32-0 (Cryan). Motion to amend on Assembly floor (Schroeder). Motion to table bill 46-32-0 (Cryan). Passed in Assembly and sent to Governor 46-0-32.
06/24/2010 -- Governor's conditional veto rcvd in Senate.
06/28/2010 -- 2nd reading in Senate to concur with Governor's recommendations 34-3. Emergency resolution 35-1 (Madden). Passed in Senate 33-4. Received in Assembly, 2nd reading in Assembly to concur with Governor's recommendations. Passed in Assembly and sent to Governor 70-2-6.
07/01/2010 -- Signed by the Governor P.L.2010, c.37.

Position:

Seek amendments

Bill:

S1968 ScaAca (2R)

Sponsors:

Buono (D18); Madden (D4); Greenstein (D14); DeAngelo (D14)

Summary:

This bill, as amended, is designed to address certain abuses occurring in the unemployment insurance (UI) system, which often result in the improper delay or denial of UI benefits to laid off workers.  By providing incentives for the expeditious handling of UI claims, the bill will increase the efficiency of the UI system, to the benefit of laid off workers and employers alike.

Related:

2010:A2864

History:

05/20/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Labor Committee.
05/27/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate.
06/10/2010 -- Passed in Senate 37-1. Received in Assembly and referred to Assembly Labor Committee.
06/14/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly.
06/21/2010 -- Substituted for A-2864 (1R). Motion to amend on Assembly floor (Webber). Motion to table bill 47-33-0 (Cryan). Passed in Assembly 70-9-1. Received in Senate, 2nd reading in Senate to concur with Assembly amendments.
06/28/2010 -- Passed in Senate and sent to Governor 40-0.

Position:

Oppose

Bill:

S2164 Sca (1R)

Sponsors:

Sweeney (D3)

Summary:

As amended, this bill makes various changes to several laws that affect the regulation and business operations of employee leasing companies, or professional employer organizations (PEOs).  Employee leasing companies are business entities that manage human resources, employee benefits, health insurance, payroll and workers' compensation for small businesses.  Companies contract with an employee leasing company to assist them with employee related matters such as health benefits, workers' compensation claims, payroll, payroll tax compliance, and unemployment insurance claims, allowing the client companies to concentrate on the operational aspects of their businesses.  Employee leasing companies are not temporary employment agencies; employee leasing companies become "co-employers" of the employees of the businesses to which they provide services. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development pursuant to P.L.2001, c.260, regulate employee-leasing companies (34:8-67 et seq.).

Subjects:

Commerce

History:

06/28/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Labor Committee.
07/19/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate.

Position:

Support

Bill:

A915 AcaAcsAa (ACS/1R)

Sponsors:

Chivukula (D17); Ramos (D33); Johnson (D37) +7

Summary:

This committee substitute bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (the "board") to adopt standards, which require electric public utilities ("utilities") to offer non-discriminatory rates to customers who are members of a local renewable energy collaborative ("LREC").  An LREC is a legal entity licensed by the board and consisting of a group of customers who share the benefits of an eligible central renewable energy generation ("CREG") system.  A CREG system is a separately metered, Class I renewable energy generation system, installed at a host site by a member of an LREC that is capable of providing power into the PJM grid.

Related:

2010:S463; 2008:A3333; 2008:S2535; 2008:S2927

History:

01/12/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.
03/04/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly.
05/06/2010 -- Recommitted to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee. Reported out of committee with committee substitute, 2nd reading in Assembly.
06/21/2010 -- Amended on Assembly floor, 2nd reading in Assembly (Chivukula).

Position:

Seek Amendments

Bill:

S463 ScsSa (SCS/1R)

Sponsors:

Smith, B. (D17); Buono (D18)

Summary:

This committee substitute would amend the "Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act" ("EDECA"), P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-49 et al.) to direct the Board of Public Utilities ("board") to adopt standards which require electric public utilities ("utilities") to offer non-discriminatory rates to customers who are members of a local renewable energy collaborative ("LREC").  An LREC is a limited liability corporation or other legal entity which consists of a group of customers who share the output of central renewable energy generation systems (CREG systems).  A CREG system is a Class I renewable energy generation system that provides power to an LREC. Both a CREG system and an LREC must register with the board.

Related:

2010:A915; 2008:A3333; 2008:S2535; 2008:S2927

History:

01/12/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
05/13/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee substitute, 2nd reading in Senate.
06/10/2010 -- Amended on Senate floor, 2nd reading in Senate 35-0.
06/21/2010 -- Passed in Senate 26-10. Received in Assembly and referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.

Position:

Oppose

Bill:

A2529 AcsAa (ACS/1R)

Sponsors:

Chivukula (D17); Quijano (D20)

Summary:

This committee substitute bill clarifies and expands certain definitions in section 3 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-51) in a manner that is consistent with New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan and that will enable this State to promote alternative energy technologies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Related:

2008:A3281; 2008:S2264

History:

03/16/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.
06/10/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee substitute, 2nd reading in Assembly.
06/21/2010 -- Amended on Assembly floor, 2nd reading in Assembly (Chivukula).

Position:

Support

Bill:

S2036 ScaSca (2R)

Sponsors:

Sweeney (D3); Kean, T. (R21); Chivukula (D17); Burzichelli (D3); McKeon (D27); Vainieri Huttle (D37) +5

Summary:

The bill as amended by the committee, to be known as the "Offshore Wind Economic Development Act," would amend and supplement the "Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act" ("EDECA"), P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-49 et al.), to direct the Board of Public Utilities ("BPU") to develop an offshore wind renewable energy certificate ("OREC") program to require that a percentage of electricity sold in the State be from offshore wind energy.  This percentage would be developed to support at least 1,100 megawatts of generation from qualified offshore wind projects, and would serve as an offset to the renewable energy portfolio standard and reduce the corresponding Class I renewable energy requirement.

Related:

2010:A2873

History:

06/10/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
06/21/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate. Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate.
06/28/2010 -- Passed in Senate 28-10. Received in Assembly w/o committee reference, 2nd reading in Assembly. Substituted for A-2873 (1R). Passed in Assembly and sent to Governor 71-6-1.

Position:

Seek Amendments

Bill:

A3139

Sponsors:

Quijano (D20); DeAngelo (D14); Ramos (D33)

Summary:

This bill would permit the development of solar or photovoltaic energy facilities or structures on any closed landfill or quarry, or an existing or closed resource extraction operation, including those located within the Pinelands area.  The bill requires the Pinelands Commission to determine that the development of the facility or structure would not impact any engineering devices or other environmental controls existing on the site and would not impact ecologically sensitive areas.

Related:

2010:S2126

History:

07/01/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.

Bill:

S2126 Sca (1R)

Sponsors:

Whelan (D2); Haines (R8)

Summary:

This bill, as amended, would require the Pinelands Commission to determine that the development of a solar or photovoltaic energy facility or structure on the site of a closed landfill or quarry, or an existing or closed resource extraction operation, is in conformance with the standards of the pinelands comprehensive management plan, provided that: (1) if located on a resource extraction site, the facility or structure is located on previously disturbed lands that have not subsequently been restored and which are not subject to any restoration obligation pursuant to the comprehensive management plan; (2)  if located on a closed landfill, the facility or structure is located on previously disturbed lands or adjacent lands, if required to ensure the viability of the proposed facility or structure; or  (3)  if located on a landfill that has not been closed in accordance with a plan approved by the Pinelands Commission in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, the development of the facility or structure would facilitate closure of the landfill in accordance with such a plan.  In the latter case, the bill would require that the landfill be closed in accordance with a plan approved by the commission, in consultation with the department, under the requirements of the comprehensive management plan prior to, or concurrent with, the installation of the solar or photovoltaic energy facility or structure.  In all cases, the bill would require that the development would not impact any engineering devices or other environmental controls existing on the site and would not impact ecologically sensitive areas.

Related:

2010:A3139

History:

06/24/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
07/19/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate.

Position:

Support

Bill:

S2006 Scs (SCS)

Sponsors:

Smith, B. (D17); Bateman (R16)

Summary:

This committee substitute would supplement the "Municipal Land Use Law" to prohibit a municipality from adopting an ordinance which limits the right of a property owner to install solar panels on a residential property under certain circumstances.  A municipal ordinance would not be authorized to regulate the installation of photovoltaic solar energy systems when: (1)  in the case of a roof mounted system, the panels, and all accessory equipment, extend 12 inches or less beyond the edge of the roofline or above the highest point of the roof surface or structure; or, (2)  in the case of a surface level or ground mounted system,  the system consists of 10 or less photovoltaic panels and is situated more than 50 feet from the nearest property boundary line.  The committee substitute would also provide that a municipal ordinance regulating the installation on residential property of photovoltaic solar energy systems or small wind energy systems shall not require payment of any fee that exceeds the municipality's processing costs for an application pertaining to the approval, installation, or operation of a system.

Related:

2010:A3125

History:

05/27/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
06/21/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee substitute, 2nd reading in Senate.
06/28/2010 -- Passed in Senate 31-7. Received in Assembly and referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.

Position:

Monitor

Bill:

A2720 Aca (1R)

Sponsors:

Burzichelli (D3); Rumana (R40); Caputo (D28); Quijano (D20); Greenstein (D14) +2

Summary:

This bill establishes a new procedure to allow State agencies to make substantial changes to agency rule-making upon adoption instead of issuing a new notice of proposal.  As used in the bill, "substantial changes" means any changes to a proposed rule that would significantly:  enlarge or curtail who and what will be affected by the proposed rule; change what is being prescribed, proscribed or otherwise mandated by the rule; or enlarge or curtail the scope of the proposed rule and its burden on those affected by it.

Related:

2010:S2014

History:

05/13/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee.
06/17/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly.

Position:

Support

Bill:

S2014

Sponsors:

Oroho (R24)

Summary:

This bill establishes a new procedure to allow State agencies to make substantial changes to agency rule-making upon adoption instead of issuing a new notice of proposal.  As used in the bill, "substantial changes" means any changes to a proposed rule that would significantly:  enlarge or curtail who and what will be affected by the proposed rule; change what is being prescribed, proscribed or otherwise mandated by the rule; or enlarge or curtail the scope of the proposed rule and its burden on those affected by it.

Related:

2010:A2720

History:

06/03/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.

Position:

Support

Bill:

A2721 Aca (1R)

Sponsors:

Burzichelli (D3); Rumana (R40); Quijano (D20); Caputo (D28); Greenstein (D14) +2

Summary:

This bill amends current law concerning State agency rule-making.  This bill, as amended by the committee, would (1) change the chapter expiration dates of rules from five years to 10 years, and (2) establish a new procedure for the readoption of rules without substantive changes.

Related:

2010:S2013

History:

05/13/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee.
06/17/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly.

Position:

Support

Bill:

S2013

Sponsors:

Oroho (R24)

Summary:

This bill amends current law concerning State agency rule-making.  This bill would (1) change the chapter expiration dates of rules from five years to seven years, and (2) establish a new procedure for the readoption of rules without substantive changes.

Related:

2010:A2721

History:

06/03/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.

Position:

Support

Bill:

A2722 Aca (1R)

Sponsors:

Burzichelli (D3); Rumana (R40); Quijano (D20); Caputo (D28) +2

Summary:

As amended by the committee, this bill makes various changes to the process used for the contested case hearings handled by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL), some of which were included in the report of the Red Tape Review Group entitled "Findings & Recommendations," issued April 19, 2010.

History:

05/13/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee.
06/17/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly.

Position:

Support

Bill:

A2851 Sca (1R)

Sponsors:

Burzichelli (D3); Rumana (R40); Quijano (D20); Caputo (D28); DeAngelo (D14); Greenstein (D14) +10

Summary:

This bill eliminates various inactive boards, commissions, committees, councils, and task forces.

Related:

2010:S1997

History:

06/10/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee. Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly.
06/28/2010 -- Passed in Assembly 78-0-0. Received in Senate and referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.
07/19/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate.

Position:

Support

Bill:

S1997 Sca (1R)

Sponsors:

Whelan (D2); Madden (D4) +1

Summary:

This bill eliminates various inactive boards, commissions, committees, councils, and task forces.

Related:

2010:A2851

History:

05/27/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.
07/19/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate.

Position:

Support

Bill:

A2922 Aca (1R)

Sponsors:

Burzichelli (D3); Coughlin (D19)

Summary:

This bill revises the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) (APA) to establish two procedures by which conflicts or inconsistencies between rules of different agencies can be resolved.

History:

06/14/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee.
06/17/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly.

Position:

Support

Bill:

A3124

Sponsors:

Quijano (D20)

Summary:

This bill would increase the limitation on liability pursuant to the "Spill Compensation and Control Act" for the owner or operator of a major facility from $50 million to $1 billion.

Related:

2010:S2108

History:

07/01/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.

Position:

Oppose

Bill:

S2108 Sca (1R)

Sponsors:

Smith, B. (D17); Bateman (R16)

Summary:

This bill would increase the limitation on liability pursuant to the "Spill Compensation and Control Act" for the owner or operator of a major facility from $50 million to $1 billion.

Related:

2010:A3124

History:

06/24/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
07/19/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate.

Position:

Oppose

Bill:

A2807 Aca (1R)

Sponsors:

Conaway (D7); Conners (D7)

Summary:

As amended by this committee, this bill extends for a five-year period, and reestablishes the collection of revenue for, the Medical Malpractice Liability Insurance Premium Assistance Fund, which was established pursuant to section 27 of P.L.2004, c.17 (C.17:30D-29), and which expired three years after the effective date of that law.

Related:

2010:S949; 2008:S1939

History:

06/10/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee.
06/17/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly.

Position:

Oppose

Bill:

S949

Sponsors:

Vitale (D19); Lesniak (D20)

Summary:

This bill extends the Medical Malpractice Liability Insurance Premium Assistance Fund for five years and reestablishes the collection of annual surcharges for the fund for the five-year period. 

Related:

2010:A2807; 2008:S1939

History:

02/04/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Commerce Committee.

Position:

Oppose

Bill:

A1700 AcaAaAaAa (4R)

Sponsors:

Burzichelli (D3); Milam (D1); DeAngelo (D14); Moriarty (D4); Vandervalk (R39) +8

Summary:

This bill establishes the "New Jersey Fair Debt Collection Practices Act."  Generally, the bill eliminates abusive practices in the collection of consumer debts, promotes fair debt collection, and provides consumers with an avenue for disputing and obtaining validation of debt information in order to ensure that information’s accuracy.  The legislation is duplicative of federal requirements.

Related:

2010:S250; 2008:A2493; 2008:S1988

History:

01/12/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs.
03/04/2010 -- Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly.
03/15/2010 -- Amended on Assembly floor, 2nd reading in Assembly (Burzichelli).
05/20/2010 -- Amended on Assembly floor, 2nd reading in Assembly (Burzichelli).
06/21/2010 -- Amended on Assembly floor, 2nd reading in Assembly (Riley).
06/28/2010 -- Passed in Assembly 55-22-0. Received in Senate and referred to Senate Commerce Committee.

Position:

Seek Amendments

Bill:

S250

Sponsors:

Van Drew (D1)

Summary:

This bill establishes the "New Jersey Fair Debt Collection Practices Act."  Generally, the bill eliminates abusive practices in the collection of consumer debts, promotes fair debt collection and provides consumers with an avenue for disputing and obtaining validation of debt information in order to ensure that information's accuracy. The bill creates guidelines under which debt collectors may conduct business, defines rights of consumers involved with debt collectors, and prescribes penalties and remedies for violations of the bill. The bill is duplicative of federal requirements.

Related:

2010:A1700; 2008:A2493; 2008:S1988

History:

01/12/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Commerce Committee.

Position:

Seek Amendments

Bill:

A2473

Sponsors:

Schaer (D36); McKeon (D27) +1

Summary:

The bill limits the amount of the appeal bond in civil actions to the total value of the monetary judgment or $50 million, whichever is less.

Related:

2010:S480; 2008:A3091; 2008:S2116

History:

03/08/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee.
06/14/2010 -- Transferred to Assembly Appropriations Committee.
06/17/2010 -- Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly.

Position:

Support

Bill:

S480

Sponsors:

Lesniak (D20); Cardinale (R39)

Summary:

Under current law and the Rules of Court, a defendant who appeals a judgment ordering the payment of a monetary amount to the plaintiff may appeal that judgment and receive a temporary stay of the obligation to pay the monies, conditioned on posting an appeal bond.  The appeal bond, also known as a supersedeas bond, is conditioned for the satisfaction of the judgment in full, together with interest and trial costs.  This bill would limit the total amount of the appeal bond or other forms of security required of all appellants collectively in a civil action to the lesser of:  (1) the total value of the monetary judgment, or (2) $50,000,000, in addition to trial costs.  The bill also provides that it shall not be construed to eliminate the discretion of the court, after notice and hearing and for good cause shown, to reduce the appeal bond to a lower amount.

Related:

2010:A2473; 2008:A3091; 2008:S2116

History:

01/12/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Judiciary Committee.

Position:

Support

Bill:

A178

Sponsors:

Chiusano (R24); McHose (R24); Lampitt (D6) +4

Summary:

This bill establishes the "New Jersey Commission on Government Efficiency and Cost Control" to recommend measures for efficiency and cost reduction in State government operations.

Related:

2010:S339; 2008:A3057; 2008:S1887

History:

01/12/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly State Government Committee.

Position:

Support

Bill:

S339

Sponsors:

Oroho (R24); Sweeney (D3) +2

Summary:

This bill establishes the "New Jersey Commission on Government Efficiency and Cost Control" to recommend measures for efficiency and cost reduction in State government operations.

Related:

2010:A178; 2008:A3057; 2008:S1887

History:

01/12/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.
06/03/2010 -- Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate.
06/21/2010 -- Passed in Senate 38-0. Received in Assembly and referred to Assembly State Government Committee.

Position:

Support

Bill:

S2089

Sponsors:

Pennacchio (R26); Cardinale (R39); Chiusano (R24); Carroll (R25) +1

Summary:

This bill would abolish the Department of the Public Advocate and transfer certain of its functions, powers and duties.

Related:

2010:A2985; 2010:A3012

History:

06/21/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
06/24/2010 -- Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate.
06/28/2010 -- Passed in Senate 21-19. Received in Assembly w/o committee reference, 2nd reading in Assembly. Substituted for A-3012. Passed in Assembly and sent to Governor 41-37-0.
06/29/2010 -- Signed by the Governor P.L.2010, c.34.

Bill:

S29 w/GR (1R)

Sponsors:

Sweeney (D3); McKeon (D27); Barnes (D18); Burzichelli (D3); Wisniewski (D19); Van Drew (D1); Madden (D4); Whelan (D2); O'Toole (R40); Kyrillos (R13); Moriarty (D4)

Summary:

This bill reduces the tax levy cap for school districts, counties, municipalities, fire districts, and solid waste collection districts from the currently permitted 4% annual increase to a 2 % permitted annual increase.  The bill also establishes the tax levy cap as the permanent mechanism for the calculation of the maximum allowable increase in the tax levy for local units and school districts that may occur between budget years.  Under existing law, the 2007 tax levy cap law is scheduled to expire June 30, 2012.

Related:

2010:A3065

History:

06/21/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
06/24/2010 -- Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate.
06/28/2010 -- Motion to amend on Senate floor (Kyrillos). Motion to table bill 22-18 (Buono). Passed in Senate 23-17. Received in Assembly w/o committee reference, 2nd reading in Assembly. Substituted for A-3065. Motion to amend on Assembly floor (DiCicco). Motion to table bill 42-35-0 (Cryan). Passed in Assembly and sent to Governor 44-33-1.
07/08/2010 -- Governor's conditional veto rcvd in Senate, 2nd reading in Senate to concur w/Governor's recommendations 36-3. Emergency resolution 36-3 (Van Drew). Passed in Senate 36-3.
07/12/2010 -- Received in Assembly, 2nd reading in Assembly to concur with Governor's recommendations. Emergency resolution by voice vote (McKeon). Passed in Assembly and sent to Governor 73-4-0.
07/13/2010 -- Signed by the Governor P.L.2010, c.44.

Position:

Support

Bill:

A10

Sponsors:

Oliver (D34); Cryan (D20) +4

Summary:

The bill provides a temporary adjustment to the rate of the gross income tax for taxpayers with taxable incomes exceeding $1,000,000 in taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2010 but before January 1, 2011 (the "taxable year 2010").  The bill provides for adjusted income taxation at the following bracket at the following rate: over $1,000,000 is adjusted from 8.97% to 10.75%.

Related:

2010:S10

History:

05/13/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee. Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly.
05/20/2010 -- Passed in Assembly 46-32-0. Received in Senate w/o committee reference, 2nd reading in Senate. Motion to amend on Senate floor (Beck). Motion to table bill 24-14 (Buono). Substituted for S-10. Passed in Senate and sent to Governor 23-17.
06/10/2010 -- Governor's veto received in the Assembly.

Position:

Oppose

Bill:

A1559

Sponsors:

Lampitt (D6); Coutinho (D29); Evans (D35); Riley (D3); Quijano (D20); Coughlin (D19) +4

Summary:

This bill broadens the class of businesses that are excluded from the sales tax rebate procedure established under the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) sales tax rebate program by allowing certain zone-located qualified businesses to make certain tax exempt business purchases at the point of sale.

Related:

2010:S2132; 2008:A4020

History:

01/12/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development.
06/10/2010 -- Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly.
06/21/2010 -- Passed in Assembly 69-10-1. Received in Senate and referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee.
06/30/2010 -- Sales and Use Tax Review Commission reviewed and recommended to not enact.

Position:

Support

Bill:

S2132

Sponsors:

Van Drew (D1); Whelan (D2)

Summary:

This bill broadens the class of businesses that are excluded from the sales tax rebate procedure established in connection with the sales and use tax exemption for sales of certain goods and services to certain Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) qualified businesses by allowing zone-located qualified businesses to make certain tax exempt business purchases at the point of sale. 

Related:

2010:A1559; 2008:A4020

History:

06/24/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee.

Position:

Support

Bill:

S3000

Sponsors:

Bucco (R25); O'Toole (R40); Malone (R30); O'Scanlon (R12) +5

Summary:

This bill appropriates $28,364,442,000 in State funds and $13,204,231,842 in federal funds for the State budget for Fiscal Year 2011.  In accordance with the provisions of Article VIII, Section II, par. 2, New Jersey Constitution, the Fiscal Year 2011 appropriations bill identifies anticipated resources sufficient to meet projected appropriations.

Related:

2010:A3000

History:

06/21/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
06/24/2010 -- Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate.
06/28/2010 -- Passed in Senate 21-19. Received in Assembly w/o committee reference, 2nd reading in Assembly. Substituted for A-3000. Motion to amend on Assembly floor (McHose). Motion to table bill 44-33-0 (Cryan). Passed in Assembly and sent to Governor 41-37-0.
06/29/2010 -- Signed by the Governor P.L.2010, c.35.

Position:

Support

Bill:

A3002

Sponsors:

O'Scanlon (R12); Handlin (R13) +1

Summary:

The bill modifies the State’s unclaimed property laws to adjust the time periods for presumptions of abandonment, limit issuer imposed dormancy fees, and provide for related administration of certain unclaimed property.  The primary purposes of this measure are to protect New Jersey consumers from certain commercial dormancy fee practices and modernize the State’s unclaimed property laws.

Related:

2010:S2112

History:

06/24/2010 -- Introduced and referred to Assembly Budget Committee. Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly.
06/28/2010 -- Passed in Assembly 41-37-0. Received in Senate w/o committee reference, 2nd reading in Senate. Substituted for S-2112 (1R). Passed in Senate and sent to Governor 21-18.
06/29/2010 -- Signed by the Governor P.L.2010, c.25.

Position:

Monitor