Asm. Margie Donlon

Maddy summaryThis bill adds $10 million in supplemental funding to New Jersey's FY2025 budget specifically for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Grant Program under the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. It directly provides state and local law enforcement agencies with grant money to purchase equipment or training needed to address unexplained drone sightings and ensure compliance with UAS regulations. The key provision is the allocation of $10 million to support local officials in safeguarding critical infrastructure against potential threats from unidentifiable drones. This is a funding mechanism, not a new regulation, focused on operational readiness for existing drone-related safety concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of certain retired police and firefighters in New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It applies specifically to members who have been retired and receiving benefits for at least 10 years, excluding those hired after the bill's effective date, those in deferred retirement, and those with 20-24 years of service. The COLAs are tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners, with benefits up to $75,000 receiving full adjustment, while higher benefits are capped at a 1% annual increase. The $75,000 threshold will adjust annually based on inflation, and the bill requires the Legislature to appropriate funds to cover both state and local costs for these adjustments.

Maddy summaryAJR 209 is a commemorative resolution designating June 1 of each year as "Robert 'Bob' Popovics Day" in New Jersey. It honors Robert Popovics, a Seaside Park resident who served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, operated Shady Rest restaurant in Bayville, and founded the fly-tying company Pop Fleyes. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation recognizing this day to celebrate his community contributions and legacy. This is a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) to provide current non-retired members and those applying for retirement after the bill's effective date with the same benefits as members enrolled before July 1, 2007. It eliminates tiered membership by moving all current TPAF members to Tier 1, requires public employers to enroll eligible employees (earning above minimum salary but not meeting hour requirements) in TPAF, and allows Defined Contribution Retirement Program participants to transfer service credit to TPAF without transferring contributions. Participants in the Defined Contribution Retirement Program have six months to opt out of the transfer after receiving notice. These changes apply only to retirement applications processed after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill reschedules New Jersey's June 2025 primary election from June 3 to June 10, 2025, to accommodate a religious observance. It adjusts most election-related deadlines to align with the new June 10 date, but keeps specific deadlines - such as those for nominating petitions, ballot position drawing, and mailing vote-by-mail ballots - tied to the original June 3 date. The Secretary of State must notify county clerks, election boards, and the public within seven days of the bill's effective date and publish a revised election calendar. This change directly affects all voters, candidates, and election officials participating in New Jersey's 2025 primary election cycle.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's requirement that public bodies (like municipalities and school districts) may use newspapers for official public notices and legal advertisements - such as meeting schedules, bid solicitations, or ordinance publications - through March 1, 2025. It allows newspapers to be used regardless of format (print or digital) during this period, without charging extra fees for viewing digital notices or exceeding existing publication rates. The law ensures continuity for public notice requirements that previously had a deadline, covering both physical and electronic newspaper formats. It applies specifically to notices required under state law for public transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's existing telemedicine pay parity law, requiring health insurance plans to pay providers the same rate for telehealth services as in-person visits for covered services. It applies to all health benefits plans in New Jersey (including Medicaid and private insurers) and affects providers delivering telehealth care. The extension, now ending December 31, 2025 (previously 2024), maintains the requirement that telehealth reimbursement equals in-person rates for covered services, excluding audio-only visits (which receive 50% of in-person rates) and behavioral health services (which receive full in-person rates). This is a procedural extension of an existing policy, not a new mandate.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A908) requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create a statewide Internet-based tracking system for rape kits (sexual assault forensic evidence kits). It directly affects victims of sexual assault, healthcare facilities that collect kits, law enforcement agencies, and laboratories that process them. The system must track kits through every step - from collection at a hospital to final disposition - allowing authorized users to monitor the chain of custody. The Attorney General must issue guidelines to implement the system, which takes effect seven months after enactment. The bill focuses on improving transparency and accountability in handling rape kits, not on changing legal standards for sexual assault cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $18.5 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to fund historic preservation projects in New Jersey. It allocates $15 million for restoration and preservation work on 43 specific historic sites (like the Atlantic City Fire Station and USS New Jersey), $1.47 million for site management projects (including heritage tourism planning), and $100,000 for historic preservation easements. All projects must be listed or eligible for state/national historic registers and require recipient matching funds. Additionally, $1.92 million covers administrative costs for the New Jersey Historic Trust under the Preserve New Jersey Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) to consult with the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) when a court finds that a person who abused or neglected a child has a developmental disability and qualifies for DDD services. It mandates DCPP to work with DDD to create a tailored services plan for that individual, considering their disability. DDD must then determine the most appropriate service methods based on the person's specific disability needs. The policy change applies directly to adults with developmental disabilities involved in child abuse/neglect cases who are eligible for DDD support, ensuring their treatment aligns with disability-specific care standards.