Asm. Margie Donlon

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1,000,000 to the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute to study pediatric mental health care access for children. It requires the Institute to form a stakeholder group (including providers, administrators, and experts from all regions) to map the family journey in accessing care, identify barriers, eligibility rules, funding structures, and disparities by race/ethnicity. Within 13 months, the group must produce two reports: a visual map of the care access process and a summary of system issues with policy recommendations. The Department of Children and Families will then submit these reports to the Governor and Legislature within 15 months of enactment, making them publicly available online.

Maddy summaryAJR 60 is a joint resolution declaring New Jersey a "Purple Heart State" to honor veterans and active duty military members from the state who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal. The Purple Heart is a military decoration given to service members wounded or killed in action while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This resolution joins three existing "Purple Heart States" (West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington) and takes effect immediately, recognizing New Jersey's existing connections to the "Purple Heart Trail" - a network of roads, bridges, and monuments honoring recipients. It serves as a symbolic tribute without creating new programs, funding, or legal obligations.

Maddy summaryAJR 25 designates the first full week of May each year as "Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by military veterans with physical or mental injuries sustained in service, including those with combat-related stress, PTSD, or traumatic brain injuries. It requests the governor issue a proclamation encouraging New Jersey residents and officials to observe the week with activities honoring wounded warriors. The bill does not create new programs, allocate funding, or impose obligations on state agencies - it is purely a ceremonial designation.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 165) urges the U.S. federal government to create legislation providing proportional property tax relief for veterans with service-connected permanent disabilities. It proposes that veterans receive tax relief based on their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating (e.g., 30% disability would yield 30% tax relief), limited to their primary residence and veterans earning under $200,000 annually. The resolution highlights that New Jersey currently offers full property tax exemptions for veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities, but this federal standard would extend similar proportional benefits to veterans nationwide. It does not create new state law but calls for federal action to ensure consistent support for veterans across all states.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows restaurants and licensed alcohol beverage retailers and manufacturers to expand their operations into designated outdoor spaces adjacent to their business locations, including public sidewalks. Businesses must apply for a "premises expansion permit" with their municipal zoning officer and the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, providing detailed plans for outdoor space design, sanitation, and safety measures. Municipalities can set reasonable operating hour limits (generally allowing most hours except late-night on Sundays-Wednesdays and early morning on Thurs-Saturdays), but must follow state requirements for permit renewal. Restaurants without alcohol licenses must renew their outdoor permits annually, while those with alcohol licenses renew with their main business license. The bill specifies that municipal ordinances on sanitation, noise, and other matters still apply unless specifically modified by the municipality.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the uses of New Jersey's 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account. It adds a new provision to fund recruitment and retention costs for first responders (like police, firefighters, and EMTs) directly. Additionally, it requires 5% of annual funds in the account to be allocated to the New Jersey EMS Task Force, a nonprofit organization that supports emergency medical services statewide. The changes ensure these critical emergency response costs are covered through dedicated state funding.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A586 (A586) expands the state's affordable housing voucher program to cover homeownership expenses, such as mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance, instead of only rental assistance. It directly affects low-income households, seniors aged 62+, and veterans who qualify for the state's Rental Assistance Program (SRAP), requiring the Department of Community Affairs to reserve funds for this homeownership option. The bill mandates local housing authorities administering federal Section 8 vouchers to implement this homeownership program, which they currently aren't required to do. This change takes effect six months after enactment to allow time for implementation. The policy shift aims to help eligible residents transition from renting to homeownership using state-funded vouchers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create a program that identifies and recruits unemployed individuals for jobs in healthcare facilities, home care services, and hospice care. It mandates that DOLWD evaluate whether training is practical for a specific role, considers job proximity and transportation options relative to an individual's home, and identifies barriers to immediate employment. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the state general fund to support training programs and resources for eligible individuals, leveraging existing DOLWD initiatives. It directly affects unemployed residents seeking healthcare sector employment and aims to streamline their transition into these roles through targeted recruitment and support.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts volunteer firefighters and members of emergency response squads from New Jersey's unemployment compensation law. It excludes stipends (including clothing allowances) they receive from gross income calculations for tax purposes. Volunteer first responders who receive these stipends will not be subject to unemployment insurance taxes or counted toward temporary disability benefits contributions. The legislation aims to support municipalities in recruiting and retaining volunteer emergency personnel by making stipends tax-exempt, addressing staffing challenges in emergency services.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution designates the first Sunday in May each year as "National Centenarian Day" in New Jersey to honor residents who have reached age 100. It does not create new laws or requirements; instead, it requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance through community activities. The resolution focuses on celebrating centenarians' longevity, wisdom, and life experiences, with no direct impact on policy, funding, or specific groups beyond recognizing this demographic. It is purely ceremonial, aligning with similar observances in other jurisdictions.