Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts volunteer fire companies in New Jersey from paying charitable registration fees. Currently, these organizations must pay fees based on fundraising amounts if they exceed $25,000 annually, but the bill would remove this requirement entirely for all qualifying fire companies. The exemption applies to fire companies organized under state law and actively engaged in protecting life and property. Approximately 750 fire companies, which collectively pay about $52,000 in fees each year, would benefit from this change.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's EMT Training Fund to reimburse costs for emergency medical technician (EMT) training provided to volunteer firefighters, in addition to the existing coverage for volunteer ambulance, first aid, and rescue squad members. It establishes a priority order for reimbursement, starting with EMT-A certification and recertification, followed by EMT-D, EMT-B, and epinephrine auto-injector training. The law also prohibits training providers from charging fees to eligible volunteer members of these groups. These changes ensure consistent funding for EMT training across volunteer emergency response organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1781) requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to study how artificial intelligence (AI) affects the state's economy, specifically focusing on high-skilled professions like doctors, lawyers, and data analysts. The Commissioner must consult with the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology and submit a report within one year detailing AI's predicted impact on labor markets, affected industries, education needs, emerging jobs, and economic productivity. The report will inform future policy decisions but does not create new laws or directly change current regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to appropriate at least $10 million annually from the state General Fund for Public Health Priority Funding, starting July 1 after enactment. It directly affects local health departments by restoring a dedicated, unrestricted funding source they lost in 2010 (when the program was eliminated). The funding would allow these departments to cover core operational costs and address local health needs, rather than relying solely on restricted federal/state funds for specific services like vaccines. This reinstates a program originally established in 1977 that previously provided about 15% of local health department funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $10 million grant program to support volunteer fire companies in New Jersey by funding operational costs and sustainability efforts. The program, administered by the Division of Fire Safety, provides grants for emergency equipment like protective gear, tools, maintenance, and training (but not new vehicles or buildings). Volunteer fire companies must apply with specific details on equipment needs and how funds will improve operations, and they must report on fund usage and impact within a year. The Division will publish annual reports on program outcomes, including grant recipients, equipment purchased, and recommendations for future funding.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act creates comprehensive protections for military members serving on active duty and their dependents. Key provisions include automatic stays of civil proceedings during service, a 6% interest rate cap on pre-service debts, protection against evictions and lease terminations, and employment protections upon return from service. The act also includes specific safeguards for insurance coverage, limits enforcement of judgments during service, and allows servicemembers to seek relief from financial obligations affected by military service. This legislation repeals the previous New Jersey Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1979 and aligns state protections with federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated "Subaccount for School Funding Protection" within New Jersey's Property Tax Relief Fund. It requires the State Treasurer to deposit annually, by December 31, at least 50% of any excess revenue collected in the Property Tax Relief Fund above the Governor's certified estimate. The subaccount can only be accessed to protect school funding during economic emergencies or if Property Tax Relief Fund revenues fall short of projections, preventing cuts to school aid. It cannot be used for general state spending unless specific conditions are met, such as a projected revenue decline exceeding 2% or a declared emergency affecting schools. This directly safeguards public school funding during economic downturns.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a non-refundable New Jersey gross income tax credit for eligible homeschooling expenses incurred by parents or guardians. Taxpayers with gross income under $260,000 can claim up to $2,500 per child or dependent for qualified expenses (like textbooks, educational software, school supplies, and internet fees), with a total annual cap of $7,500. An additional $1,000 credit is available per child with special needs, raising the total annual cap to $10,500. The credit applies to expenses for children or dependents and includes specific provisions for married couples filing separately.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey, allowing them to practice to the full extent of their training without requiring physician supervision or joint protocols. APNs with more than 24 months or 2,400 hours of experience can practice independently, while those with less experience must maintain a joint protocol with a physician for prescribing medications. The bill updates requirements for prescribing medications (including pharmacology continuing education), authorizing medical cannabis, and practicing anesthesia, and repeals sections of law requiring physician collaboration. These changes aim to improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas, by expanding the scope of practice for APNs who are already trained to provide primary and specialty care. The bill also modifies documentation requirements so that APNs can use their own signatures instead of requiring physician endorsements.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1575 requires the Division of Developmental Disabilities to create guidelines for placing individuals with developmental disabilities in two types of group homes: Level 1 (for those with minimal behavioral challenges) and Level 2 (for those needing more intensive care due to persistent risks of harm to self or others). The guidelines must determine placements based on clinical needs, behavior patterns, and safety risks, and specify criteria for transferring between levels, including requiring Level 2 homes to provide services supporting reintegration into less restrictive settings. Transfers to Level 1 must demonstrate 18 months of stable behavior, meeting specific goals, and having support systems in place, while Level 2 placements require documented need for higher-intensity care. These guidelines will directly affect group home residents, operators, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities.