Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades motor vehicle theft to a first-degree crime if, during the theft, the vehicle is operated in a way that creates a risk of injury to people or damage to property. It directly affects individuals who steal vehicles and drive recklessly while doing so, such as through high-speed chases or dangerous maneuvers. The key provision increases penalties to up to 20 years in prison or a $200,000 fine for this specific reckless conduct. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (AR 65) condemns Rutgers University for accepting eight of ten demands made by student protesters who established an encampment on campus in April 2024. The bill claims Rutgers' acceptance of demands - including divesting from companies supporting Israel, ending partnerships with Tel Aviv University, and requiring a "genocide" statement - created a hostile environment for Jewish students through "anti-Semitic rhetoric" and "glorification of violence." The resolution, which has no binding effect, directs the legislature to formally condemn the university and send copies to its leadership. It specifically cites Rutgers' decision to grant "full amnesty" for protesters as evidence of failing to protect Jewish students.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a minimum daily reimbursement rate of $950 for pediatric skilled care nursing facilities (SCNFs) participating in New Jersey's Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare programs. It directly affects four facilities providing specialized long-term care to medically fragile children and youth up to age 21: the Pediatric Long Term Care Center (Mountainside/Toms River), Phoenix Center (Haskell), and Voorhees Pediatric Facility. Facilities must comply with state/federal licensure, safety, and quality standards to qualify for this rate. The bill appropriates necessary funds from the General Fund to cover this reimbursement increase.

Maddy summaryThis proposed New Jersey bill (A 3228) requires websites, social media platforms, and other online entities to verify the age of users attempting to access content deemed "harmful to minors" before allowing access. It mandates reasonable age verification methods (like digital ID checks) and prohibits minors from accessing such content unless it's determined suitable for them under state standards. The law specifically targets material meeting strict criteria, such as content depicting sexual acts or lacking artistic value for young people. Currently pending in the Assembly Science Committee, it would apply to all online services operating in New Jersey, not just social media.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-3022) requires all public meetings of New Jersey's State Board of Education to be accessible both in person and virtually. It mandates that the Board post a virtual meeting link on its website and allows the public to submit comments remotely during designated comment periods. The law applies directly to the State Board of Education and the public seeking to participate in meetings. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds postpartum depression services to New Jersey's statewide behavioral health crisis system. It requires the Commissioner of Human Services to contract with 24/7 crisis hotline centers that handle 9-8-8 calls, specifically including postpartum depression support, and coordinate mobile crisis teams for in-person help. The centers must meet national standards, provide culturally competent care, and refer callers with children to family services. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents experiencing postpartum depression who previously lacked dedicated crisis pathways within the behavioral health system.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 810) requires individuals convicted of sex offenses to report name changes to the state sex offender registry. Specifically, it amends name change procedures so that courts must notify the sex offender registry when someone with a sex offense conviction (as defined in NJ law) applies for a new name. The bill mandates that applicants disclose any sex offense conviction in their affidavit, and courts must forward the name change judgment to both the State Bureau of Identification and the sex offender registry. This affects only people convicted of sex offenses who seek to legally change their names, ensuring registry updates occur automatically.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (AR 42) is a non-binding request from New Jersey's legislature urging the U.S. President and Congress to pass two specific bills addressing drone misuse. It specifically calls for enacting "The Drone Act of 2023" (S157), which would create federal criminal penalties for dangerous drone activities, and "The SHIELD U Act" (S896), which would expand law enforcement's authority to counter drone threats. The resolution cites recent drone sightings over sensitive locations in New Jersey (including military sites and a presidential residence) and similar incidents at U.S. military bases in England as justification. It does not create new law but formally requests federal action on these proposed measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school buses transporting students with special needs to install three safety features: interior video cameras to monitor student safety, real-time GPS tracking for location and speed, and two-way communication equipment. It specifies that video footage and GPS data collected under this law are not considered government records, and the State Board of Education must create rules for equipment installation, data use, and video retention periods. The law directly affects school bus operators and students with special needs, aiming to enhance safety and communication during transportation. It also mandates that drivers follow existing laws prohibiting phone use while driving. The bill takes effect six months after enactment, with administrative actions allowed in advance for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires companies, corporations, or testing facilities in New Jersey that use cats, dogs, or ferrets for product testing or research to assess these animals for adoption after testing ends and offer them to animal rescue organizations or private individuals if suitable. It mandates reporting details like animal numbers, assessment results, and adoption outcomes to the Department of Health, and establishes a database for rescue organizations. Facilities failing to comply face civil penalties of $10,000 for a first offense and $50,000 for a second, with potential testing bans for repeated violations. The law directly affects testing facilities and research institutions using these animals, aiming to increase adoption opportunities while creating clear reporting and enforcement mechanisms.