Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for stealing catalytic converters by automatically raising the theft offense one criminal grade. Under current New Jersey law, theft penalties depend on factors like property value, but this bill specifies that any catalytic converter stolen will be treated as a more serious crime - such as elevating a fourth-degree theft (for property valued between $200-$500) to a third-degree offense. The change applies directly to anyone who steals a catalytic converter, regardless of the item's value or other circumstances. This policy adjustment aims to deter thefts of these vehicle parts, which often contain valuable metals targeted by thieves.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking to investigate how traffickers use online gaming and social media platforms to target victims, develop prevention strategies, and recommend legislative solutions. The 15-member commission, already tasked with evaluating human trafficking laws and victim services, must now specifically study online platform exploitation as part of its annual duties. The commission will report its findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature each year. This bill does not create new laws but directs the commission to focus on preventing trafficking through digital platforms.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 3788 establishes a sexual assault prevention and response program within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, featuring an independent coordinator who operates outside the military chain of command. The program allows service members (including National Guard members) to file confidential complaints about sexual assault regardless of when the incident occurred - on or off duty - and provides victim advocacy, referrals to prosecutors, and assistance obtaining protective orders. Annual reports to the legislature will track assault statistics, investigation outcomes, and program effectiveness, with data limited to aggregated statistics to protect victim privacy. This applies to current and former service members, covering incidents involving New Jersey National Guard personnel.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurers, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), and the State Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP) to cover specific mammogram screenings. It mandates one baseline mammogram for women aged 35 and annual screenings for women 35 and older, while also requiring coverage for women under 35 with breast cancer risk factors (like family history) as determined by their provider. Additional tests like ultrasounds or MRIs are covered if needed due to dense breast tissue, abnormal results, or other risk factors. The law applies to all health insurance plans in New Jersey, ensuring these screenings are covered without additional out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have required New Jersey public school districts to teach cursive handwriting to students in kindergarten through fifth grade, with a specific goal for students to read and write cursive legibly by the end of third grade. It mandated that school curricula include activities and materials to develop these skills, citing potential cognitive and literacy benefits. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but was withdrawn the same day after being approved as part of a prior law (P.L.2025, c.284), meaning it never became law. It directly affected all public elementary schools and their curriculum planning. The bill's provisions would have taken effect for the first full school year following enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill standardizes pension benefits for New Jersey teachers by moving all current non-retired members of the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) into a single benefit tier (previously called "Tier 1"), granting them the same retirement benefits as members who joined before July 1, 2007. It requires public employers to enroll teachers earning above minimum salary but not meeting work-hour requirements into TAPF within 60 days of enactment. Teachers in the separate Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) can automatically transfer their service credit to TAPF for retirement eligibility (but not pension amount calculations), with contributions staying in DCRP; they may opt out within six months of notification. The bill also allows TAPF members with long-term disability insurance to apply for disability retirement within two years of enactment.

Maddy summaryBill A 395 requires the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) to conduct criminal history checks on all prospective and current officials (e.g., referees, umpires) for school athletic events it sanctions. Officials must submit their fingerprints and pay for the check, which will be processed by the State Bureau of Identification and cross-referenced with the FBI. Those convicted of specific crimes listed in C.18A:6-7.1 are disqualified from officiating, and officials with pending charges must be reported to NJSIAA. The requirement applies immediately to new officials and within 60 days to current officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 17-member commission to study the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 students in New Jersey. The commission will assess existing mental health resources in schools, identify which student groups and school districts were most affected, and evaluate how pandemic disruptions impacted available services. It must produce a final report within one year, including recommendations for improving access to mental health programs and staffing needs. The commission includes state agency leaders, school representatives, mental health professionals, and appointed public members with relevant expertise. The report will be submitted to the Governor, Legislature, and all school districts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May each year as "Skin Cancer Awareness Month" in New Jersey. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the month through activities promoting skin cancer prevention and early detection. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but focuses on raising public awareness about skin cancer risks and protective measures like sun protection and regular skin exams.

Maddy summaryBill A883 establishes a grant program within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to connect disabled veterans with service dogs. The program provides funding to accredited nonprofit organizations (meeting IRS 501(c)(3) requirements) to cover the cost of service dogs and related training for eligible veterans. Key provisions include prohibiting nonprofits from charging veterans for service dogs, requiring DMVA to provide ongoing veterinary insurance for the dogs, and mandating annual reports on program effectiveness. This directly affects disabled veterans (honorably discharged with service-connected disabilities) and qualifying nonprofits that train and provide service dogs.