Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryACR 107 is a non-binding resolution urging the New Jersey Department of Education to pause the development and implementation of new Student Learning Standards for two years. It directly affects the Department of Education and State Board of Education by requesting a temporary halt to creating new standards, while pending legislative bills about curriculum and learning loss are reviewed. The resolution cites parent concerns about current standards, pandemic-related learning loss, and declining U.S. education rankings as reasons for the pause. It does not change existing standards but asks for a two-year moratorium to allow the Legislature to address related issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program to expand career and technical education (CTE) programs for high school students in New Jersey, funded by a $5 million appropriation from the General Fund. It directs the Commissioner of Education to award grants to school districts for developing CTE programs, acquiring equipment/facilities, and providing instructor training. Five districts per region (south, central, north) will be selected to participate, with a requirement for geographic diversity (urban, suburban, rural). Participating districts must submit annual impact reports, and the Commissioner will report program results to the Governor and Legislature each year.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 405) upgrades New Jersey's auto theft penalties when the theft occurs during a home invasion or residential burglary. Specifically, auto theft would become a second-degree crime if connected to residential burglary (currently a third-degree crime) and a first-degree crime if tied to home invasion burglary (which involves weapons or injury). The bill also ensures that auto theft convictions won’t merge with separate burglary convictions for sentencing. This change would increase potential penalties, with first-degree theft carrying up to 20 years in prison versus the current maximum of 5 years for third-degree theft.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for failing to report suspected abuse or exploitation of elderly people in care facilities. It raises fines for required reporters (like healthcare workers, social workers, and facility staff) from $500 to $1,500 per violation, and for the employing facility from $2,500 to $5,000 per violation. The law requires immediate reporting (within 2 hours) for serious injury cases or within 24 hours for other suspected abuse, with immunity provided for good-faith reports. The policy directly affects professionals working in nursing homes and similar facilities who have a duty to report. The changes take effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1166) requires the New Jersey State Police Superintendent to create a recovery leave policy for troopers who provide proof of pregnancy. It mandates at least eight weeks of continuous paid leave after childbirth, with full pay and benefits (not counted as sick leave or deducted from sick leave balances), and prohibits residency restrictions or integrity checks during this period. The policy must be posted on the State Police intranet, including required forms, FAQs, and contact information for inquiries. The bill was enacted into law (P.L.2025, c.259) and took effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey health insurers to cover specific breast cancer detection services for all women with health insurance in the state. It mandates coverage for a baseline mammogram starting at age 18 (previously 40), annual mammograms for women 18 and older, and additional imaging like ultrasounds or MRIs when medically necessary due to dense breast tissue, abnormal results, family history, genetic factors, or other risk indicators. The coverage applies to all group and individual health insurance contracts and must be provided at the same level as other medical benefits. The bill updates existing law to expand access to early detection screenings based on current medical guidelines.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Caregiver's Assistance Act creates a tax credit for residents who pay for care of elderly relatives. Caregivers with income under $100,000 (or $50,000 for certain filers) can get 22.5% back on up to $3,000 annually in qualified care costs. Eligible expenses include home health services, adult day care, home modifications, and personal care assistance for qualifying seniors aged 60+ (or 50+ with disability) who meet income requirements. The credit does not apply to costs covered by insurance or government programs, and it's in addition to existing dependent deductions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey parents and guardians to deduct up to $1,200 from their taxable income for eligible school supply purchases made for students in public or private K-12 schools or higher education institutions. It specifically covers common items like notebooks, pencils, folders, calculators, paper, and other standard classroom materials. The deduction applies to purchases made during the taxable year and takes effect for years beginning after the bill's enactment date. This creates a direct tax benefit for families covering recurring school-related expenses.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges New Jersey's state and federal agencies to pause sonar testing and wind turbine mapping near offshore wind projects. It cites NOAA data showing 12 whale deaths (including 8 humpbacks) and 5 dolphin deaths in February 2023 off New Jersey's coast - deaths occurring near active wind development sites. The resolution requests an immediate moratorium to allow scientific study of whether these activities interfere with marine mammals' navigation and communication. It specifically targets the Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The resolution does not create new law but calls for a pause while investigations continue.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to provide onboard Wi-Fi service on all passenger trains it owns or operates within six months of the law taking effect. It directly affects NJT as the implementing entity and all passengers traveling on NJT rail services. The key provision mandates that every rail passenger vehicle must have Wi-Fi, expanding beyond NJT’s current station-based Wi-Fi hotspots. The law takes effect immediately upon approval.