Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits prosecutors from offering negotiated plea agreements that reduce prison time or fines for burglary convictions when a firearm was involved. It directly affects defendants charged with burglary who used a firearm during the crime, requiring them to face the full second-degree penalty rather than a reduced sentence through plea bargaining. The law amends New Jersey's burglary statute to specify that such plea agreements are ineligible if the defendant was "armed with or displays what appears to be explosives or a deadly weapon" during the offense. The bill defines "firearm" broadly to include handguns, rifles, shotguns, and certain air guns, but does not change the underlying burglary charges or penalties.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill creates a state tax credit of up to $2,500 annually for residents who provide care to a qualifying relative (a relative aged 65 or older, or 50 or older with a disability meeting income limits) or to any individual with a disability. The credit covers expenses like medical equipment, home modifications, in-home care services, and transportation for medical care. Caregivers must submit documentation including receipts, proof of payment, and verification of care to claim the credit. Any unused credit amount that reduces tax liability to zero is refunded as an overpayment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey shore municipalities to offer free or reduced beach access fees to the spouse and dependent children (over age 12) of veterans who were honorably discharged after at least 90 days of active duty or due to a service-connected injury/disability. It amends existing law, which already permits fee waivers for active military personnel, National Guard members, seniors, and others, by adding veterans to the eligible group. Municipalities are not required to adopt this policy but may choose to do so via local ordinance. Veterans can verify eligibility using standard documents like a DD-214 form or state veteran ID.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1389) upgrades assaults against youth sports officials to aggravated assault under New Jersey law. It directly affects anyone who assaults referees, umpires, coaches, athletic trainers, or similar officials at school- or community-sponsored youth sports events, provided the official was clearly identifiable in their role (e.g., wearing a uniform). The key mechanism adds "sports official" to the list of protected individuals under aggravated assault, meaning such assaults will now carry higher penalties than simple assault. The bill applies only to youth sports events and requires the official to be visibly identifiable during the incident.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's domestic violence restraining order procedures to strengthen protections for victims. It requires courts to hold hearings within 10 days, apply a standard where the victim must show abuse is more likely than not, and consider factors like past abuse and immediate safety risks. The bill mandates that restraining orders prohibit defendants from possessing firearms and require immediate surrender of weapons, while also allowing courts to order monetary compensation for victims' losses - including counseling costs, property damage, and other expenses. These changes directly affect victims and defendants in domestic violence cases by clarifying court procedures and enhancing safety measures.

Maddy summaryBill A 860 temporarily lowers New Jersey's corporate tax rate from 9% to 7.5% for five tax years (starting in 2027) and repeals the separate 2.5% corporation business surtax. It directly affects most corporations and partnerships with annual net income under $100,000, reducing their tax burden by eliminating the surtax and lowering the base rate. The bill applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2027, through 2031, and is pending before the Assembly Commerce Committee. This is a concrete tax rate change, not a procedural measure, affecting business tax obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special "Support Our Veterans" license plate in New Jersey, available to vehicle owners who pay a $50 application fee plus a $10 annual fee. The collected fees fund a dedicated "Support Our Veterans License Plate Fund," which annually supports the Veterans Haven Council's services for homeless veterans housed at Veterans Haven facilities. The fund, managed within the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, covers costs for veterans' housing and support programs. The plate design will be chosen with input from the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, and initial costs are offset by donations from the Veterans Haven Council and other donors, not public funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates an additional $500,000 from the General Fund to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce (NJSVCC). The funds must be used to support the NJSVCC's programs focused on veteran economic development, outreach, and skills training. The NJSVCC is a nonprofit organization that assists veteran-owned businesses, military spouses, and veterans through advocacy, networking, and job creation initiatives. This supplemental appropriation continues the state's annual funding for the NJSVCC, which previously received $500,000 in FY 2023. The bill directly supports veterans and veteran-owned businesses by enhancing their access to economic opportunities and workforce development resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to offer taxpayers and permit applicants the option to receive property tax bills, construction permits, and payment receipts via email, rather than by mail. Municipalities must adopt a local ordinance to implement this option but cannot require residents to use email - paper copies must remain available at no extra cost. It specifically covers property tax notices under state law, construction permits issued under the State Uniform Construction Code, and receipts for municipal fees. The bill ensures no one is forced to use electronic delivery and maintains the current paper-based system as the default.

Maddy summaryAJR 16 designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize service dogs' role in assisting veterans with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to promote public awareness, highlighting that service dog training costs $3,000-$5,000 (not covered by veterans' benefits) and relies on nonprofit organizations like Paws Healing Heroes. This ceremonial resolution does not create new funding or legal requirements but aims to honor the support service dogs provide to veterans.