Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 547) requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify reservoirs with a history of causing downstream flooding and study their capacity and water needs. The DEP must then set maximum water levels for these reservoirs to balance flood prevention with water supply, and require owners to create approved flood action plans - including flood gates - for reservoirs linked to past flooding. The Office of Emergency Management can order reservoir levels lowered during severe weather to prevent flooding, after consulting with the DEP. Reservoir owners who follow approved plans and comply with emergency orders are protected from related lawsuits. The bill directly affects DEP, reservoir owners, and communities downstream of affected reservoirs.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that veterans seeking civil service preference in New Jersey must submit proof of their veteran status to the state veterans agency no later than eight days before an employment list is issued. It specifies that veterans must provide documented evidence of their service eligibility under either federal or New Jersey's existing definitions. The bill does not change who qualifies as a veteran but adds a procedural requirement for verifying status when applying for state civil service jobs. This affects veterans applying for state government positions who wish to claim preference under current law. The change aims to streamline the verification process for civil service hiring.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides workers' compensation benefits for New Jersey public safety workers (like firefighters, police, and emergency responders) who developed illnesses or injuries from exposure during the September 11, 2001 attacks, if they are enrolled in the federal World Trade Center Health Program. It creates a legal presumption that such conditions are compensable under state law, removing standard time limits for filing claims - requiring claims to be filed within two years of the bill's effective date or when the disability was known, whichever is later. If workers previously received federal or state benefits for 9/11-related conditions, those payments are credited against future state compensation to avoid duplicate payments. The bill also requires state agencies and employers to notify affected workers about these benefits through official channels.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 806) corrects a misstated title: it does **not** require commercial driver license applicants to complete human trafficking training. Instead, it mandates one-time training for specific groups on handling suspected human trafficking: 1) **Hotel/motel staff** (required for license renewals under the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law), 2) **Healthcare facility employees** (required for facility licensing under P.L.1971, c.136), and 3) **Judges/judicial personnel** (to be included in annual training programs). Verifiable training completion becomes a condition for maintaining licenses, permits, or facility approvals. The training must be reviewed every two years and updated as needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a crime to intentionally tamper with cameras or monitoring devices installed on school buses. It specifically prohibits altering, destroying, concealing, removing, or disabling these devices - including the recording media they use. Violating this law would be a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The bill directly affects anyone who interferes with these safety devices, which are used to monitor bus operations and passenger safety. The legislation is currently pending before the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities to create specific guidelines for placing individuals with developmental disabilities in two types of group homes: Level 1 (for minimal challenging behaviors) and Level 2 (for persistent, high-risk behaviors requiring intensive care). It sets clear criteria for placement, including age (21+), residency, and inability to function independently, and mandates that Level 2 placement is required when an individual poses a serious risk of harm to self or others. The guidelines also establish detailed requirements for transitioning individuals from Level 2 to Level 1 group homes, including meeting behavioral goals after 18 months, having support systems in place, and ensuring no ongoing need for Level 2 services. These rules directly affect individuals with developmental disabilities in group home care, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, and group home operators statewide.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (AR 28) passed by the New Jersey Assembly, not a binding law. It urges the federal government to approve construction of oil and natural gas pipelines within the U.S., specifically referencing pipelines that were previously shut down or denied approval (like the Keystone XL Pipeline). The resolution states it seeks to advance U.S. energy independence, lower fuel costs, and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources from regions like Russia and Venezuela. It has no legal effect and does not change any existing pipeline approvals or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $5,000 annual gross income tax deduction for New Jersey taxpayers who pay tolls for commuting by car to work within New Jersey or a neighboring state. It specifically covers toll payments for daily commutes but excludes fines, administrative fees, employer reimbursements, and expenses already deductible under federal or state business rules. The deduction applies in addition to existing tax breaks like the $1,000 personal exemption. It would take effect for taxable years starting after the law's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the State Health Benefits Commission from five to seven members by adding two new positions: a municipal business administrator (appointed by the Governor based on a recommendation from the New Jersey League of Municipalities) and a county administrator (appointed by the Governor based on a recommendation from the New Jersey Association of Counties). The commission oversees health benefits for state employees, including setting rates and program rules. These additions ensure county and municipal governments have direct representation in decisions affecting their employees' health coverage. The change directly affects state employees, local governments, and the administration of New Jersey's state health benefits program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to establish an emergency hotline specifically for veterans living in state-operated veterans memorial homes (including Menlo Park, Vineland, and Paramus locations). It amends existing law (N.J.S.38A:3-6) to mandate this hotline as a direct service for veterans residing in these facilities. The key mechanism is the DMVA's obligation to create and maintain this dedicated emergency contact line. The bill directly affects veterans living in New Jersey's veterans memorial homes by providing immediate access to emergency support. It is a procedural measure focused on improving emergency response capabilities for this specific population.