Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide veteran benefit information packets to veterans when issuing a license or ID card that includes a veteran designation. The packets must include the NJ Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs Benefits Guide, the VA’s "Federal Benefits for Veterans" booklet, and resources for finding additional benefits. Information must be available in both physical copies at MVC offices and online. The law applies to initial licenses, renewals, probationary licenses, and veteran-designated ID cards. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill allows eligible residents to deduct 50% of out-of-pocket expenses for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment from their gross income when filing state taxes. It directly affects individuals or couples paying for IVF who are not covered by specific health insurance plans (including state programs like the State Health Benefits Program) and whose expenses aren't already deductible as medical costs. The deduction applies to costs for the taxpayer, spouse, or domestic partner, but excludes amounts reimbursed by insurance or already claimed under existing medical expense deductions. The law takes effect immediately for tax years beginning after its enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 628) prohibits courts from awarding a "builder's remedy" in lawsuits challenging exclusionary zoning laws. It directly affects municipalities, developers, and affordable housing advocates involved in zoning litigation. The bill states that courts must instead impose other remedies if a municipality fails to provide a realistic opportunity for affordable housing development, banning court orders that require zoning changes to include market-rate housing as a condition for development. The Legislature states this remedy has historically produced excessive market-rate housing with little affordable housing, harming communities and the state. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of members in New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It directly affects current and future retirees who are members of this system, restoring annual benefit increases tied to inflation. The key provision amends existing law to allow the retirement system's board of trustees to reinstate these automatic COLAs without requiring additional contributions from members, provided actuarial certification confirms the change won't harm the fund's long-term stability. The bill does not create new benefits but returns a previously reduced feature of the retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey county Surrogates to create electronic systems for accepting digital signatures on specific probate documents, such as applications for probate, executor qualifications, and asset affidavits. It explicitly excludes wills from coverage and defines "qualifying documents" as common forms used in probate proceedings. The Supreme Court and Court Administrative Director can issue implementing rules, and the law takes effect immediately. This change directly affects individuals and legal professionals handling probate cases by enabling digital submissions for designated forms.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a $2,000 deduction from New Jersey gross income tax for eligible volunteer firefighters, first aid squad members, and rescue squad volunteers. To qualify, individuals must serve the entire tax year, meet specific duty requirements (60% fire service attendance or 400 duty hours for fire volunteers; 10% rescue service attendance or 400 duty hours for first aid/rescue volunteers), and hold required certifications (Firefighter I for fire volunteers or approved EMS training for rescue volunteers). Fire departments and first aid/rescue squads must submit annual lists of qualifying members to state agencies by March 31st. The deduction applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for intentionally disrupting online meetings or teleconferences (commonly called "bombing" when participants flood a session with unwanted content). It reclassifies such disruptions as a second-degree crime under New Jersey's computer crime law, raising the penalty level. The change directly affects individuals who deliberately interfere with virtual meetings, including by introducing disruptive content or causing technical disruptions. The amendment specifically targets interference with "online video conference or teleconference" as a distinct violation under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 873) amends New Jersey's existing small business loan program to require the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to ensure at least 12% of all loan funds distributed annually go to veteran-owned or veteran-controlled small businesses. It prioritizes businesses owned by veterans declared to have service-connected disabilities by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Defense. The EDA must administer the program to meet this allocation goal while maintaining existing eligibility rules for all small businesses. This directly affects veteran entrepreneurs seeking loans and the EDA's oversight of the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state employers and contracted service providers to verify applicants' history of child abuse or sexual misconduct for positions involving regular contact with children under 18. Applicants must disclose past investigations, disciplinary actions, or license suspensions related to such misconduct and provide employer contact details for verification. Employers must contact previous employers (within the last 20 years) to confirm this information through written, phone, or electronic means. False disclosures may result in employment denial, termination, or a $500 civil penalty.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an affirmative defense for individuals who commit crimes while being victims of human trafficking. It allows defendants to avoid prosecution for any offense (under New Jersey's criminal code) if they were victims of trafficking at the time and the crime was a direct result of that trafficking. The defense applies even if the trafficking case against them didn't lead to a conviction. It also requires courts to order restitution payments to trafficking victims, with funds directed to a dedicated survivor assistance fund. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee.