Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 830) redirects the "nondedicated General Fund portion" of New Jersey's realty transfer fees - paid when property is bought or sold - to provide direct property tax relief for municipalities. Currently, these fees (collected at rates based on property value) contribute to the state's General Fund, but this bill would require that specific portion to instead fund local tax reductions. The key mechanism amends existing laws (P.L.1968, c.49; P.L.2004, c.66; P.L.1992, c.148) to change the allocation of these fees. It directly affects municipalities, which would receive these funds to lower property taxes for residents, and property owners who pay the transfer fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey public schools to provide assistive technology (like text-to-speech software and digital tools) to elementary and middle school students with dyslexia or related reading/writing challenges. It directly affects students identified with dyslexia who do not require formal special education classification, helping them access grade-level materials and complete assignments more effectively. The program will provide grants to seven selected school districts (chosen across urban, suburban, rural areas and different county sizes) to cover the cost of technology, related services, and teacher training. Districts must apply with student data and plans showing how the tools will improve academic outcomes, with the Commissioner of Education overseeing implementation.

Maddy summaryAJR 32 is a procedural resolution proposing a rule change to New Jersey's evidence rules. It would allow evidence that a victim promptly reported sexual assault or employment discrimination to be admitted as a hearsay exception, specifically to address jury assumptions about delayed reporting. This change directly affects cases involving these crimes by enabling courts to consider timely complaint evidence without requiring the victim to testify about the report itself. The resolution, if adopted, would be implemented by the New Jersey Supreme Court under existing procedures, not by creating new law. It focuses on clarifying admissibility for factual evidence, not altering legal standards.

Maddy summaryAR 22 is a non-binding Assembly Resolution urging New Jersey's K-12 schools and colleges to include veterans and active military members in discussions about military service, values, and leadership. It specifically encourages institutions to integrate these perspectives into educational programming, particularly during Veterans Month in November. The resolution does not mandate changes but recommends fostering student connections with service members to promote appreciation for military values like integrity and selfless service. It applies to all public educational institutions across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 848) requires all 11th grade students in public school districts to complete a civics course as part of their high school graduation requirements, starting with the 2021-2022 school year. The course must cover democracy principles, New Jersey's government structure (municipal, county, and state levels), citizenship types, and how the Electoral College differs from the popular vote. School districts must design the curriculum to prepare students to be informed citizens, voters, and community members. The State Board of Education must ensure this civics requirement is included in local graduation standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to count housing built before April 1, 1980, toward their state-mandated affordable housing requirements. To qualify for past obligations, the housing must have been reserved for low- or moderate-income residents for at least 20 consecutive years after 1975 and not previously counted. For future or current obligations, the housing must either be reserved for such residents under current rules or fully rehabilitated to meet state standards. This change helps municipalities meet housing goals by utilizing existing affordable units without requiring new construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Long-Term Care Facility Infectious Disease Preparedness and Home Health Care Study Commission" in New Jersey. The commission, composed of 15 members including state officials and industry experts, will analyze how long-term care facilities (like nursing homes and assisted living centers) respond to infectious disease outbreaks and examine ways to encourage home health care services. It must submit a report within 12 months detailing findings on facility preparedness, staffing needs during outbreaks, home health aide retention, and methods to promote home care. The bill does not create new laws but directs a study to inform future policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to teach cursive handwriting to students in grades three through five. It mandates that school districts incorporate specific curriculum activities to help students read cursive text and write legibly in cursive by the end of fifth grade. The law takes effect immediately for the first full school year after enactment, applying to all public school districts in the state. It directly affects elementary school students and educators responsible for implementing the curriculum.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill allows 12th graders who are enlisting or planning to enlist in the U.S. military or National Guard to miss school for required military activities without penalty. Absences for military enlistment activities - including testing, medical exams, interviews, or fingerprinting - must be recorded as excused and won’t appear on transcripts, job applications, or affect perfect attendance records. Schools may request documentation to verify the student’s military plans. The bill applies only to students in grade 12.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts volunteer fire companies from paying registration fees required under New Jersey's Charitable Registration Act. It directly affects approximately 750 volunteer fire companies in New Jersey that currently pay fees based on fundraising totals (e.g., $150 for raising $100,000-$500,000 annually). The key provision removes the requirement for these organizations to register with the Attorney General or pay fees, even if they raise over $25,000 in contributions. This change applies to companies organized under state fire laws and actively engaged in protecting life and property.