Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April as "Autism Awareness Month" in New Jersey to promote public understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorders. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging state officials and citizens to observe the month with relevant activities and programs. It aims to highlight the diverse experiences of individuals with autism and their impact on families, schools, workplaces, and communities. The measure takes effect immediately and does not create new funding or mandate specific actions beyond awareness promotion.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to create faster approval and permitting processes for artificial intelligence data centers that use small modular nuclear reactors. It directly affects the Board of Public Utilities, Department of Community Affairs, and Department of Environmental Protection, which must establish these expedited procedures within 12 months of the bill taking effect. The key provisions mandate streamlined site approvals, construction plan reviews, electrical interconnection processes, and environmental permits for projects combining AI data centers with on-site nuclear power. The bill aims to accelerate the development of new AI data centers powered by small modular reactors while also allowing their use at existing facilities.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill allows taxpayers to deduct charitable contributions made to qualified New Jersey-based organizations from their gross income during public health emergencies. The deduction is limited to $10,000 for married couples filing jointly or heads of household, and $5,000 for single filers or married individuals filing separately. A qualified organization must be registered under state law, maintain an office or employ staff in New Jersey, and provide services within the state. The provision applies to contributions made during an active public health emergency declaration and for 30 days after the emergency concludes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education to provide school districts with detailed information about how their state funding is calculated when requested. Under the new provision, districts can ask for both a general explanation of the state aid formula and a specific breakdown of their own allocation, including details on adequacy budgets, equalization aid, and local share calculations. The Department of Education must respond to these requests within five business days. This change directly affects school districts by giving them greater transparency into the funding decisions that impact their budgets.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Auditor to conduct performance audits of a random sample of school districts to examine how public funds were used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The audits will focus on fiscal operations from March 2020 through the end of the 2020-2021 school year, checking for cost savings, best practices, and any misuse of funds across districts in northern, central, and southern regions that used different teaching methods like remote, hybrid, or in-person instruction. Results will be reported to state officials and posted online, with copies sent to each school district's board of education.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill updates protections for military personnel who are victims of sexual assault, child abuse, or neglect. It allows service members (including National Guard and Reserve members) to file for protective orders in any New Jersey court, regardless of where the incident occurred. The bill also removes fees for applicants, clarifies procedures for minors and victims with disabilities, and specifies that military protective orders can be used to initiate state court applications. It directly affects military victims and streamlines access to legal protections without requiring criminal charges first.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual cigarette and tobacco tax revenue allocated to the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research from $1 million to $10 million and creates a dedicated, non-lapsing Cancer Research Fund within the state treasury. The fund will be managed by the State Treasurer and used exclusively for grants and contracts supporting general cancer research and pediatric cancer research, with at least $5 million each year designated for each category. By establishing a revolving fund, the bill ensures that money and any earned interest remain available for future research projects rather than being transferred to the general budget each year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority to waive electronic toll collection fees for vehicles used by qualified disabled veteran-owned businesses. To qualify, a business must be independently owned and controlled by at least 51 percent disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10 percent or higher from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, have at least $2,500 in annual revenue, be certified in New Jersey, and operate within the state. The toll exemption applies to all motor vehicles owned, leased, or financed by these veterans that are registered in New Jersey and have an active electronic toll collection account. The legislation takes effect 90 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to offer reduced or free beach fees for children aged 12 to 17 and expands fee exemptions for veterans. It amends existing state law to permit local governments to set these discounts through ordinances while maintaining the current exemption for children under 12. The legislation specifies that veterans, including active duty service members, National Guard members, and those with Gold Star Family designations, qualify for fee reductions, and requires municipalities to track the number of eligible individuals receiving these benefits. Additionally, the bill clarifies that disabled veterans do not need to pay fees to obtain, replace, or renew permits for operating motorized vehicles on beaches.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school bus drivers, aides, and other personnel transporting students with disabilities to complete specialized training. The training covers behavior management, communication, adaptive equipment use, recognizing life-threatening emergencies (as defined in the bill), and safety procedures. Employers (school districts or contractors) must provide this training annually and require staff to certify completion within five business days. The bill does not mandate 911 calls or specific bus safety features, but focuses on personnel preparedness through training and certification. It is pending before the Assembly Education Committee.