Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey to issue special license plates to honorably discharged veterans. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of honorable discharge (such as a DD-214 form) and pay a $15 fee in addition to standard vehicle registration costs. The plates would display the word "Veteran" and the specific military branch served (e.g., Army, Navy). Surviving spouses of veterans can continue using these plates on their vehicles. The Motor Vehicle Commission would inform drivers about this option during registration renewals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public school staff in New Jersey to complete training on caring for students with epilepsy or seizure disorders every two years. It directly affects school staff (including teachers, coaches, and support personnel) and students with these conditions. The training, provided through Department of Health-approved courses by nonprofit organizations, covers recognizing seizures, emergency response, and daily care. This update builds on existing law (P.L.2019, c.290) that already requires schools to develop individualized health plans for affected students but adds the mandatory biennial staff training requirement. The law applies to all school-sponsored activities, including those outside regular school hours.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) to create a statewide policy for student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on school buses, or at school events. The policy must include age-appropriate rules (like banning non-academic use during class), allow emergency phone access, accommodate students with disabilities, and cover devices like smartwatches. School districts must adopt a local policy consistent with this DOE policy by the start of the next full school year, though districts may apply for an exemption. The policy also outlines storage options (e.g., lockers) and network restrictions for social media access.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3802) clarifies that certain legal service plans are not considered "legal insurance" under New Jersey law. It defines "legal insurance" as payment for specified legal services over time, while explicitly excluding common arrangements like retainer contracts, basic consultation plans, union-provided legal help, and services from legal aid offices. The law ensures these excluded services remain outside traditional insurance regulations, which require claims payments and risk assumption. This directly affects legal service providers, insurers, and consumers by preventing misclassification of routine legal assistance as insurance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to create programs waiving electronic toll fees for eligible disabled veteran-owned businesses. It directly affects businesses that are 51% owned and controlled by disabled veterans (with a 10%+ VA disability rating) and have at least $2,500 in annual revenue. To qualify, vehicles must be owned/leased by a disabled veteran, registered in New Jersey, used for the business, and linked to an active NJ E-ZPass account. The waiver covers all electronic toll fees for these qualifying vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A6289) requires New Jersey school districts to include age-appropriate lessons about menstrual toxic shock syndrome (MTSS) in health classes for grades 4-12, covering causes, symptoms, and risk-reduction methods. It also mandates that owners of public restrooms in commercial buildings (with two or more toilets) install visible signs alerting women to MTSS warning signs and risks, placed near tampon dispensers or in prominent locations. The Commissioner of Education will provide sample lesson materials, and the Department of Health will create online resources and set standards for the required signage. The law applies to public restrooms in places like malls or offices, excluding elementary school restrooms without grades above fifth.

Maddy summaryACR 181 is a concurrent resolution by the New Jersey Legislature urging the Department of Health (DOH) to withdraw proposed amendments to communicable disease reporting rules in N.J.A.C.8:57. The resolution states these amendments - proposed September 15, 2025 - contravene legislative and judicial intent by potentially infringing on privacy, religious, and parental freedoms without adequate oversight or due process. It argues the DOH’s proposed changes expand administrative authority in ways that should require legislative debate and public input instead of unilateral adoption. The resolution does not change any law but formally declares the proposed rules inconsistent with state constitutional provisions and requests they be withdrawn or invalidated.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A276 establishes a 17-member "Student Mental Health Task Force" to address student mental health needs in public schools. The task force, including state agency leaders and appointed representatives from schools, mental health organizations, and communities, will survey existing mental health resources across all counties and regions, consult with parents and school staff, and develop recommendations to improve access to mental health services. It must produce a final report within one year to the Governor, Legislature, and all school districts, focusing on identifying student mental health challenges, evaluating counseling programs, funding needs, and successful models from other states. The bill directly affects public school students, families, and school districts by aiming to strengthen mental health support systems within New Jersey's education system.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1941) requires the New Jersey Commission on Human Trafficking to expand public awareness signage about human trafficking to 12 new types of establishments, including gas stations, staffing agencies, law enforcement offices, nail salons, and Motor Vehicle Commission offices. The signage must display the national 24-hour human trafficking hotline number and meet specific size (8.5" x 11") and language (English/Spanish) requirements. Businesses failing to comply face civil penalties of $300 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent violations. The bill directly affects all covered establishments by mandating visible signage to educate the public on trafficking resources.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A1930 broadens the criminal statute for cyber-harassment targeting minors. It lowers the age threshold for a third-degree offense from 21 to 18 years old and removes the requirement that offenders must impersonate a minor to be charged. The bill also mandates that minors under 16 convicted of cyber-harassment complete educational programs about online safety, and penalizes parents who fail to comply with court orders regarding these programs. These changes directly affect adults aged 18+ who cyber-harass minors, minors under 16 who commit such acts, and their parents or guardians. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.