Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state, county, and municipal authorities to designate "special event zones" around large automotive events (defined as events with 25+ attendees or approved by local government) for traffic regulation. Within these zones, authorities may temporarily reduce speed limits for safety and prohibit "exhibition driving" (reckless maneuvers like excessive skidding, engine noise, or roof riding). Violations of traffic rules - including speeding, careless driving, or exhibition driving - within these zones carry increased fines up to $1,000, or up to 60 days in jail for reckless driving. The zones remain active during the event and for a reasonable period before/after, with required signage informing the public of reduced speeds and penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) to ensure its child abuse reporting hotline provides callers with information about available support resources for victims and their families. The hotline, which currently handles abuse reports, will now also share details on community services such as counseling, parenting programs, and substance abuse treatment. This change mandates that all hotline interactions include referrals to these assistance programs, directly helping families seeking immediate support after reporting abuse. The amendment applies to the emergency hotline maintained by DCPP and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Mass Violence Care Fund" to provide financial assistance for victims of mass violence events. It appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to cover uncovered medical, mental health, funeral, and lost wage expenses for eligible victims - defined as individuals injured, killed, or who witnessed such events - when insurance or other sources don't pay. The fund, managed by the Victims of Crime Compensation Office, will only pay for eligible expenses not covered elsewhere, with payments delayed up to three years after the event. A working group must develop eligibility rules within nine months, including defining "mass violence event" and covered costs. The fund's principal will be invested to generate sustainable annual returns for future use.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent commission to study inconsistent statutory definitions of "veteran," "disabled veteran," and "service-disabled veteran" in New Jersey law. The commission, appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders, will analyze over 20 existing definitions that cause confusion for veterans seeking benefits like tax deductions, educational aid, and business incentives. It will identify restrictive or unclear requirements and recommend clearer, more uniform definitions to improve eligibility access. The commission must issue annual reports to the Governor and legislature, starting within 12 months of its formation, to inform potential future changes. This directly affects New Jersey's 330,000+ veterans who currently face eligibility barriers due to fragmented definitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Military and Veterans Affairs Oversight Board within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The board oversees all state programs, benefits, and services for military members, veterans, and their families, requiring state agencies to appoint liaisons who submit biannual reports on these services and budgets. The board analyzes program effectiveness across key areas like healthcare, housing, and employment, then develops strategic recommendations for the Governor and Legislature to improve veteran support. Annual reports detailing findings and suggestions must be posted online and submitted to state leadership.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's disability parking program to include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia who have limited, impaired, or unsafe walking ability. It adds this condition to the existing definition of "person with a disability" for parking privileges, requiring certification from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. Eligible individuals and their caregivers can then obtain the standard disability placard or license plates displaying the wheelchair symbol. This change allows them to use reserved parking spaces without altering current requirements for obtaining the placard or plates.

Maddy summaryBill A2100 creates a presumption that public safety workers (firefighters, police, EMTs) who responded to the September 11, 2001 attacks and developed illnesses covered by the CDC’s World Trade Center Health Program are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. It removes time limits for filing claims and requires documentation from the CDC program to prove eligibility. Benefits cannot duplicate existing state or federal compensation for the same condition. This applies only to workers currently enrolled in the CDC’s WTC Health Program, not to all 9/11 responders.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (AJR 194) urges the U.S. Senate to pass the federal "Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act." The SAVE Act would amend the National Voter Registration Act to require states to collect documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and identity when registering voters for federal elections, including documents like a passport or birth record. It also proposes using federal databases to verify citizenship and remove ineligible voters from rolls. New Jersey's legislature supports this as a measure to address documented errors in voter registration systems that mistakenly enrolled noncitizens, aiming to bolster election security and public confidence. The resolution itself has no legal effect but formally advocates for the federal bill's passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires longer prison sentences for individuals convicted twice before of receiving stolen property. It applies specifically to people with two or more prior separate convictions for this crime, regardless of when they occurred. The prosecutor must request an extended sentence if the current offense happened within 10 years of either the defendant's last release from prison or their most recent prior conviction. The court must hold a hearing before imposing this sentence, allowing the defendant to challenge the evidence. This changes sentencing by mandating extended terms for repeat offenders of this specific property crime.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts residential customers in New Jersey from paying state sales and use tax on natural gas and electricity purchases. It requires utilities to automatically deduct the tax amount from monthly residential bills instead of charging it upfront. The exemption applies only to home energy use (not businesses) and takes effect immediately upon enactment. The Division of Taxation must create rules to implement this change within the Administrative Procedure Act framework.