Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey casino licensees operating Internet gaming platforms to add an interactive educational module about human trafficking. The module must teach users to recognize trafficking methods, identify suspicious activities, and report them, developed with input from anti-trafficking organizations. It directly affects online casino operators by mandating this specific content be integrated into their platforms. The requirement applies immediately upon the bill's effective date, with no additional implementation timeline specified. This is a concrete policy change focused on user education, not gambling controls or other provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 410) requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to appear before legislative committees before implementing toll or charge increases - including automatic increases. Authorities must provide detailed explanations of financial justification, public impact, revenue use, and alternatives to avoid hikes. The bill also prohibits NJTA/SJTA from raising tolls or charges by more than 2% over any five-year period. These changes directly affect commuters, businesses, and the public who pay tolls on NJTA/SJTA highways.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a property tax exemption for New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities. It provides a proportional exemption based on disability percentage (up to 100%), covering veterans with conditions like paralysis, amputations, or total blindness, and caps partial exemptions at $10,000. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans or those who died in service also qualify for similar exemptions. Crucially, the state will reimburse municipalities 102% of the lost tax revenue from these exemptions to offset costs. The law amends existing veteran property tax protections under P.L.1948, c.259.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school districts to teach water safety as part of the health education curriculum for students in grades K-12, starting with the 2018-2019 school year. It mandates instruction on four specific topics: proper use of flotation devices, awareness of water conditions, dangers of rip currents and how to respond, and the importance of swimming in lifeguard-monitored areas. The law directly affects every student in New Jersey public schools, integrating water safety into existing health education standards. It aims to address drowning as a leading cause of accidental death by providing practical safety knowledge. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution urges New Jersey's Department of Health to create public education materials about xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer increasingly misused as a street drug. It highlights xylazine's dangers - including respiratory depression, skin ulcers, and its inability to be reversed by naloxone (unlike opioids) - and notes its frequent combination with fentanyl and other drugs in overdoses. The resolution specifically requests the health department provide accessible resources to inform residents about these risks. It does not create new laws but calls for public awareness efforts to address this emerging public health concern.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to review how school districts handle bullying reports and update the state's official guidance documents to include new content about bullying prevention and response. It mandates that school communications about bullying incidents must be provided to parents in languages they understand, including translated materials for non-English speakers. The bill affects all public school districts, students, and parents by standardizing reporting procedures (like requiring written reports within two days) and ensuring language accessibility for families. Key mechanisms include adding specific guidance on investigations, parent notification timelines, and requiring the Department of Education to develop multilingual resources for families.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits to New Jersey-based small businesses during their first three years of operation. It directly affects qualifying startups that are registered in New Jersey, maintain most operations within the state, have no more than 50 employees, and earn under $100,000 net income in their first taxable year. The credit reduces the business's gross income tax liability by 75% in year one, 50% in year two, and 25% in year three. Businesses must apply for approval from the state director to claim these credits, ensuring they aren't using the credit to offset taxes from other unrelated businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey to grant real estate licenses without exams to professionals from other states who hold active licenses there, provided those states offer equal reciprocity and have licensing standards comparable to New Jersey's. It directly affects out-of-state real estate brokers, broker-salespersons, and salespersons seeking to practice in New Jersey. The New Jersey Real Estate Commission must grant these licenses under these conditions, and the rule applies to applications received on or after July 1, 2026. The bill does not change existing licensing requirements for New Jersey residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes criminal liability for New Jersey law enforcement officers who interact with underage individuals regarding alcohol or cannabis possession, unless the officer intentionally discriminates based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. Currently, officers face criminal charges for such encounters regardless of intent, but this bill changes that by requiring proof of discriminatory purpose to trigger liability. Key provisions clarify that officers cannot be charged for routine actions like issuing warnings or conducting stops without reasonable suspicion - unless they act with discriminatory intent. The change directly affects officers responding to underage possession calls and the young people involved in these encounters.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year Statewide Animal Advocate Program within New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). It allows courts to appoint a special advocate in criminal cases involving animal welfare (such as cruelty or dog fighting charges) to represent the animal's best interests, rather than the owner or state. The advocate monitors cases, reviews records from vets and officers, shares information with attorneys, and recommends animal placement to the court. The program expires after two years, requiring a report on implementation and recommendations for continuation.