Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill increases penalties for identity theft when the victim is a senior citizen (62 or older) or a veteran. For example, if a senior or veteran is the sole victim and the theft involves less than $500, a first offense becomes a third-degree crime (previously fourth-degree), and repeat offenses become second-degree crimes (previously third-degree). The bill also raises penalties for trafficking personal identifying information obtained from facilities serving seniors or veterans (like retirement communities or veterans' facilities), with higher quantities of stolen data leading to more severe charges. These changes make penalties stricter when vulnerable groups are targeted, without altering the core definition of identity theft.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires telemarketers making sales calls to display their actual name and phone number on caller identification (caller ID) services. If their own details aren't available through their phone company, they may instead show the seller's name and customer service number. Telemarketers cannot block, misrepresent, or circumvent caller ID displays. It directly affects telemarketing companies and aims to increase transparency for consumers receiving sales calls.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers to provide earned sick leave to workers covered by union contracts that are "amendable" (allowing changes without expiration) rather than only those that expire. It directly affects employees under such contracts, ensuring they receive sick leave benefits as defined by New Jersey's Earned Sick Leave Law. The key provision clarifies that sick leave rules apply when a contract becomes amendable, not just at expiration, and preempts conflicting local ordinances. It also explicitly states the law does not reduce existing union benefits or collective bargaining rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes mandatory six-month prison terms or six months of community service for individuals convicted of burglary, robbery, or theft during a declared state of emergency in New Jersey. These penalties apply in addition to standard criminal penalties under New Jersey law and cover emergencies like natural disasters or public safety threats declared by the Governor. The law specifies that prosecution must occur in the local municipal court, with the state required to prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. It directly affects anyone committing these specific property crimes during an active emergency period.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create an educational program about state and federal human trafficking crimes, aimed at informing the public. It allocates $75,000 from the state general fund specifically to fund this program. The program will provide information on existing laws related to human trafficking offenses under both state and federal statutes. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts year-round retail sales of specific school-related items from New Jersey's sales tax, including computers under $3,000, school supplies (like pens and notebooks), art supplies, instructional materials, and school computer supplies under $1,000. It also creates a $500 annual deduction from gross income for eligible K-12 teachers (public or private schools) who pay out-of-pocket for unreimbursed classroom supplies, such as books, art materials, or technology. The tax exemption applies to all sales after the fourth month following enactment, replacing the previous temporary back-to-school sales tax holiday. The bill directly affects students (through reduced costs for school items) and teachers (through tax relief for classroom expenses).

Maddy summaryThis bill grants civil immunity to New Jersey residents who report terrorism-related crimes to law enforcement in good faith. It protects individuals from lawsuits when reporting specific terrorism offenses, including acts like terrorism, chemical/biological weapon possession, or terroristic threats as defined in state law. The immunity applies unless the reporter acted with bad faith or malicious intent. The goal is to encourage public reporting of potential threats without fear of civil liability, following the September 11 attacks.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.5 million from the state General Fund to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation to expand its memorial and Vietnam Era Museum. It provides $500,000 immediately for the expansion project and $2 million to a dedicated memorial fund, with annual $500,000 payments starting in the next fiscal year. The funds are specifically designated for physical expansion of the memorial site and museum facilities. The legislation directly affects the foundation and its ability to enhance the existing memorial and museum, which serves as New Jersey's only museum dedicated to preserving Vietnam War history.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires presidents and vice-presidents of New Jersey education unions (like the NJEA and AFT-NJ) to sign an acknowledgement of their legal duty to report suspected child abuse and complete training on those reporting requirements before taking office. It specifically targets union leaders representing K-12 teachers, not classroom staff. The training covers existing obligations under New Jersey law (including statutes C.9:6-8.10 and C.18A:36-25) and state regulations for school employees to notify authorities about abused, missing, or neglected children. The bill does not change reporting laws but ensures union leadership understands and complies with current requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents reductions in New Jersey state school aid for specific districts. It protects districts in Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties (fifth/sixth class counties) if their property value assessments (equalized valuation) for the current year are lower than in the 2012-2013 school year. If this condition is met, the district’s total state aid cannot be less than what it received in the 2017-2018 school year. The protection excludes preschool aid, special education costs aid, school choice aid, and debt service aid.