Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis bill adds postpartum depression services to New Jersey's existing 9-8-8 behavioral health crisis hotline system. It requires the state to contract with crisis hotline centers that specifically provide services for postpartum depression, including coordinating referrals to Children's System of Care when callers have children. The law mandates that hotline centers follow federal standards for the 9-8-8 system while ensuring specialized support for postpartum depression cases. These changes directly affect New Jersey residents experiencing postpartum depression and require coordination between crisis hotlines, mental health providers, and child welfare agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill classifies xylazine (a sedative used in veterinary medicine) as a Schedule III controlled substance under New Jersey law, except when legally used by veterinarians. It directly affects individuals who illegally manufacture, distribute, possess, or use xylazine, including those mixing it with street drugs like opioids. The bill adds xylazine and specific chemical variants to Schedule III, subjecting violations to existing criminal penalties: third-degree crimes punishable by 3-5 years in prison and fines up to $25,000 (or $35,000 for possession). This change addresses xylazine’s increasing presence in illicit drug markets, where it enhances opioid effects but does not respond to naloxone, contributing to overdose risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets a fixed $750 per diem allowance for recalled judges across three judicial systems: administrative law, Supreme Court, and Workers' Compensation. It replaces current provisions where the per diem rate was determined by the relevant court (e.g., Director/Chief Administrative Law Judge or Supreme Court rules). The change applies to retired judges temporarily recalled for service, ensuring consistent compensation without variable rates. The bill directly affects recalled judges in these three systems who receive per diem payments for temporary assignments.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 15-member study commission to examine two key areas: (1) how New Jersey's long-term care facilities (including nursing homes and assisted living residences) prepare for infectious disease outbreaks, and (2) ways to encourage home health care services. The commission, composed of state agency representatives and industry experts, will analyze facility outbreak response plans, staffing adequacy during outbreaks, and methods to retain home health aides. It must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within 12 months, detailing findings and recommendations. The commission will expire 3 months after submitting its final report. (Note: This is a procedural study commission, not a policy change.)

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3158) requires New Jersey's Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to submit an annual report to the oversight boards of each veterans' facility. The report must summarize the ombudsman's work related to veterans' facilities, document significant care system issues, analyze trends, and include recommendations to improve care quality and protect residents' rights. It mirrors the existing annual report the ombudsman submits to the Governor and Legislature but specifically targets veterans' facilities. The bill applies to all facilities designated as "veterans' facilities" under state law (P.L.1989, c.162). The report must be submitted by September 30 each year and made publicly available.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 28) urges the federal government to approve oil and natural gas pipelines within the U.S., including those previously denied or shut down (like the Keystone XL Pipeline, revoked by President Biden in 2021). It argues that approving such pipelines would enhance U.S. energy independence, reduce reliance on foreign energy sources (e.g., from Russia or Venezuela), and lower fuel costs while creating jobs. The resolution directs copies to federal leaders but does not create new law or directly affect residents. It focuses on advocating for pipeline approvals as a policy action, not on implementing specific regulations.

Maddy summaryACR 33 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing New Jersey municipalities to offer a partial property tax exemption on the primary residence of volunteer firefighters and first responders. The exemption would cover up to 10% of a home's assessed value, with each municipality setting the exact percentage through local ordinance. To qualify, the volunteer must be actively serving in a local fire company or first aid/rescue squad that serves the municipality and live in the home as their primary residence. The state would not provide reimbursement to municipalities for any lost tax revenue from this exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1130) excludes veterans' benefits from income calculations when determining how much a veteran must pay for psychiatric care in New Jersey facilities. It directly affects veterans receiving treatment in state psychiatric hospitals, county psychiatric hospitals, or psychiatric units of county hospitals. The key mechanism modifies existing law to ensure veterans' benefits (like disability compensation) are not counted as income when applying the sliding scale fee for charity care. This change reduces the financial obligation for veterans by excluding these benefits from the income calculation used to determine payment amounts. The bill amends R.S.30:4-60, which governs financial responsibility for psychiatric facility care.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires school districts to update their anti-bullying policies to explicitly cover school board members, employees, contractors, students, and volunteers (including athletic staff like coaches and trainers). The policies must include specific components such as clear definitions of harassment/intimidation/bullying, anonymous reporting procedures (without allowing discipline based solely on anonymous reports), investigation timelines (10 school days), and escalating consequences for repeat offenses (counseling for first offenses, intervention plans for third offenses). School districts must post policies on their websites, annually review them, and distribute them to parents. The bill also mandates listing anti-bullying coordinators on websites and specifies reporting procedures for incidents to school principals within specific timeframes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public school students in New Jersey to miss class for musical performances at military funerals, including playing "Taps," without penalty. It requires schools to record such absences as excused on attendance records, meaning they won't count against perfect attendance or appear on transcripts. The policy specifically covers students participating in ceremonies honoring veterans or military members, including those organized by veterans' groups. Schools may request documentation to verify the student's participation in the event.