Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1547) upgrades threats against prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and their family members to a second-degree crime in New Jersey. It specifically targets threats meant to cause immediate fear of death or harm to these individuals or their family (defined as spouse, children, parents living with them). Convicted individuals must serve 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility under the "No Early Release Act," with penalties including 5-10 years in prison or fines up to $150,000. The law directly affects anyone making such threats, increasing penalties for crimes targeting public safety professionals and their households.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A2864 establishes a five-year pilot program requiring the Department of Human Services (DHS) to coordinate "START" services for adults with both developmental disabilities and mental illness. The program provides community-based therapeutic respite and stabilization services through designated respite homes in each of the state's three regions, offering two types of beds: respite beds for crisis prevention and stabilization beds for active crises. DHS must develop individualized crisis management plans, provide 24/7 crisis response services, and coordinate cross-system care to help eligible adults avoid institutionalization while maintaining community living. DHS will report annually on program participation, bed usage, and effectiveness, with a final report recommending whether to make the program permanent after five years.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an annual four-day sales tax holiday in New Jersey for retail purchases of tangible personal property. It exempts sales tax during the period from 12:01 a.m. on the Friday after Thanksgiving through 11:59 p.m. on the following Monday (covering Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday). The exemption applies to most retail goods sold during these dates, directly benefiting consumers who shop for items like clothing, electronics, and toys during this holiday shopping window. Retailers must comply with the tax exemption during this specific period, while the state maintains alignment with the Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public high schools to add specific financial literacy instruction to their existing curriculum. It mandates teaching students about applying for college financial aid, understanding higher education costs and funding options (like loans and grants), student loan rights/responsibilities, and assessing cryptocurrency investment risks while warning against "get rich quick" scams. The instruction must be included in courses covering financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy. The law takes effect immediately, applying to the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's unclaimed property administrator to check if a claimant owes unpaid child support before releasing funds. If a claimant is identified as a child support debtor, the state must hold the property or funds until the child support obligation is satisfied. The bill prioritizes child support judgments over all other claims against the unclaimed property. It applies to any unclaimed property (like forgotten bank accounts or dividends) being paid to a claimant, ensuring child support debts are addressed before funds are distributed. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public and independent colleges and universities to provide specific support to students serving in the military, including active duty, National Guard, or Reserve members. It mandates institutions to notify students each semester of their academic rights, provide accommodations for missed classes (like lecture notes and five days per absence to complete work), and establish written agreements between students and professors to manage coursework around military duties. Schools must also accept up to 30 college credits for undergraduate military experience (and 12 for graduate studies) based on American Council on Education recommendations, and enforce these requirements through the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. These changes apply to all students unable to complete coursework due to military obligations, including routine drills and training.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to offer property tax bills, construction permits, and payment receipts via email as an optional delivery method. It directly affects property owners, permit applicants, and mortgage servicers who can choose to receive documents electronically or continue receiving paper copies by mail at no extra cost. Municipalities must adopt an ordinance to provide email delivery but cannot make it the sole option, requiring them to maintain standard mail delivery for all. The law establishes a process for municipalities to implement this option while ensuring no one is forced to use email. It does not require any municipality to adopt electronic delivery, preserving existing paper-based systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to deduct up to $1,500 annually from their gross income tax for donations made to qualifying animal shelters. It specifically defines "animal shelter" as a licensed facility that houses abandoned, lost, or endangered domestic animals needing temporary care until adoption, relocation, or euthanasia - including municipal animal control facilities. The deduction applies to donations for shelters operating within New Jersey, directly benefiting taxpayers who support these organizations. The provision takes effect for taxable years starting the year after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Bill A296, designated "Shyanne's Law," requires a mental health evaluation for all individuals convicted of animal cruelty, whether as an adult or juvenile. The bill amends existing law to mandate that courts order a licensed psychologist or therapist to conduct the evaluation and, if needed, recommend mental health counseling for the offender. Costs for the evaluation and any required counseling must be paid by the offender (for adults) or the juvenile's parents/guardians (for minors). This requirement applies to all animal cruelty convictions under the state's current statute, including offenses like abuse, neglect, or causing unnecessary harm to animals. The law aims to address potential underlying issues in offenders while creating a court record of these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey courts to consider the results of a domestic violence assessment before dissolving restraining orders when a defendant has two or more such orders against them. The assessment, conducted by a qualified professional like a psychologist or social worker, evaluates the likelihood of future violence and is paid for by the defendant. Courts must weigh this assessment along with other factors, including whether the victim fears the defendant, the defendant's history of contempt violations, and whether the defendant has engaged in counseling. The bill defines the assessment process and requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to develop standards for who can conduct these assessments.