Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3148) adds the Sons of The American Legion to the list of organizations whose authorized representatives in New Jersey state, county, and municipal employment are eligible for paid leave to attend conventions. It updates existing law (R.S.38:23-2) to include this group while removing two defunct organizations from the list. The provision allows qualifying employees to take up to five paid days annually for convention attendance, consistent with existing benefits for other veterans' organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey nursing homes and assisted living facilities (licensed under state law) to maintain an on-site supply of COVID-19 antiviral treatments. It mandates that these facilities provide such treatment to any resident who tests positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing symptoms. The law applies directly to long-term care facilities operating in New Jersey and takes effect immediately. The requirement focuses on ensuring timely access to antiviral treatment for symptomatic residents, without specifying which antiviral drugs must be stocked.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Commission on Human Trafficking’s existing duties to specifically address trafficking affecting women and children of color. It requires the commission to study racial disparities in trafficking vulnerability, identify prevention strategies for these groups, and improve support services for victims. The commission must then make legislative recommendations based on these findings. The bill does not create new programs but directs the existing commission to prioritize these issues in its annual work.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows victims and witnesses of human trafficking to testify in criminal court via closed-circuit television (CCTV) instead of in person, expanding current law (which only covered trafficking involving sexual activity) to include all human trafficking cases. The court must first determine that the victim or witness would suffer severe emotional distress testifying in person, and the testimony must remain under oath with the defendant allowed to cross-examine. Judges are now permitted to request CCTV testimony on their own motion, and for minors, audio recordings are confidential but transcripts are part of the court record. This change aims to protect vulnerable individuals while maintaining legal safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow teaching candidates awaiting certification to secure employment with New Jersey school districts by submitting a signed affidavit. The affidavit would affirm they've met all certification requirements, accompanied by proof they applied for a certificate. School districts would be required to accept this affidavit during hiring, but candidates must confirm their certificate is issued within 90 days or face termination. The bill protects candidates from reimbursing districts for salary if they acted in good faith and later discovered missing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires a court to mandate a psychological examination for a parent who lost custody of their child due to being deemed unfit, neglectful, or grossly immoral (but without termination of parental rights), when the child is in a grandparent's care and the parent seeks to regain custody. It specifically applies when a grandparent has custody under existing law and the parent requests a custody change. The bill amends New Jersey law to require this examination before the court can modify the custody arrangement. It does not change custody standards but adds a psychological evaluation step in these specific circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover annual mental health screenings under the same terms as other medical services. It applies to individual and group health insurance policies, health maintenance organizations, and state health benefit programs. Insurers must provide this coverage without applying more restrictive limitations than those for other medical services. The law mandates coverage for mental health conditions as defined by current medical standards. The bill will take effect 90 days after enactment for all plans issued or renewed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New Jersey Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship to help residents pursue workforce-focused education. It provides up to $5,000 annually toward tuition, fees, and required materials for students enrolled in eligible programs at New Jersey county colleges or vocational schools, after applying other aid. Eligible programs must align with state labor demand in fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, education, and transportation, and students must maintain a 2.0 GPA or complete a financial literacy course. Scholarships are awarded yearly based on available funds, with priority for high-demand fields and a minimum 5% allocation for dual-enrollment students, requiring annual reporting on program outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the duration of certain emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor under the Civil Defense Act to a maximum of 14 days. It requires the Legislature to approve any extension beyond this 14-day period through a concurrent resolution. The Governor cannot issue identical or substantially similar orders for the same emergency after one expires under this rule. Exceptions include orders rescinding prior emergency measures, federal compliance requirements, internal state government operations, military orders, or orders issued under other laws with longer terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year Animal Advocate Program within New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). It allows courts to appoint an advocate in specific criminal cases involving animal welfare - such as animal cruelty (R.S.4:22-17) or dog fighting (P.L.2015, c.85) - to represent the animal's best interests. The advocate monitors the case, reviews records from animal control and veterinarians, shares information with attorneys, and recommends placement or care to the court. The program expires after two years, requiring the AOC to submit a report on implementation and recommendations for continuation.