Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a five-year grant program appropriating $1 million from the General Fund to the New Jersey Racing Commission. It provides $100,000 annually to accredited nonprofit organizations caring for retired Standardbred horses and $100,000 annually to those caring for retired Thoroughbred horses. To qualify, organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits accredited by specific industry groups (Standardbred Transition Alliance, Standardbred Retirement Foundation, or Second Call) and meet criteria like financial transparency, qualified staff, and proof of using funds solely for New Jersey-bred horses. Unspent funds after five years would return to the General Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1562) requires the Universal Service Fund to allocate funding for training emergency medical technicians and firefighters on responding to electric vehicle fires. The bill amends New Jersey's electrical utility regulations to include funding for annual training programs specifically addressing the unique risks of lithium-ion battery fires, which burn hotter and longer than traditional vehicle fires. The training would be developed by the Commissioner of Health in consultation with the Division of Fire Safety and approved by the Board of Public Utilities. This funding would support emergency responders across New Jersey who handle incidents involving electric vehicles as their use increases on state roads.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey hospitals treating breast cancer patients to provide written notice about their rights to consult with and receive reconstructive surgery from a board-certified plastic surgeon of their choice, regardless of the surgeon's hospital or insurance network affiliation. The notice must be given when the patient is diagnosed with breast cancer and before they consent to surgery, including information about coverage under state and federal laws. It also prohibits insurance plans from including contract terms that block doctors from recommending outside-network plastic surgeons based on patient needs or deny coverage solely because the surgeon isn't in-network. The law applies to surgeries following treatments like mastectomy, lumpectomy, or radiation for breast cancer, the breast cancer gene, or other breast abnormalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Medicaid reimbursement rate for adult medical day care providers in New Jersey from $89.55 to $93.10 per day, funded by a $3.6 million supplemental appropriation. It directly affects community-based medical day care centers that provide medically necessary services to non-resident adults with physical or cognitive impairments, enabling them to remain open. The rate change amends the existing annual appropriations act to adjust the per diem reimbursement for these providers, following previous rate increases since 2021. The goal is to stabilize these essential services amid financial pressures from the pandemic, ensuring vulnerable residents can access community care.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1507) prohibits most entities - including state/local governments, schools, childcare centers, and colleges - from requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of attendance or services. It exempts healthcare workers at licensed facilities who must vaccinate to work with vulnerable patients, aligning with existing healthcare worker vaccine requirements. The bill also creates a reimbursement program through the New Jersey Department of Health to cover out-of-pocket costs for healthcare workers who pay for the vaccine themselves when insurance doesn’t cover it, require employer reimbursement, or face undue financial burden. To qualify, workers must certify specific eligibility conditions, and false claims carry penalties including repayment and fines up to $1,000.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds the Vietnam Veterans of America to New Jersey's existing law granting paid leave for public employees to attend conventions of recognized veteran organizations. It specifically allows state, county, and municipal employees who are authorized representatives of the Vietnam Veterans of America to take up to five days of paid leave annually for convention attendance, with unused days not carrying over. The law already covered numerous other veteran groups (like the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans), and this bill also removes two defunct organizations from the list. The change applies immediately to all eligible public employees across New Jersey's government sectors.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides free admission to New Jersey State parks, forests, and beaches for two groups: (1) all New Jersey-resident veterans (defined as honorably discharged service members), and (2) active-duty military personnel (including reserves) who are either New Jersey residents or stationed in the state. It expands existing exemptions that previously covered only National Guard members after basic training, seniors 62+, and disabled residents. The bill amends current law to remove residency barriers for active military personnel and explicitly includes all veterans under the free access provision. The policy change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Council on Local Mandates membership from nine to twelve members. The Governor must appoint three members based on recommendations from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities' executive director (including two current local officials and one from the Association of Counties). The council must meet at least quarterly to review the state budget and governor's executive orders, then publish public opinions on these topics. This changes the council's structure and meeting requirements but does not alter local government mandates themselves.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A286 requires the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to assist former service members who received an "other than honorable," bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge and were later diagnosed with a service-connected mental health condition (defined as a condition linked to military service by a licensed professional). The DMVA must provide free, uniform assistance with federal petitions to change discharge designations to "honorable," create public awareness materials, and ensure all related information remains confidential. Former service members whose discharge designation is changed will receive the same state rights, privileges, and benefits as those honorably discharged. The bill expands existing DMVA support (previously limited to discharges based on sexual orientation or gender identity) to include mental health cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey shore municipalities to adopt local ordinances providing free or reduced-cost beach access for the spouse and dependent children (over age 12) of qualifying veterans. It expands current law - which already offers similar access to active military personnel and National Guard members - to include veterans who served at least 90 days in active duty or were discharged due to a service-connected injury or disability. Municipalities would track usage of this benefit but are not required to implement it. The policy change directly affects veterans' families and applies only to beaches managed by shore municipalities under existing beach access regulations.