Asm. Vicky Flynn

Maddy summaryACR 58 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $2,500 over four years. It would raise the annual deduction to $1,000 in 2024, $1,500 in 2025, $2,000 in 2026, and $2,500 starting in 2027, with the amount remaining at $2,500 annually thereafter. This change directly affects honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses, who qualify for the deduction on real and personal property taxes. The amendment requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Military Suicide Prevention Task Force within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Department of Human Services. The task force, made up of 17 members including veterans, mental health experts, and state agency representatives, will focus on reducing and eliminating suicides among active duty military members and veterans. It will identify key issues, review current services, examine suicide prevention data, and recommend evidence-based strategies and potential legislation. The task force must submit biannual reports to the Governor and Legislature with findings and concrete recommendations for improving mental health support and crisis resources.

Maddy summaryACR 67 is a New Jersey legislative resolution that formally condemns all forms of anti-Semitism and rejects efforts to justify anti-Jewish hatred. It references rising anti-Semitic incidents, including the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue attack and New Jersey’s ranking as third-highest in the U.S. for such incidents that year. The resolution urges vigilance against hate crimes, supports Holocaust education, and calls for state leaders to join national efforts against anti-Semitism. As a symbolic measure, it has no binding legal effect but expresses the state legislature’s position on the issue.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1808 requires hospitals to annually report drug-related attempted and completed suicides involving minors (under 18) to the New Jersey Poison Control Center. Hospitals must provide data on the minor's age, ethnicity, gender, race, and the specific drug used, while protecting all personal identifiers under privacy laws. The Poison Control Center then compiles this data into an annual report for the Governor and Legislature. The bill specifically covers suicides involving drugs and does not require disclosure of confidential health information. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new applicants for a commercial driver license (CDL) in New Jersey to complete a one-time training course on identifying and responding to suspected human trafficking. The training must be verified before the license is issued, but it does not apply to license renewals. The Department of Motor Vehicles (referred to as "chief administrator" in the bill) will develop or approve this course in consultation with the Commission on Human Trafficking, with materials made available to applicants. This requirement applies only to new CDL applicants at the time of their initial license application, not to existing license holders.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's county mental health programs to include mental health services for veterans and prohibits denying these services based solely on veteran status. It amends existing law to explicitly list veterans as a target population for state funding grants, ensuring programs receiving state funds must expand services to meet veterans' mental health needs. The bill also mandates that counties must refer veterans to the VA for eligibility assistance while waiting for VA services, and cannot deny care during this process. These changes apply directly to veterans in New Jersey who qualify for county mental health programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2253) increases the annual amount credited to New Jersey's Shore Protection Fund from $25 million to $50 million. The fund receives the state portion of realty transfer fees collected when property deeds are recorded (calculated at $1.25 per $500 of property value). The change applies immediately to all future State fiscal years following enactment. This directly affects the Shore Protection Fund's annual funding level, doubling its baseline allocation from realty transfer fees.

Maddy summaryThe Liberty State Park Protection Act establishes a Liberty State Park Advisory Committee and sets requirements for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding actions at Liberty State Park. The bill prohibits the DEP from considering proposals to commercialize, develop, or privatize the park except for limited small-scale commercial activities that enhance visitor experience, such as bike rentals or food concessions. It restricts the DEP from transferring property rights within the 235-acre natural restoration area and Caven Point Peninsula, and requires the DEP to develop a management plan within five years after enactment. The DEP must consult the Advisory Committee before entering into any concession agreements or property transfers, and hold public hearings with 30-day comment periods for proposed changes. The Advisory Committee, composed of park advocates, environmental experts, and community representatives, will review proposals and make recommendations to the DEP.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a new rule of evidence that would allow statements reporting sexual assault or employment discrimination to be admitted as evidence, even though they would normally be considered hearsay. The statement must have been made spontaneously within a reasonable time after the incident to someone the victim would typically turn to for support. This evidence would be admissible to assess the complainant's credibility, counter the idea that delay means the report was fabricated, and help explain the investigative process. It would apply to both criminal and civil cases involving these allegations.

Maddy summaryAJR 36 establishes the "New Jersey Domestic Violence and Legal Access Task Force" to study how lack of legal representation affects people in domestic violence cases. The task force, made up of 16 members including victims, legal experts, and court officials, will examine unmet legal needs and recommend solutions to improve access to counsel. It will specifically focus on how the absence of lawyers impacts both victims seeking protection (like restraining orders) and defendants facing allegations. The task force must submit a report with recommendations within 18 months, including ways to increase legal aid access and encourage pro bono services.