Asm. Yvonne Lopez

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's tax lien foreclosure process to comply with the U.S. Supreme Court's Tyler v. Hennepin County decision (2023), which found that taking a property owner's full equity when delinquent on taxes violates the Fifth Amendment. It requires courts to order a judicial sale of the property rather than awarding ownership to the lienholder, with proceeds used to reimburse the lienholder for taxes, interest, and costs before returning any excess to the former property owner. The law applies retroactively to pending cases and affects both municipal and private lienholders. This change prevents "equity theft" by ensuring property owners retain value beyond what they owe in taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 10-member task force to examine school discipline policies in New Jersey public schools, specifically focusing on racial disparities in how discipline is applied and the effectiveness of current practices. The task force includes the Commissioner of Education, seven members appointed by the Governor (representing school boards, teachers, administrators, and public experts), and two public members appointed by legislative leaders. It will study racial impacts on suspensions/expulsions (including preschool), evaluate safety outcomes, review federal guidance on equitable discipline, and identify best practices. The task force must issue a final report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 12 months of forming.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey courts to consider the results of a domestic violence assessment before dissolving certain restraining orders. It specifically applies when a defendant has two or more restraining orders against them, and the defendant must pay for the assessment. The assessment, conducted by qualified professionals like psychologists or social workers, aims to determine the likelihood of future violence. The court must consider the assessment findings along with other factors when deciding whether to dissolve a restraining order. The assessment results would be kept confidential and would not be shared with the victim.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship Program to help reduce financial barriers for future teachers. It provides eligible students up to $7,200 per semester for full-time clinical practice in teacher preparation programs, covering a maximum of two academic semesters. To qualify, students must be New Jersey residents enrolled full-time in approved education programs and complete required steps for clinical practice. The program requires participants to maintain good academic standing, and scholarships terminate if students are dismissed or withdraw due to illness (without requiring repayment). The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will manage applications and collect annual data on program participants.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded program to reimburse county governments for providing transportation services to disabled veterans traveling to medical appointments for service-connected conditions. It appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to support this initiative. The program directly affects disabled veterans who are honorably discharged from military service and certified by the U.S. Veterans Administration as having service-connected disabilities. Counties that provide transportation services to these veterans can receive state reimbursement, reducing out-of-pocket costs for veterans needing medical care. The bill amends existing law to create this specific reimbursement mechanism for county transportation services.

Maddy summaryACR 119 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a fundamental right for all New Jersey residents to a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, and protected natural habitats. It would require the state to act as a trustee for public natural resources - such as water, air, forests, and public lands - ensuring these are preserved for both current and future generations. The amendment specifies these environmental rights are "self-executing," meaning they would take effect immediately without needing additional laws, and would exist alongside existing legal protections. If approved by voters, this would become part of New Jersey's Constitution, directly affecting all residents and imposing a duty on the state to protect these resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $70 million in federal pandemic recovery funds to New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to support arts and culture organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EDA, in consultation with the State Council on the Arts, will distribute $50 million in grants for financial recovery (including $10 million specifically for arts education programs in schools and after-school settings) and $20 million for placemaking projects like public art installations, park beautification, and educational signage. Qualifying organizations - covering both non-profits and for-profit businesses - can use funds to offset pandemic-related revenue losses or build cash reserves for future disruptions. The funding comes directly from New Jersey's allocation of the federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Maddy summaryAJR 105 designates November of each year as "New Jersey Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month" to highlight homelessness among children and youth in the state. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public awareness activities during this month. It does not create new programs or funding but aims to raise public attention on this issue, referencing New Jersey's 2022 data showing 988 homeless families with children and 780 homeless youth identified. This is a symbolic, awareness-focused resolution with no binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryBill A3077 allows EMTs certified in other states to obtain New Jersey certification if their state's standards are equivalent or better and they pass a background check. It requires all EMT applicants and renewing EMTs to undergo a criminal history background check, with follow-up checks every three years for recertification. The bill disqualifies applicants with certain criminal convictions, including violent crimes and Megan's Law sex offenses (which automatically disqualify), and may require applicants to pay for the background check.

Maddy summaryAJR 73 designates May of each year as "Better Hearing and Speech Month" in New Jersey to raise awareness about communication disorders. The resolution asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the month with activities supporting individuals with hearing and speech disabilities. It does not create new laws, funding, or requirements - it is a symbolic designation focused solely on increasing public awareness. The bill directly affects all New Jersey residents by promoting community engagement around communication health issues.