Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis proposed New Jersey bill (A 3228) requires websites, social media platforms, and other online entities to verify the age of users attempting to access content deemed "harmful to minors" before allowing access. It mandates reasonable age verification methods (like digital ID checks) and prohibits minors from accessing such content unless it's determined suitable for them under state standards. The law specifically targets material meeting strict criteria, such as content depicting sexual acts or lacking artistic value for young people. Currently pending in the Assembly Science Committee, it would apply to all online services operating in New Jersey, not just social media.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds postpartum depression services to New Jersey's statewide behavioral health crisis system. It requires the Commissioner of Human Services to contract with 24/7 crisis hotline centers that handle 9-8-8 calls, specifically including postpartum depression support, and coordinate mobile crisis teams for in-person help. The centers must meet national standards, provide culturally competent care, and refer callers with children to family services. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents experiencing postpartum depression who previously lacked dedicated crisis pathways within the behavioral health system.

Maddy summaryThis bill suspends fines for small businesses on first-time paperwork violations related to state agency requirements, defined as businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees meeting federal small business standards. It requires businesses to correct violations within six months to qualify for the suspension, unless the violation involves tax collection, poses serious public harm, or interferes with criminal investigations. For violations deemed a public safety danger, agencies may still suspend fines if the business corrects the issue within 24 hours of notification. The bill does not apply to repeat violations or certain tax-related offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends membership eligibility in New Jersey's Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF). It changes the membership termination rule from two to four consecutive years of discontinued service (N.J.S.18A:66-7) and extends the window for returning to work from 10 to 20 years for specific groups: teachers laid off due to staff reductions, district consolidation, or those with 10+ years of continuous service upon voluntary termination (N.J.S.18A:66-8). Teachers who don't withdraw their contributions can maintain membership during these extended periods and return to work within the new timeframe. The change directly affects educators who leave teaching roles under these conditions, preserving their ability to rejoin the pension system without losing membership status.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey mail-in ballot outer envelopes from displaying any visible political party names, symbols, or designations to the public. It directly affects all voters receiving mail-in ballots in New Jersey elections, as county clerks must ensure envelopes contain no political information on their exterior. Key mechanisms require county clerks to use envelopes without visible political content when mailing ballots and to include specific voter instructions on the envelope's exterior. The bill amends existing election laws to mandate this change for both primary and general election mail-in ballots.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3815) proposes to reclassify burglary of a residence. It upgrades burglary of a dwelling or structure adapted for overnight accommodation to a second-degree crime (currently third degree in most cases), and further upgrades it to a first-degree crime if the perpetrator is armed with a weapon or explosives. The change directly affects individuals committing burglaries in homes or similar living spaces, increasing penalties: second-degree burglary carries 5-10 years in prison, while first-degree burglary (with weapons) carries the same term. The bill also aligns sentencing for these offenses with a new requirement that 85% of the sentence must be served before parole eligibility. This is a proposed legislative change, not yet enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1273) would require local governments to notify municipal governing bodies when a sex offender registers in their area and prohibit certain sex offenders from living within 500 feet of schools, childcare centers, or playgrounds. It directly affects sex offenders convicted of crimes against minors under 18, local municipalities (through notification duties), and facilities where children gather. Key provisions include mandating police to forward offender addresses to town councils and banning residence near child-congregate areas, with exceptions for existing homes, correctional facilities, or court/parole board-approved cases. The bill expands New Jersey’s Megan’s Law to enhance public safety by restricting where certain sex offenders can live.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to obtain written permission from a parent or legal guardian before administering certain student health surveys. It directly affects school districts, parents/guardians, and students, covering surveys about substance use (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, vaping), sexual behavior, violence-related behaviors, and nutrition/physical activity. Schools must provide a detailed permission form at least two weeks in advance, explaining the survey's purpose, data access, and how to approve or deny participation (with failure to respond counting as approval). Survey results must be shared with state education and health departments for public health initiatives but cannot be used for commercial purposes. Violations may result in monetary penalties.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Bill A3436 creates a 15-member Task Force on Child Care Deserts within the Department of Children and Families. The task force will study areas where over two-thirds of children cannot access licensed child care (defined as "child care deserts") and examine factors like geographic access, family demographics, funding gaps, and infrastructure needs. It will review existing research and develop policy recommendations for eliminating these deserts. The task force must issue a report to the Governor and Legislature within six months of organizing, with the group dissolving 30 days after the report is issued. This bill directly affects families in underserved urban and rural communities lacking child care options.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school boards to give hiring preference to veterans for teaching positions when veterans are equally qualified as non-veteran candidates in all measurable criteria (such as experience, certifications, and qualifications). It directly affects veterans applying for teaching jobs in most school districts, ensuring they receive preference only if their qualifications match other candidates exactly. The law does not apply to approximately nine school districts that follow the Civil Service system (Title 11A), as those districts' existing rules supersede this bill for classified employees. The preference applies immediately upon enactment.