Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Bill A154 allows individuals to possess bear spray for repelling aggressive bears in bear-prone areas without facing civil liability if used reasonably for self-defense. It amends existing laws to grant civil immunity when a person reasonably believes using bear spray is immediately necessary to protect themselves from a bear attack, excluding cases of willful, wanton, or grossly negligent misuse. The bill directly affects residents and visitors in outdoor settings where bear encounters may occur, such as hiking or camping areas. This policy change specifically modifies civil liability protections under New Jersey law, not criminal statutes or firearm regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey schools and districts to add data on graduates' post-education pathways to their annual performance reports (called "report cards"). Specifically, it mandates reporting the number and percentage of students achieving "positive placement" after graduation, including apprenticeships. The requirement applies to all public schools and districts, building on existing report card elements like graduation rates and college enrollment. The change aims to provide transparency about workforce readiness options beyond traditional college pathways.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-time $5 million grant program to help 10 specific New Jersey school districts implement free, full-day kindergarten programs. It directly affects districts that currently do not offer this service, including Moorestown, Haddonfield, Metuchen, and others listed in the bill. School districts must submit applications detailing their implementation plans and costs to receive an equal share of the funds. The program requires districts to apply with specific plans before receiving grants, with all funds distributed evenly among eligible districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to restore in-person service levels to 2019 standards by increasing staffing, expanding service hours, and adjusting appointment scheduling. Specifically, the MVC Chief Administrator must report staffing needs within 15 days and demonstrate progress on hiring, service hours, and reducing wait time differences (to no more than three days across service types) within 90 days. The bill expires when full-time staffing and service volumes return to 2019 levels or on the final day of the fourth state fiscal year after enactment, whichever comes first. It directly affects MVC operations and New Jersey residents seeking motor vehicle services.

Maddy summaryBill A 3808 allows New Jersey taxpayers to deduct up to $1,500 annually from their gross income tax for charitable donations made to qualified New Jersey animal shelters. The bill defines "animal shelter" as licensed facilities caring for abandoned, lost, or endangered domestic pets needing temporary housing until adoption or euthanasia, including municipal animal control facilities. This tax deduction directly affects New Jersey residents who donate to eligible shelters, providing a financial incentive for such contributions. The policy change becomes effective for taxable years starting after the next January following enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A3405 requires the Department of Transportation to adopt a complete streets policy for all new and rebuilt highway and public transit projects, ensuring safe access for all users including people with disabilities. It specifically mandates that projects consider the needs of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities to enable independent travel. The policy requires the DOT to develop universal design concepts and implementation guidance for these accessibility features in all planning, construction, and maintenance activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to include annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) in contracts with organizations providing child, youth, and family services. The COLA would be calculated using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the previous year (October 1-September 30) and announced by DCF each October 1. It directly affects contracted social service organizations - including those receiving Medicaid funding - by ensuring their fixed service rates (which cover staff wages and operational costs) adjust annually for inflation. This mechanism aims to sustain funding for essential services and maintain competitive staff compensation as living costs rise. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts veterans from paying camping facilities fees at New Jersey State parks and forests. It specifically eliminates fees for campsites, cabins, lean-tos, and shelters for any veteran who was honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or Merchant Marine (World War II). The policy applies to all veterans using these facilities, as defined by state law to include those meeting federal eligibility criteria for veterans' benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to count absences for mental or behavioral health needs as excused, directly affecting students, parents, and school districts. Parents must provide documentation to school officials to verify such absences, and students must be allowed to make up missed work without penalty to their attendance record or eligibility for attendance-based awards. School districts cannot list these absences on transcripts or employment forms, and the Education and Health Commissioners must develop guidelines defining qualifying health reasons. The policy aims to support student well-being while ensuring academic continuity, with implementation required for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3831) allows New Jersey residents with NJBEST college savings accounts to transfer funds directly into a Roth IRA as a "qualified withdrawal," excluding these transfers from New Jersey gross income tax. It expands the existing NJBEST program - designed for college savings - by adding Roth IRA rollovers as a permitted use, aligning with federal tax rules under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. The change directly affects NJBEST account holders who wish to redirect saved funds toward retirement instead of education expenses. The bill amends NJ's tax code to exclude these specific Roth IRA rollovers from state taxable income, while maintaining the program's federal qualification. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Higher Education Committee (introduced January 2026).