Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3163) would allow New Jersey residents to deduct charitable contributions made to qualifying New Jersey-based organizations from their state gross income tax. The deduction amount would mirror the federal deduction allowed under IRS Section 170 for the same contribution, regardless of whether the taxpayer claims the federal itemized deduction. It directly affects New Jersey taxpayers who donate to charities registered under New Jersey's Charitable Registration Act or exempt from it, provided the charity maintains a physical presence in the state (office, employees, services). The policy applies to contributions made in taxable years starting January 1 after enactment, pending legislative approval.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A-569) would exclude certain retirement savings plan contributions, withdrawals, and rollovers from state income tax calculations. It directly affects New Jersey residents who use retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs, as these transactions would no longer be counted toward their taxable income. The key mechanism is amending the state's gross income definition to explicitly exempt these retirement-related transactions from taxation. This change would reduce the taxable income of qualifying retirement account holders without altering federal tax treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey colleges to keep naloxone nasal spray in secure, accessible locations across campus residence halls for opioid overdose emergencies. It permits licensed medical staff (like nurses or doctors) and trained resident assistants to administer the medication during suspected overdoses, based on their good-faith belief. Institutions must develop policies designating a medical supervisor, requiring staff training on proper administration and overdose prevention, and mandating hospital transport after naloxone use - even if symptoms improve. The law also provides liability protection for good-faith actions by medical staff, resident assistants, or pharmacists following the bill's guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program within New Jersey's Department of Education to help public school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools provide connected devices (like laptops or tablets), Wi-Fi hotspots, mobile internet access, and related equipment to students lacking them during remote learning. The grants cover full costs for devices per student, internet access per household, device accessories (e.g., cases, headsets), and insurance for theft or damage, funded primarily by federal pandemic relief funds like the CARES Act. Schools must return equipment within five days after remote instruction ends, use 95% of funds for devices (with 5% for family training on internet safety), and report on purchased items and remaining access gaps within one year. The program directly supports students and families affected by the digital divide during school closures.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A 3764 authorizes special childhood cancer awareness license plates for vehicle owners. To obtain these plates, drivers pay a $50 one-time fee plus a $10 annual fee, with all collected funds deposited into a dedicated "Childhood Cancer Awareness License Plate Fund." The fund supports childhood cancer research through annual appropriations to the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research. The plate design is developed in consultation with the WITH Grace Initiative, and initial program costs are covered by non-public donations (up to $25,000) rather than state funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide specific safety information to applicants during driver's license renewals. It directly affects all New Jersey residents renewing their driver's licenses. The key mechanism is mandating that the MVC include certain safety-related content - such as roadway sharing practices, alcohol/drug effects on driving, and vehicle safety maintenance - during the renewal process. The bill does not change existing exam requirements but adds a new informational step for license renewals. This policy change focuses on enhancing driver awareness through mandatory renewal materials.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2649) requires all health insurance plans sold in the state to cover annual mental health screenings as part of standard coverage for mental health conditions and substance use disorders. It applies to hospital service, medical service, and health service insurance contracts, mandating that insurers provide this coverage under the same terms and conditions as physical health care - meaning no stricter copays, deductibles, or review processes for mental health than for other medical services. The law aligns with federal parity requirements and specifically adds the annual screening as a covered benefit. This directly affects all health insurance companies operating in New Jersey and their policyholders, ensuring access to preventative mental health care without additional cost barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes an exemption in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities. Currently, these venues could permit smoking in areas used for gambling (like slot machine rooms or table games), but the bill would eliminate that exception. After passage, all indoor areas of casinos and simulcasting facilities open to the public for gambling would be required to be smoke-free. This change aligns these venues with the state's general indoor smoking ban, which applies to most public workplaces and spaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's state departments and agencies to create a centralized, searchable database on the state's official website containing all public programs. The database must organize programs by eligibility categories like age and income, include specific details for each program (such as purpose, eligibility, application steps, and direct links), and be updated regularly. State agencies must provide standardized program information within 30 days of the bill's effective date. The database aims to make it easier for residents to find and apply for state assistance programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as "Levi's Law" (A 3766), requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to provide updated, evidence-based information about spina bifida - alongside existing Down syndrome resources - to healthcare providers and families. Specifically, it mandates that DOH post clear, plain-language resources online covering physical, developmental, and support services for both conditions, in English and Spanish. Healthcare providers (including doctors, genetic counselors, and nurses) must then share this information with parents who receive a positive prenatal or postnatal test result for spina bifida or Down syndrome. The law aims to ensure families receive timely, accessible guidance during critical decision-making moments.