Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide a property tax rebate to disabled veterans who own or rent their primary residence in New Jersey. It directly affects disabled veterans, including those experiencing financial hardship due to high property taxes and rental costs, as highlighted by the bill's findings (73% of NJ veterans have disabilities, with 518 homeless veterans in the state). The rebate is intended to help prevent homelessness and reduce financial burdens for this group. The bill defines key terms like "homestead" and "disabled veterans" but does not specify the rebate amount or exact eligibility calculations in the provided text. It is currently pending before the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryAJR 52 designates the third full week in May each year as "Roxie's Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging communities, schools, and officials to promote drowning prevention awareness through local activities. It focuses on raising public awareness about proven safety strategies, such as close adult supervision, pool barriers, swimming lessons, and life jackets for non-swimmers. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents, particularly parents and caregivers of young children, by highlighting preventable drowning risks. This is a procedural resolution with no new regulations, solely aimed at increasing community awareness.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A 1775 requires health insurers (including hospital, medical, and health service corporations) to cover counseling and behavioral therapies for anyone receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. The bill mandates that this coverage be provided under the same terms and conditions as other medical treatments, prohibiting stricter limits on mental health/substance use disorder benefits compared to general medical care. It directly affects insured individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders and requires insurers to comply with federal mental health parity standards. The law would apply to all health insurance contracts issued or renewed in New Jersey after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide Parkinson's disease registry in New Jersey to track cases and support public awareness. It requires healthcare providers to report diagnosed Parkinson's disease or Parkinsonisms cases to the Department of Health, while allowing individuals to opt out of the registry. The registry collects anonymized data on incidence, treatment, and demographics (with patient consent), ensuring strict confidentiality through coded records and secure data sharing agreements. This directly affects healthcare providers who must report cases and patients with Parkinson's disease who may choose to participate or opt out. The bill also creates a public awareness program to educate residents about the condition.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to maintain a supply of naloxone nasal spray (for opioid overdose emergencies) in secure, accessible campus locations and develop a campus policy for its emergency use. It directly affects institutions of higher education, licensed campus medical staff, and designated campus personnel like resident assistants who may administer naloxone after required training. Key provisions include mandating hospital transport for overdose victims after naloxone use, permitting trained non-medical staff to administer the drug in good faith, and providing liability protection for those acting in compliance with the law. The policy must be developed with guidance from the state’s higher education and human services departments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the president or vice-president of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the American Federation of Teachers-New Jersey (AFT-NJ), or any local unit representing K-12 teachers to sign an acknowledgement of existing child abuse reporting duties and complete training on those requirements before taking office. It directly affects union leaders who represent K-12 educators, mandating they confirm understanding of current laws (including N.J. Stat. § 9:6-8.10 and § 18A:36-25) and State Board regulations for reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or missing children. The training focuses on procedures for school employees to notify authorities about such cases. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to allow certain non-enrolled students - such as those receiving equivalent instruction elsewhere (e.g., homeschooling), attending charter schools, or enrolled in county vocational schools - to try out for and participate in interscholastic sports in their district of residence, provided they meet the same eligibility requirements as enrolled students. To qualify, students must prove residency, pass physical and academic checks (like grades and health screenings), and for non-public school students, demonstrate they receive an academically equivalent education. The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) will resolve eligibility disputes, and students previously ineligible at their prior school remain ineligible if barred for academic or behavioral reasons. This applies only when the student’s current school does not sponsor the desired sport.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3776) creates a $500,000 fund to reimburse New Jersey municipalities for specific police and sanitation costs incurred managing crowds at Motor Vehicles Commission (MVC) locations during the COVID-19 emergency period. It directly affects municipalities that spent on crowd control, traffic management, litter/garbage collection, and portable restrooms at MVC sites. Municipalities must apply through the Division of Local Government Services to receive reimbursement, with funds limited to the $500,000 appropriation. The program is retroactive to March 9, 2020, and ends when the state's emergency declarations conclude.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of State to create a website where voters can report problems with mail-in ballots they receive (e.g., ballots sent to wrong addresses or deceased voters). The website would let voters submit their contact details and describe issues, with reports automatically sent to local election officials for follow-up. It also establishes a "Vote by Mail Study Commission" to investigate mail-in voting accuracy, including holding public hearings and recommending improvements to prevent errors like sending ballots to inactive or non-resident voters. The commission must report its findings to the Governor and Legislature within one year, after which it expires.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Medical Examiners to create a certification process for non-physicians (like licensed estheticians or technicians) to legally perform laser tattoo removal. It mandates that non-physicians must meet specific qualifications, pass approved testing, and complete continuing education to obtain certification. Certification is required before offering these services and must be renewed every two years. The law directly affects non-physician service providers seeking to enter the tattoo removal field, establishing standardized safety and competency requirements.