Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a program to help mental health professionals working with children and adolescents in New Jersey reduce student loan debt. Licensed mental health professionals who live in New Jersey, work full-time providing counseling to youth, and have qualifying student loan debt can receive up to $1,000 annually toward their loans (for up to 4 years) or claim a $1,000 tax credit against their state income tax. To qualify, participants must maintain residency, employment in qualifying roles, and provide proof of loan balance and service each year. The program aims to support mental health workforce development by easing financial burdens for professionals serving young people.

Maddy summaryThis bill would temporarily exempt small retail businesses in areas affected by highway construction from paying state sales tax during active projects. To qualify, businesses must have 50 or fewer full-time employees, be independently owned, and operate within an "impacted construction zone" where highway work blocks traffic or access. Businesses must apply to the state tax director for approval, which would issue a certificate specifying eligible locations and the exemption period matching the project's duration (from start to completion). The exemption applies only to sales at the business during the construction phase, not to other tax obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3829) requires New Jersey school districts classified as "child care deserts" (where preschool seats are less than one-third of needed for residents aged 3-4) to provide preschool education vouchers to parents of eligible students. Eligible students are those who qualify for free preschool under existing law but cannot enroll in their district's program due to lack of seats. Vouchers equal the state's per-pupil preschool aid amount and can cover private preschool tuition, homeschool materials, or be deposited into a New Jersey Better Educational Savings Trust account. The law takes effect immediately, applying to the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Family Development to base state child care subsidy payments to licensed providers and registered family day care centers on the number of enrolled children (counted on October 15 and April 15 annually), not on actual attendance. It directly affects child care providers serving low-income families who receive state and federal subsidies. The bill prohibits payments from being calculated on children present at any given time, aiming to provide more stable funding amid enrollment fluctuations. It also mandates the Commissioner to seek necessary federal waivers to maintain funding eligibility.

Maddy summaryBill A1800 would allow small private theaters (seating under 400 people) that charge admission for live musical or theatrical performances to obtain an alcohol license. Currently, only nonprofit theaters with over 1,000 seats qualify for similar licenses, which permit alcohol service during shows and two hours before/after. This bill specifically authorizes for-profit theaters to serve alcohol during performances and the adjacent time window, requiring municipal approval with oversight from New Jersey's Alcohol Beverage Control division. It removes population-based license restrictions that currently apply to other venues.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new mitigating factor to New Jersey's sentencing guidelines for defendants convicted of crimes. Specifically, it allows courts to consider whether a defendant suffered physical, sexual, or emotional abuse that contributed to their criminal behavior. The provision applies directly to individuals whose abusive past was a factor in their offense, requiring judges to weigh this circumstance during sentencing decisions. The bill does not change sentencing ranges but gives judges an additional consideration to potentially reduce penalties for eligible defendants. The bill was introduced to the Assembly Judiciary Committee on January 13, 2026, and remains pending.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide program within New Jersey's Department of Transportation to address safety hazards from abandoned mines. It requires the DOT to create a reclamation plan mapping all abandoned mines, identifying the most dangerous sites (like those threatening infrastructure or causing subsidence), and prioritizing projects to stabilize or reclaim them. The program will use a dedicated fund (funded by federal grants, state appropriations, and donations) to finance reclamation work, which may include contracting with private firms or providing grants. Property owners near affected mines will be notified before DOT enters their land for reclamation, but the state cannot require them to pay for these projects. The bill directly affects DOT operations and property owners in areas with abandoned mining sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric, gas, and water utilities in New Jersey to automatically notify customers about service outages via phone calls, texts, or emails using contact details on file. Utilities must share outage location, estimated duration, emergency contacts, and updates as the situation develops. It specifically excludes outages caused by unpaid bills. The law applies directly to customers affected by unexpected service disruptions beyond the utility's control.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for submitting proposed changes to the Governor's annual budget recommendations in New Jersey. It requires legislators and the State Treasurer to file budget resolutions (proposing additions, deletions, or changes to revenue or spending) by June 1 each year, with all resolutions published publicly online through the Legislative Budget Office by that date. The bill also mandates that sponsors disclose if they or close family members have business ties to entities benefiting from proposed funding increases. These changes directly affect legislators, the State Treasurer, and the public, ensuring transparency about budget proposals before the annual appropriations bill is finalized.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state fund to provide financial aid to New Jersey municipalities located in the Highlands preservation area, specifically compensating them for declines in vacant land property values caused by the 2004 Highlands Water Protection Act. To qualify, a municipality must be entirely within the Highlands area or have at least 60% of its land in the area and have updated its local plans to align with Highlands protection rules. The aid amount is calculated by comparing vacant land values between 2023 (the base year) and the current year, then multiplying the difference by the municipality's tax rate. The state will distribute payments twice yearly from the established fund, directly offsetting municipalities' local tax revenue needs.