Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's tax code to allow military pension and survivor benefit recipients to correct overpaid state taxes within 2 years of amending their federal returns. Currently, taxpayers generally have 3 years to file amended returns, but this change specifically applies the shorter 2-year filing window (previously limited to certain federal tax changes) to military benefit-related overpayments. It directly affects New Jersey residents who received military pensions or survivor benefits and overpaid state income tax due to errors in reporting those benefits. The key mechanism is amending N.J.S.54A:9-8(c) to explicitly include military pension/survivor benefit corrections under the 2-year filing period.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3037) requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to adjust routes and hours for its motorbus, paratransit, and rail services - including light rail - within one year to better meet the mobility needs of people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. NJT must first seek input from individuals with autism and their advocates before making any changes. The bill also mandates that NJT annually gather this input to assess whether current service adjustments are sufficient or if further changes are needed. It directly affects individuals with autism spectrum disorder by aiming to improve their access to public transportation. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance companies and state health programs in New Jersey to cover treatment for suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts for women during the one-year postpartum period (after childbirth). It specifically defines "suicidal ideation" as thoughts or plans about suicide and "attempted suicide" as harmful behavior meant to cause self-harm or death. The coverage applies immediately to all existing and new health plans in the state, including those for state and school employees. The bill addresses a critical health gap, as suicide is a leading cause of death among postpartum women, with studies showing up to 20% of postpartum deaths may involve suicide.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain school staff, school bus drivers, and youth camp employees to undergo child abuse record checks through New Jersey's Department of Children and Families. Candidates and current employees in these roles must provide written consent and pay for the check, which will be conducted alongside existing criminal history checks. If the check reveals a substantiated child abuse allegation, the individual is permanently disqualified from these positions. The bill also guarantees individuals a chance to challenge any inaccurate information that would lead to disqualification.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Division of Unemployment Insurance within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The audit will examine whether the division efficiently uses funds (both federal and state), has enough staff to meet legal requirements, processes applications effectively (especially during emergencies), and operates its IT systems cost-effectively. The State Auditor must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within 90 days detailing findings and recommendations. This bill directly affects the Unemployment Insurance division's operations and oversight, without creating new benefits or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3337) requires New Jersey municipalities bordering the Atlantic Ocean, tidal bays, or rivers to provide free beach access and recreational facility use to eligible veterans. It mandates that these municipalities cannot charge fees to veterans who served at least 90 days in active duty with an honorable discharge, or were discharged due to a service-connected injury or disability. The law changes current practice, which allowed municipalities to *optionally* offer free access, by making it mandatory for qualifying veterans. It applies specifically to veterans meeting these criteria, as verified by military ID, DD-214 forms, or state-issued veteran/Gold Star Family identification. The bill does not affect other fee exemptions currently permitted under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2141) changes New Jersey's law to reduce the minimum time required for voters to switch political party affiliation before a primary election, from 55 days to 21 days. It directly affects voters who wish to change their party registration to participate in a primary election. The key provision shortens the waiting period to align with the existing 21-day window for voter registration changes, making it easier for voters to switch parties closer to primaries. The bill does not alter voting eligibility rules but adjusts the timeframe for party affiliation changes.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill revises the legal definition of "abused child" to explicitly include cases where abuse (physical injury, sexual abuse, or risk of harm) is committed or allowed by non-parental caregivers - such as teachers, staff in schools or institutions, or other individuals with custody or control - not just parents or legal guardians. It expands protections for children by clarifying that institutions (including schools) must be held accountable for abuse by their staff, while exempting day schools from certain provisions under the current definition. The bill does not create new services for children with problematic sexual behaviors (as referenced in the title), but focuses solely on broadening the definition of abuse to cover additional perpetrators. The legislation is currently pending before the Assembly Judiciary Committee after its introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Treasurer to create a free, searchable public website displaying detailed financial data about state spending and revenue. It mandates that all state agencies and public entities receiving state funds must provide information on annual expenditures (including salaries, vendor payments, and local aid), revenues (like taxes and grants), and bond debt. The website must include specific data categories - such as exact amounts paid to vendors and bond details - and be updated within 45 days after each fiscal year ends. The law applies to all state departments, the legislature, courts, and any public entity receiving state funds.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A-3801 requires child care subsidy payments to licensed centers and registered family day care providers to be based solely on the number of eligible children enrolled, not on daily attendance. This directly affects providers who receive state-funded child care subsidies by ensuring their payments reflect consistent enrollment numbers, stabilizing their funding. The bill also mandates that staff-to-child ratio requirements must align with enrollment figures, not attendance, and directs the Department of Human Services to seek necessary federal waivers to maintain funding. It makes permanent a temporary 2021 provision that expired June 30, 2022.