Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3782) increases annual funding for New Jersey's Commission on Cancer Research from $1 million to $4 million by redirecting cigarette and tobacco tax revenues. It establishes a permanent, non-lapsing Cancer Research Fund in the Department of the Treasury to hold these funds and any interest earned. The fund must be used exclusively for approved cancer research grants and commission responsibilities, with disbursements managed by the State Treasurer. This directly affects the Commission on Cancer Research, which uses the funds to support cancer research projects across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's individual income tax brackets, primarily raising the income threshold for the lowest tax rate. For tax years starting in 2022 and later, the 1.4% tax rate now applies to taxable income under $68,510 (up from $20,000), while the 1.75% rate begins at $68,510 instead of $20,000. These changes directly affect New Jersey residents filing individual income tax returns, particularly middle-income earners whose tax liability decreases under the revised brackets. The bill updates the existing tax code without altering the highest marginal rates for top earners.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey drivers' schools to conduct the road test required for obtaining a driver's license. It permits the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to designate licensed drivers' school instructors as examiners who can administer the test. Applicants who pass the test receive documentation to submit with other required documents for a probationary license, while those who fail must wait 14 days before retaking it. The MVC must establish testing standards within 30 days, with temporary rules lasting up to one year before full adoption under standard procedures. The bill directly affects drivers' schools (as examiners), license applicants, and the MVC's licensing process.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council to study how state agencies use artificial intelligence and provide recommendations for ethical, safe implementation. The council, composed of the state's Chief Technology Officer, two legislative members (appointed by chamber leaders with party balance), and two public AI experts (appointed by the Governor), will assess AI's benefits and risks, develop guidelines to prevent biased decision-making and protect data privacy, and recommend best practices for state agencies. The council must submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature within one year of its first meeting and then dissolve. This directly affects state agencies that will use the council's guidance for AI procurement and implementation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It formally expresses the New Jersey General Assembly's appreciation to all its staff members - including the Chief Clerk, committee staff, administrative personnel, and others - for their dedication and service during legislative sessions. The resolution commends their "outstanding dedication, cooperation, and excellent work" in supporting the Assembly's operations. It requires the Clerk to send copies of the resolution to every staff member. As a procedural measure, it has no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's assault statute to elevate certain assaults against specific healthcare workers to aggravated assault. It directly affects direct care workers at State or county psychiatric hospitals, developmental centers, or veterans' homes who are clearly performing their duties. The key provision (added as subsection b(5)(k)) makes it aggravated assault to intentionally cause bodily injury to these workers while they're identifiable in their roles, increasing penalties. The law does not cover disabled individuals as victims but protects the workers who support them. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Judiciary Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a New Jersey legislative internship program for veterans, creating paid opportunities in public policy. It targets veterans who were honorably discharged within five years, served at or below E-5/O-3 pay grades, and have at least a 20% service-connected disability (or are Purple Heart recipients), excluding those with 20-year retirements. Veterans residing in New Jersey receive priority, and interns must complete a work period with a legislator’s district office, with potential extension at the legislator’s discretion. The program requires the state to seek federal funding (like the "Jobs for Veterans’ State Grants") and appropriate necessary state funds to operate.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires developers of new affordable housing projects (10+ units or 4+ stories) to meet LEED Silver or equivalent green building standards. It also mandates that these developers submit four impact studies to local municipalities before construction: traffic, school, storm water, and carbon (if clearing over one acre of land). The requirements apply to "inclusionary developments" as defined under existing law and do not affect projects with applications submitted before the bill's effective date. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt implementing rules within eight months of enactment.

Maddy summaryACR 27 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $1,000 annually, effective for tax year 2021. It would also tie future adjustments to annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases, ensuring the deduction grows with inflation while never decreasing. This change directly affects honorably discharged veterans, their surviving spouses, and veterans living in continuing care retirement communities. The amendment requires voter approval after legislative passage, as it modifies the state constitution. If approved, the deduction would automatically adjust yearly based on inflation without legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to add specific, age-appropriate instruction about cannabis and marijuana risks to health and physical education curricula for grades 3-12. It mandates teaching students about cannabis' effects on adolescent brains and bodies, THC's impact, addiction risks, driving under influence dangers, differences between medicinal and recreational use, and factors influencing usage decisions. The Department of Education must develop this content in consultation with the Division of Addiction Services. The policy takes effect 60 days after enactment, directly affecting all K-12 public school students and educators in New Jersey.