Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 27) symbolically commemorates Greek Independence Day on March 25th, specifically marking the 201st anniversary of Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire in 2022. It serves as a formal statement of recognition, not a policy change, acknowledging New Jersey's significant Greek-American population and cultural presence. The resolution directs copies to the Governor, the New Jersey Hellenic American Heritage Commission, and the Hellenic Federation of New Jersey for ceremonial purposes. It does not create new obligations, funding, or legal requirements for any individuals or entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3793) requires New Jersey health care facilities to screen health care workers and first responders - those who provided pandemic response or essential services during the COVID-19 crisis - for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the pandemic when they seek inpatient or outpatient care. Facilities must avoid redundant screenings across the state, respect an individual’s right to refuse screening, and offer referrals to treatment resources and links to mental health information if symptoms are identified. The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services must develop a screening tool and publish resource links on its website, which facilities must share with affected workers and link to via the Department of Health’s website. The law aims to ensure timely access to mental health support for pandemic responders through standardized, non-intrusive screening and resource coordination.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3795) provides tuition-free enrollment in New Jersey public colleges for dependent children of veterans who died, are missing in action, or are totally disabled due to service-related injuries (as certified by the VA). It covers up to 60 credits for associate degrees and 120 credits for bachelor's degrees at public institutions. To qualify, students must be New Jersey residents, meet academic progress standards, apply for all other available financial aid (including federal VA benefits), and have classroom space available. The state will reimburse public colleges for waived tuition costs.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires public service employers (like schools, local governments, and public libraries) to certify employees' eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. It specifically mandates that educators receive credit for 3.35 hours worked per hour of classroom time when calculating full-time status for loan forgiveness purposes. The bill also directs the state’s Secretary of Higher Education to create and distribute plain-language materials explaining the program to all public service employees annually. These materials include standardized letters, fact sheets, and FAQs to help employees navigate the federal program. The law directly affects public sector workers with federal student loans seeking forgiveness after 10 years of qualifying service.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to install and maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on every train set used for passenger service. It mandates that each AED be kept accessible at all times during operation, marked with a clear sign, and regularly tested. NJT must also ensure at least one employee trained in CPR and AED use is present on every operating train, and notify emergency services about AED locations. The bill applies directly to NJT’s rail operations and passengers using its trains, aiming to improve emergency medical response during cardiac incidents.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $17 million from the General Fund to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for fiscal year 2023. It establishes a grant program to assist qualified entities - including lake commissions (like Greenwood Lake and Lake Hopatcong), local governments, and nonprofits - focusing on lake management for recreation and conservation. Grants prioritize projects improving water quality, preventing harmful algal blooms, increasing public access, and controlling pollution that affects lake use. The DEP must develop application criteria and administer the program, with funds limited to eligible lake management activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to study the causes and risk factors of youth suicide in the state. The study must examine specific factors like mental illness, substance use, trauma, family history, and social withdrawal, while respecting privacy laws. Within 180 days, the DOH must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature with findings and recommendations for potential policy changes. The bill directly affects New Jersey youth by focusing on understanding suicide causes to inform future prevention efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school districts to close on November 11th each year (Veterans Day), prohibiting schools from opening on that date. It directly affects school districts and students by mandating a holiday observance that currently depends on individual district decisions. The key provision prohibits boards of education from scheduling school on Veterans Day, ensuring the day is observed as a holiday. The bill takes effect immediately for the first full school year after enactment. It does not change funding, curriculum, or other school operations - only the required closure date.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's earned sick leave law to provide a compliance option for employers covered by collective bargaining agreements. Specifically, it allows such employers to meet the law's requirements by offering employees 40 or more hours of any paid time off (including vacation, personal, or sick days) per benefit year, rather than requiring separate sick leave accrual. This provision applies retroactively to the effective date of the original 2018 earned sick leave law (P.L.2018, c.10). It directly affects unionized workplaces by simplifying compliance through existing paid time off policies. The change does not alter the 40-hour annual limit or eligibility rules for employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to require the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to create a comprehensive public webpage specifically for women veterans. The webpage must include information on medical and insurance issues, veterans' legal rights, benefits, education, and transition resources. It does not establish a new treatment program but mandates the dissemination of existing information about medical resources, including those related to veterans' health needs. This change aligns with the Adjutant General's existing duty to provide public information on veterans' programs and benefits.