Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits the farming of fur-bearing animals, including fox, rabbit, mink, and muskrat, by making it illegal to breed, raise, produce, or market them for fur. The law explicitly excludes pets, domestic companions, and service animals from this ban, ensuring they can still be bred and sold. Additionally, the bill removes fur-bearing animals from the state's list of agricultural products and excludes them from definitions of land used for farming purposes in tax and zoning regulations. Violations of the ban are classified as disorderly persons offenses, while existing laws regarding the release or importation of these animals remain unchanged.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly resolution urges the federal government to pass a bill that would remove waiting periods for disability benefits and Medicare for people with young-onset Alzheimer's diagnosed before age 65. The proposed federal law aims to eliminate the current 29-month delay in Medicaid coverage, ensuring these individuals receive medical support immediately upon diagnosis. By addressing bureaucratic delays, the legislation seeks to provide timely access to care for approximately 200,000 Americans affected by the disease and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety to create a 24-hour toll-free hotline within 60 days for reporting misconduct by public officials. It covers state and local government employees and allows citizens to report specific issues such as bribery, corruption, and misuse of public funds. The department must investigate all credible reports and can refer cases to law enforcement or ethics commissions for further action. Additionally, the agency must prominently display the hotline number on its website to ensure public awareness.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the first Friday of May each year as "NJ's Unplug Day" to encourage residents to reduce their use of electronic devices. The resolution asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation inviting public officials, organizations, and citizens to participate by limiting screen time and engaging in alternative activities like reading or spending time with family. While the bill does not impose legal restrictions, it aims to raise awareness about the benefits of disconnecting from phones, computers, and other digital media for mental health and social well-being.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 11 of each year as "World Parkinson's Day" in New Jersey to raise awareness about Parkinson's Disease. The resolution requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging communities and organizations to observe the day, potentially by lighting landmarks in blue. It directly affects residents, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and advocacy groups by formally recognizing the impact of the disease and promoting public engagement. The measure does not allocate funding or change laws but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor those living with the condition and support ongoing research efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public colleges and universities in New Jersey to annually report data on how many new students are placed into remedial courses, which are classes that do not count toward a degree. The legislation mandates that these reports include specific details such as the students' high schools and the subjects where they need extra help. Additionally, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education must compile this information into a public report that tracks trends and identifies schools with unusually high rates of remedial placement. If a school district's remedial enrollment rises significantly above its average, the state may share this data with the State Auditor or the Department of Education for inclusion in school report cards.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the percentage of the federal earned income tax credit that New Jersey residents receive, raising the state match to 45% for tax years starting in 2026. It also expands eligibility by allowing adults aged 18 and older who are ineligible for the federal credit due to age requirements to still qualify for the state program. Additionally, the legislation permits married individuals who are victims of domestic abuse to file separately while still receiving the credit, removing the usual requirement to file jointly.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 90-day tax amnesty period in New Jersey that must conclude by January 15, 2027, allowing taxpayers to pay overdue state taxes from 2017 to 2026 with reduced interest and waived penalties. To participate, individuals must pay the full tax amount plus half of the accrued interest while agreeing to give up the right to appeal the tax assessment. Any money collected during this amnesty window will be placed into a dedicated account to provide stabilization funding for school districts, with an initial appropriation of up to $15 million. The program excludes taxpayers currently under criminal investigation for tax matters and requires them to file any missing tax returns by the end of the amnesty period.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey concurrent resolution asks the President and Congress to extend existing benefits to grandchildren of veterans exposed to Agent Orange who have Spina Bifida. Currently, only the children of these veterans qualify for financial aid, healthcare, and support services under the Agent Orange Benefits Act of 1996. The bill seeks to include grandchildren in these programs to help cover lifelong medical costs and provide educational and employment assistance. If adopted, the resolution would be sent to federal leaders to consider updating the federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a voluntary program in New Jersey that awards a State Seal of Civic Readiness to high school graduates who demonstrate strong civic knowledge and engagement. To earn this distinction, students must show proficiency in civics through existing coursework, complete a civic-focused extracurricular activity or community service, and finish a citizenship-related project or portfolio. Participating school districts will issue a certificate and add an insignia to transcripts, while the State Board of Education will set specific criteria without adding new graduation requirements. The Commissioner of Education will also submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing how many students received the award.