Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryAJR 16 designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize service dogs' role in assisting veterans with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to promote public awareness, highlighting that service dog training costs $3,000-$5,000 (not covered by veterans' benefits) and relies on nonprofit organizations like Paws Healing Heroes. This ceremonial resolution does not create new funding or legal requirements but aims to honor the support service dogs provide to veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1529) prohibits the sale, distribution, import, export, or propagation of specific invasive plant species in New Jersey without a permit from the Department of Agriculture. It directly affects nurseries, gardeners, landscapers, and importers who handle the listed species, including common invasive plants like Japanese barberry, English ivy, and purple loosestrife. Key provisions establish a phased ban: propagation becomes restricted 13 months after the law takes effect, and sales/distribution restrictions begin 49 months later, with permits required for exceptions. The bill also creates the NJ Invasive Species Council to advise on species listings and includes exemptions for certain cultivars like NCMS1 silvergrass, which must still carry educational labels. Note: This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, after being approved as P.L.2025, c.290, meaning it has become law under a different bill number.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that veterans seeking civil service preference in New Jersey must submit proof of their veteran status to the state veterans agency no later than eight days before an employment list is issued. It specifies that veterans must provide documented evidence of their service eligibility under either federal or New Jersey's existing definitions. The bill does not change who qualifies as a veteran but adds a procedural requirement for verifying status when applying for state civil service jobs. This affects veterans applying for state government positions who wish to claim preference under current law. The change aims to streamline the verification process for civil service hiring.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1183) amends New Jersey's gross income tax code to exclude certain retirement contributions from taxable income. It directly affects New Jersey residents who contribute to qualified pension plans, deferred compensation plans, or certain individual retirement savings accounts (like IRAs). The key provision allows these specific contributions to be excluded when calculating taxable income, reducing the tax burden for eligible individuals. The bill creates a new deduction for eligible retirement savings, aligning New Jersey tax treatment more closely with federal rules for these contributions. This is a procedural tax code change with no new programs or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges all current and future New Jersey members of the U.S. Congress to join the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. It does not create new laws but formally requests that NJ representatives participate in this existing bipartisan group. The task force focuses on raising awareness about brain injuries (both traumatic and acquired), supporting research for rehabilitation, and addressing impacts on families and communities. The resolution emphasizes that NJ congressional members can better serve constituents with brain injuries by joining this task force to learn about these issues. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a bill with binding effect.)

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $250,000 from the General Fund to the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) for pediatric clinical services at the Tourette Syndrome Clinic of Rutgers University. The funds directly support diagnostic assessments, counseling, and therapy for children with Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders, particularly those from families with financial need. The clinic provides these services to children aged 5-14, aligning with CDC data showing 1 in 50 children in this age group experience persistent tic disorders.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (AR 28) passed by the New Jersey Assembly, not a binding law. It urges the federal government to approve construction of oil and natural gas pipelines within the U.S., specifically referencing pipelines that were previously shut down or denied approval (like the Keystone XL Pipeline). The resolution states it seeks to advance U.S. energy independence, lower fuel costs, and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources from regions like Russia and Venezuela. It has no legal effect and does not change any existing pipeline approvals or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council appointment rules. It directly affects the Governor's authority to appoint seven public members to the council, requiring that no more than four of these members belong to the same political party. The key provision limits partisan balance among these seven public appointees, ensuring no single party dominates this segment of the council. This change applies to all future appointments under the council's structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the State Health Benefits Commission from five to seven members by adding two new positions: a municipal business administrator (appointed by the Governor based on a recommendation from the New Jersey League of Municipalities) and a county administrator (appointed by the Governor based on a recommendation from the New Jersey Association of Counties). The commission oversees health benefits for state employees, including setting rates and program rules. These additions ensure county and municipal governments have direct representation in decisions affecting their employees' health coverage. The change directly affects state employees, local governments, and the administration of New Jersey's state health benefits program.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's human trafficking law to include individuals who profit financially from trafficking schemes, even if they aren't organizers, supervisors, financiers, or managers. It directly affects people who receive money or other benefits from trafficking activities, such as business owners who exploit victims or third parties facilitating exploitation. The key change adds a new subsection defining human trafficking to cover "receiving anything of value" from trafficking, while maintaining a 20-year minimum prison term and requiring restitution to victims based on their labor value. This makes it a crime to profit from trafficking without needing to prove a formal leadership role in the scheme.