Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's official definition of anti-Semitism by adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) 2016 standard, which includes specific examples of anti-Semitic conduct. It requires state agencies, schools, and institutions to use this definition when reviewing, investigating, or deciding on violations of anti-discrimination policies or laws. The bill clarifies that criticism of Israel similar to criticism of other nations does not constitute anti-Semitism under this definition. It explicitly states that the definition will not override First Amendment protections or existing state/federal anti-discrimination laws. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey residents to deduct the full amount of state property taxes paid on their principal residence from their gross income tax obligation, removing the previous $15,000 annual cap. It directly affects homeowners who itemize deductions on their state tax returns, particularly those with property tax bills exceeding $15,000. Key provisions include clarifying deductions for co-owners, rental properties, and adjustments for high-income taxpayers (those earning over $250,000 annually may face reduced deductions). The bill amends existing tax code sections to implement these changes while maintaining income-based limitations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's transportation authorities to install storage cabinets containing a rescue tube and life jacket on all bridges over 100 feet long that cross waterways. The mandate applies to the Department of Transportation, Turnpike Authority, South Jersey Transportation Authority, Port Authority, Delaware River Port Authority, Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, and Delaware River and Bay Authority. Each cabinet must be installed within six months of the law's effective date. The provisions directly affect first responders who would use these supplies to assist drowning victims. The bill focuses solely on equipment installation with no additional policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a "Highlands Protection Fund" to provide property tax relief to residents in New Jersey municipalities affected by environmental protections in the Highlands region. The fund, financed by state revenues and interest, will support the "Highlands Property Tax Stabilization Fund" that distributes payments to qualifying municipalities based on a decline in vacant land values. These payments help reduce property taxes for residents by compensating for financial losses caused by environmental regulations, as determined by a board of tax experts using specific valuation calculations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and distribute special blue envelopes for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes must be easily recognizable to law enforcement, hold a driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance card, and include written information identifying the holder's diagnosis plus communication guidance for officers. To obtain an envelope, individuals or their caregivers must provide specified documentation. The bill mandates MVC to develop this system in consultation with human services, state police, and autism advocacy groups, with implementation beginning 12 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers in New Jersey to direct traffic during emergencies or disasters. To qualify, members must pass a physical exam, complete approved training, and take an oath. They may direct traffic on roadways until police arrive or at public events with law enforcement approval, wearing required safety gear. The bill also provides legal protection for CERT traffic officers acting in good faith within their training.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Department of Early Childhood within New Jersey's Executive Branch to oversee early childhood programs. It transfers specific responsibilities from the Department of Education (covering preschool through grade 3 programs like teacher licensing and Title I services) and the Departments of Human Services and Children and Families (including child care programs, home visiting initiatives, and early intervention services) to this new department. The department will be led by a commissioner appointed by the governor, who will manage all programs for children from pregnancy through age eight. The law establishes the department's structure, authority, and administrative procedures to consolidate early childhood services under one agency.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's Child Tax Credit program, providing refundable tax credits to low-income residents with children. It directly benefits households with taxable income up to 250% of the federal poverty level, offering $582 per younger child (under age 6) and $187 per older child (ages 6-24) for families at or below 100% poverty level, with credits phasing out gradually as income rises. Key provisions include allowing claims using either Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), ensuring credits don't reduce eligibility for state benefits, and requiring annual reporting on credit usage. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly committee and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $7.5 million annually from existing constitutionally dedicated CBT revenue to create a new "Preserve New Jersey Highlands Preservation Fund." The funds will be used by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council to acquire land in the Highlands Region for recreation, conservation, farmland preservation, and as a state match for federal conservation grants. Specifically, $5 million comes from the Green Acres Fund and $2.5 million from the Farmland Preservation Fund. The bill establishes clear spending rules, requiring project-specific appropriations and annual reporting on land preserved and federal funds leveraged.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed mental health practitioners in New Jersey - including clinical social workers, psychologists, counselors, and therapists - to complete two hours of approved suicide prevention training annually. The training must cover suicide prevention, assessment, screening, treatment, and management in clinical settings, and practitioners must submit proof of completion to their licensing boards. The Division of Consumer Affairs will maintain a list of approved training programs, prioritizing those from national organizations like SAMHSA. The law applies to all professionals practicing under Title 45 of New Jersey’s Revised Statutes and takes effect 90 days after enactment.