Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill creates tax credits for New Jersey businesses that employ members of the New Jersey National Guard or reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces. Employers receive a $1,500 credit per service member not on deployment, or $2,500 for those who have completed deployment or returned from activation. The credits apply to both the corporation business tax and gross income tax, with specific rules for partnerships and S corporations. It directly affects New Jersey businesses hiring these service members, providing financial incentives based on their deployment status.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the FY2026 annual funding for New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) by $16.7 million to raise the monthly reimbursement rate paid to care management organizations (CMOs). Specifically, it raises the NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rate for CMO services from $1,032 to $1,200 per client starting in FY2026, with annual $100 increases until reaching $1,500 per client. CMOs - county-based agencies providing coordinated care for youth with complex behavioral health needs, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities - are directly affected by this rate change. The funding adjustment ensures CMOs receive higher payments for services delivered under the NJ FamilyCare program.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's tax brackets for married couples filing jointly (and similar taxpayers like heads of household), raising the threshold for the lowest tax rate from $20,000 to $40,000 for 2020+ tax years. It directly affects married couples filing jointly by reducing their tax burden on income between $20,000-$40,000 annually, eliminating a previously higher tax rate that disproportionately impacted these filers. The key change updates Section 54A:2-1, subsection (a)(7), shifting the first tax bracket to apply to income under $40,000 (previously $20,000) and adjusting subsequent rates accordingly. This policy change specifically targets the "marriage penalty" where joint filers paid more tax than separate filers at certain income levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax relief to small retail businesses (50 or fewer full-time employees) located in areas affected by public highway construction projects, such as the I-80 project. It creates two main credits: (1) a refundable credit against sales tax remittances for businesses in impacted zones during construction, and (2) a credit against business privilege tax based on verified revenue loss. Businesses must apply for approval, document their impact, and claim credits during the project’s active "relief period" (from start to completion). The credits are limited to 50% of tax liability and expire after seven years if unused.

Maddy summaryThis bill adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as an educational resource for New Jersey state agencies, schools, and law enforcement. It defines antisemitism as hatred toward Jews, including specific examples like Holocaust denial, harmful stereotypes (e.g., conspiracy theories about Jewish control), and double standards applied to Israel. The definition is explicitly non-binding and must be used while protecting constitutional rights like free speech. New Jersey lawmakers cite the state's high rate of antisemitic incidents - including ranking third nationally in 2023 - as the basis for this measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill (NJ A3857) requires municipalities to mail notice of certain land use hearings to affected property owners at least 21 days before the hearing, up from the previous 10-day requirement. It directly affects property owners within 200 feet of proposed projects like street changes, property assessments, or development approvals. Key provisions mandate that notices must be mailed to the owner's last known address or a list they provide, and include details about the hearing date and location. The change applies to ordinances affecting land improvements, street vacating, or development approvals requiring public notice, as outlined in New Jersey's land use laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to use school bus video footage to enforce laws against drivers illegally passing stopped school buses. It requires law enforcement to review footage within 90 days to issue fines ($100 for first offense, $250 for repeat offenses) when violations are confirmed, with footage purged after 60 days or 3 days if no ticket is issued. The bill clarifies that vehicle owners and operators are jointly liable for fines unless the owner proves unauthorized use, with special rules for leased vehicles. It also prohibits adding points to driver's licenses for these violations and restricts footage use to enforcement purposes only, not public disclosure.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3824) would expand New Jersey's pension and retirement income tax exclusion to include taxpayers with incomes above $150,000. Currently, the exclusion phases out for those earning over $150,000, but this bill would allow taxpayers with income between $150,000 and $300,000 to claim 50% of the exclusion amount for the portion of income within that range. It directly affects New Jersey residents aged 62+ or with permanent disabilities who receive pension or retirement benefits. The change would increase the maximum exclusion amount for qualifying taxpayers, moving it from $150,000 to $300,000 in taxable income.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Out-of-School Time Advisory Commission to review before-school, after-school, and summer programs statewide. The 22-member commission - including state agency heads, legislative appointees, and representatives from child care organizations, schools, and advocacy groups - will assess current programs, develop statewide standards, examine funding sources, and evaluate program quality across urban, suburban, and rural districts. It must issue an interim report within one year and a final report within two years of forming, including recommendations for improving accountability and quality. The commission expires 30 days after submitting its final report, with no immediate funding or program changes enacted by this bill.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes procedures for handling animals in cruelty cases. It allows law enforcement to seize animals without a warrant if immediate danger is present (e.g., extreme pain or injury), and with a warrant otherwise. Animals must be placed in licensed shelters or care facilities, with costs for food, emergency veterinary care, and basic needs recoverable from the owner within 20 days via court claim. The bill excludes domestic livestock and specific dog-tethering laws from its scope, and prohibits charging for elective surgeries or non-essential care. The bill is pending before the Assembly Judiciary Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.