Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1067) requires the state's Department of Human Services to conduct a landscape analysis of mental health services accessible to deaf and hard of hearing residents. It mandates that mental health services be provided in a client's primary communication method (like sign language or speech), delivered by professionals certified in that method and trained in culturally appropriate care for the deaf community. The bill also requires the creation of a resource guide listing providers meeting these standards and defines key terms like "culturally affirmative mental health services." It directly affects deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking mental health care across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public school staff in New Jersey to complete training on caring for students with epilepsy or seizure disorders every two years. It directly affects school staff (including teachers, coaches, and support personnel) and students with these conditions. The training, provided through Department of Health-approved courses by nonprofit organizations, covers recognizing seizures, emergency response, and daily care. This update builds on existing law (P.L.2019, c.290) that already requires schools to develop individualized health plans for affected students but adds the mandatory biennial staff training requirement. The law applies to all school-sponsored activities, including those outside regular school hours.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) to create a statewide policy for student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on school buses, or at school events. The policy must include age-appropriate rules (like banning non-academic use during class), allow emergency phone access, accommodate students with disabilities, and cover devices like smartwatches. School districts must adopt a local policy consistent with this DOE policy by the start of the next full school year, though districts may apply for an exemption. The policy also outlines storage options (e.g., lockers) and network restrictions for social media access.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1941) requires the New Jersey Commission on Human Trafficking to expand public awareness signage about human trafficking to 12 new types of establishments, including gas stations, staffing agencies, law enforcement offices, nail salons, and Motor Vehicle Commission offices. The signage must display the national 24-hour human trafficking hotline number and meet specific size (8.5" x 11") and language (English/Spanish) requirements. Businesses failing to comply face civil penalties of $300 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent violations. The bill directly affects all covered establishments by mandating visible signage to educate the public on trafficking resources.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A1930 broadens the criminal statute for cyber-harassment targeting minors. It lowers the age threshold for a third-degree offense from 21 to 18 years old and removes the requirement that offenders must impersonate a minor to be charged. The bill also mandates that minors under 16 convicted of cyber-harassment complete educational programs about online safety, and penalizes parents who fail to comply with court orders regarding these programs. These changes directly affect adults aged 18+ who cyber-harass minors, minors under 16 who commit such acts, and their parents or guardians. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4941) provides educational support professionals in New Jersey school districts - non-teaching staff like paraprofessionals or administrative workers - with seniority credit for military service. It allows them to count up to four years of active U.S. military service toward seniority, as if they were continuously employed, if they qualify for federal veterans' benefits. The credit applies to all military service, including time served before their current school district employment. This extends an existing benefit currently available to teaching staff to support staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program within New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to address hazards from abandoned mines. It requires the DOT to create a statewide plan mapping all abandoned mines, identifying the most dangerous sites (like those threatening infrastructure or water quality), and ranking reclamation projects by priority and cost. The program will fund reclamation work through a dedicated "Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program Fund" (using federal grants, state funds, or donations), allowing the DOT to carry out projects directly, contract with firms, or provide grants to local governments or property owners. Property owners must be notified before DOT access, but the program prohibits requiring owners to pay for reclamation work. The bill directly affects citizens at risk from mine subsidence or water contamination and property owners near abandoned mines.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates New Jersey State Highway Route 10 (from milepost 0.0 to 23.51) as the "American Legion Memorial Highway" to honor the American Legion's service to veterans. The key provision prohibits using public funds for signs bearing this designation, instead allowing the Department of Transportation to accept private donations or grants from organizations to cover sign production, installation, and maintenance costs. The bill takes immediate effect and has no impact on traffic, road maintenance, or public policy beyond the naming convention. This is a ceremonial designation with no direct impact on residents or businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's human trafficking law to include individuals who financially benefit from trafficking operations, regardless of whether they are organizers, supervisors, or managers. It expands the statute so that receiving any financial gain - such as from exploiting victims in sex or labor trafficking - now constitutes the crime. The law applies to all financial beneficiaries, closing a gap that previously allowed some profiteers to avoid prosecution. This change updates the statute to hold all participants who profit from trafficking accountable under criminal law.

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). The rate for CMO services will increase from $1,032 to $1,200 per client starting in FY2026, with annual $100 increases each year until reaching $1,500 per client. CMOs - county-based agencies providing coordinated care for youth with behavioral health needs, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities - will directly benefit from this higher payment rate. The change is implemented through an amendment to the state's 2025-2026 budget appropriations act.