Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill grants eligibility for the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and retirement benefits to certain county fire instructors who met specific conditions before November 1, 2008. It applies to those who were continuously enrolled in PERS, worked as fire instructors each year of membership, earned over $1,500 annually, and held permanent career service status with their county. The bill also allows individuals whose PERS membership was terminated within three years of enactment to rejoin the system if they repay any returned contributions and interest. The changes take effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryAJR 112 designates the calendar week beginning Sunday that includes September 10th each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or services but encourages statewide awareness and community activities around suicide prevention. It requests the Governor annually issue a proclamation to recognize the week and promote existing resources like the NJ Suicide Hopeline. The bill directly affects all New Jersey residents by fostering community engagement with the state's ongoing suicide prevention efforts. It is procedural, focusing on recognition rather than policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to use video footage from school bus cameras to issue tickets to drivers who illegally pass school buses when children are boarding or exiting. It requires law enforcement to review footage within 90 days of a violation, issue a summons if appropriate, and purge all footage after 60 days (or three days if no ticket is issued). Drivers face a $100 fine for a first offense and $250 for subsequent offenses, with vehicle owners generally liable unless they prove unauthorized use. The bill specifies that no driving points or insurance penalties apply, and footage cannot be shared publicly except in criminal cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's legal terminology by replacing "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse or exploitation material" (CSAEM) throughout state statutes. The change affects multiple sections of law including those related to crimes, sex offender registration, employment disqualifications, and educational programs. The purpose is to use more accurate language that reflects the reality of these crimes and avoids implying consent from victims. The sponsor states this terminology update is not intended to change the substance of the law, but to make the language more consistent with current understanding and international standards. The bill corrects technical inconsistencies in existing statutes while maintaining the same legal protections and penalties.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Resolution 159 commemorates the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people (including American citizens) and took hostages. The resolution mourns the victims, condemns terrorism, stands in solidarity with both Israelis and Palestinians affected by the conflict, and calls for the release of all hostages and support for a peaceful resolution. It directs that copies be sent to Israel's U.S. Ambassador, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, and New Jersey's congressional representatives. As a symbolic gesture, it does not enact new laws or directly affect any group with policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Distraction Free Schools Grant Program, appropriating $2 million to fund public schools in New Jersey that implement policies limiting student cell phone and social media use during school hours and school events. Public schools applying for grants must demonstrate how funding will support these restrictions, but are not required to adopt all recommended best practices (such as age-appropriate policies, emergency use allowances, or device storage options). Schools receiving grants must submit annual reports on how the policies affect academic performance, behavior, absenteeism, and student well-being, with the Department of Education compiling these reports to evaluate the program's effectiveness. The program directly affects New Jersey public schools, students, and school staff by providing financial support for evidence-based approaches to reduce device distractions during learning.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary sales tax exemption for small businesses in New Jersey operating within areas affected by ongoing public highway construction projects. To qualify, a business must have 50 or fewer full-time employees, be independently owned, and be based in New Jersey. The exemption applies only during the active construction period of the highway project (from start to completion) and requires businesses to apply for approval from the Division of Taxation. Approved businesses receive a certificate specifying eligible locations and the duration of the exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a New Jersey gross income tax credit for licensed child care staff and registered family day care providers. Eligible workers must have been employed for six continuous months in their current role, with credit amounts varying by income level ($25,000-$45,000) and the age group of children they serve (birth-30 months or 30+ months). For those earning under $45,000, the credit is refundable - if it eliminates tax liability, they receive the remaining amount as a cash payment. The credit does not count as income for other state benefit programs and requires at least 50% of work time to be spent directly providing child care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a state policy governing student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on school buses, and at school events under staff supervision for all K-12 students. The policy must include age-appropriate rules for limiting phone use, exceptions for emergencies or health needs (with medical documentation), guidance on phone storage options like lockers, and methods to restrict social media access. School districts must adopt a policy consistent with this state guidance, though the Commissioner may grant exemptions upon request. The policy must be developed within 90 days and take effect for the next full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts political contributions from legislative aides to their employing legislator. It prohibits aides (current or who worked for the legislator within the past two years) from giving more than $30 per election to the legislator's campaign, and bans the legislator or campaign from soliciting or accepting such contributions. Violating these limits is a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. The law directly affects legislative aides and campaign committees in New Jersey.