Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state, county, and municipal authorities to designate "special event zones" around large automotive events (defined as events with 25+ attendees or approved by local government) for traffic regulation. Within these zones, authorities may temporarily reduce speed limits for safety and prohibit "exhibition driving" (reckless maneuvers like excessive skidding, engine noise, or roof riding). Violations of traffic rules - including speeding, careless driving, or exhibition driving - within these zones carry increased fines up to $1,000, or up to 60 days in jail for reckless driving. The zones remain active during the event and for a reasonable period before/after, with required signage informing the public of reduced speeds and penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities to install electronic monitoring devices (EMDs) in common areas when all residents and their authorized representatives consent. It also permits residents to install EMDs in private rooms with the consent of roommates in double occupancy rooms. The bill specifies that EMDs must be unobstructed and recording at all times, with common area footage retained for 90 days. Group home licensees must develop internal policies for EMD use, and residents can access footage related to incidents of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The bill aims to balance resident safety with privacy rights through voluntary, consensual use of EMDs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires criminal history background checks for individuals applying for or renewing licenses in specific health care professions, specifically adding applied behavior analysts, creative arts therapists, and dietitians to the list of professions requiring these checks. Background checks must be conducted as part of the licensing application process, and licensing boards may deny or revoke licenses based on criminal history that meets existing standards. The requirement does not apply to nurse aides, personal care assistants, or homemaker-home health aides, who are already covered by other background check laws. This change expands existing background check rules to new health care fields without altering current exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts sales of refined precious metal bullion (like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars) and high-value numismatic coins ($1,000 or more) from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It directly affects buyers purchasing these specific investment-grade items, not jewelry or art made from them. The law defines "investment bullion" as unprocessed metals where value depends on metal content, excluding fabricated items like jewelry. It also excludes commemorative medallions and coins used in artistic works from the exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the State of New Jersey to sell 10.01 acres of land and improvements at 5 Jean Street in Morris Township (known as the Morris Regional Day School) to the Morris County Educational Services Commission for $1. The property, deemed surplus by the state, will be transferred "as is" without state responsibility for repairs or upgrades, unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Attorney General must complete the sale within 90 days of the bill's effective date, and the transaction does not require additional approvals from state agencies or the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new factor for courts to consider during sentencing: whether a defendant was a survivor of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse that contributed to their criminal behavior. It directly affects criminal defendants in New Jersey who have experienced abuse and are being sentenced for offenses. The key change amends New Jersey's sentencing law to include this as a specific mitigating factor, allowing judges to weigh it alongside other circumstances when determining appropriate sentences. This does not guarantee reduced sentences but expands the considerations courts must evaluate.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's NJBEST college savings program to align with federal tax law. It adds "special rollovers to a Roth IRA" to the definition of a "qualified withdrawal" under the NJBEST program, allowing account holders to transfer funds tax-free into a Roth IRA. This change specifically excludes such rollovers from New Jersey's gross income tax calculation, meaning the earnings portion of these transfers won't be subject to state income tax. The bill directly affects NJBEST account holders who wish to use funds for Roth IRA contributions instead of traditional education expenses, matching the federal 529-to-Roth IRA rollover rules effective after 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2812) exempts the sale of defined investment metal bullion (like refined gold, silver, platinum, or palladium) and investment coins (numismatic coins valued at $1,000 or more) from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It directly affects buyers purchasing these specific items for investment purposes, excluding jewelry, art made from coins, and commemorative medallions. The exemption applies to retail sales made after the bill's effective date, which is the first day of the fourth month following enactment. This policy change aligns the tax treatment of these items with other investment instruments like stocks, which are not subject to sales tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires criminal history background checks for individuals applying for an initial license in three specific health care professions: applied behavior analysis, creative arts and activities therapy, and dietetics and nutrition. The background check must be completed before a license is issued, aligning these professions with existing requirements for other licensed health care fields. Existing rules allowing licensing boards to deny or revoke a license based on criminal history will continue to apply to these applicants. The requirement takes effect for applications received on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New Jersey's annual allocation of cigarette and tobacco tax revenues to the Commission on Cancer Research from $1 million to $10 million. It establishes a dedicated, non-lapsing "Cancer Research Fund" within the state Treasury, ensuring these funds cannot be diverted to other uses. The fund must provide at least $5 million for general cancer research and at least $5 million specifically for pediatric cancer research, with all money used exclusively for commission-approved projects. The State Treasurer manages the fund, investing it like other state trust funds, and interest earned stays in the fund.