Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryAJR 182 designates May 30 of each year as "Stigma Free Mental Health Awareness Day" in New Jersey. This joint resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage state agencies, organizations, and residents to participate in awareness activities. It aims to increase public understanding of mental health stigma, normalize conversations about mental health, and support individuals with mental health conditions in seeking treatment. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but focuses on raising awareness through designated annual recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's restrictions on physical restraint and seclusion in schools to cover all students, not just those with disabilities. It requires schools to immediately notify parents by phone or email when these techniques are used and provide a written report within 48 hours. The Department of Education must annually collect and publish data on restraint and seclusion use, disaggregated by county, race, gender, and age, to promote transparency and accountability. These changes apply to all public school districts and educational services commissions across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide public boat access to State-owned lakes where boating is permitted, either by building access points or through long-term contracts with private marinas (subject to public bidding). It appropriates $2 million from the state's General Fund to fund these access improvements. The DEP must complete the access points within two years of the bill's enactment. If access cannot be provided due to funding shortages, the DEP must report to the Governor and Legislature, detailing the required funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2419) prohibits New Jersey-based commercial mobile service providers (like phone companies) and mobile app developers from sharing customers' GPS location data with third parties without explicit consent. It requires app developers to display a clear, bold notice asking users to actively agree ("I agree to allow my location data to be disclosed to a third party") before sharing location data. Exceptions apply for disclosures required by law, law enforcement, or court orders. Violations would be treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, with fines up to $20,000 per offense. The bill directly affects all mobile app users in New Jersey whose location data is collected by apps or phone services.

Maddy summaryAJR 179 establishes a seven-member "Commission on Apprenticeship Program Promotion" in New Jersey to study how to effectively promote apprenticeship programs to high school students. The commission, appointed by key state officials including labor and education leaders, will examine ways to demonstrate the value of apprenticeships - combining classroom learning with on-the-job training - and the economic opportunities they provide upon completion. The commission must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within one year of its organization, after which it will dissolve 30 days later. This resolution does not create new programs but focuses on research and recommendations to improve student awareness of existing apprenticeship opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens campaign finance transparency in New Jersey by requiring independent expenditure committees (groups that spend money on elections without direct candidate support) to report large contributions and expenditures more frequently, especially in the days before elections. It mandates that these committees report contributions over $7,500 within 24-72 hours before elections and file quarterly reports after elections until their campaign accounts close. The bill also extends the statute of limitations for investigating campaign finance violations from two to four years after an election. Additionally, it exempts all campaign finance reports filed with the Election Law Enforcement Commission from standard redaction requirements that apply to other public records, making these reports more accessible to the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the forfeiture of all pension benefits for elected or appointed New Jersey officials convicted of any crime related to their public office, regardless of whether their pension system covered that specific position. It expands current law, which previously only applied when the pension system covered the office involved in the crime. Boards managing pension funds must now order full forfeiture upon conviction for office-related misconduct, though they may consider factors like the severity of the crime, the official's service history, and other mitigating circumstances before deciding on partial forfeiture. The law applies to all public officials serving in elected or appointive roles, ensuring pension benefits are contingent on honorable service.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local governments to notify their governing bodies when a sex offender who committed a crime against a minor (under 18) registers to live in the municipality. It prohibits such offenders from residing within 500 feet of schools, child care centers, or playgrounds, with exceptions for those already living there, in correctional facilities, or granted specific exemptions by a court or parole board. The bill applies only to sex offenders convicted of offenses against minors, not all registered sex offenders. Its goal is to enhance public safety by reducing proximity between these offenders and children gathering in designated areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a certification process for non-physicians (such as licensed estheticians or technicians) to legally perform laser tattoo removal in New Jersey. It requires the State Board of Medical Examiners to establish specific standards, including qualification criteria, testing procedures, and continuing education requirements. Non-certified individuals would be prohibited from offering these services, and certification would need renewal every two years. The bill directly affects non-physician practitioners seeking to provide tattoo removal services and aims to standardize safety and training under state oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds $500,000 in state funding from the General Fund to the Jersey Fresh program for fiscal year 2024. The program promotes locally grown New Jersey produce through marketing and advertising campaigns, directly benefiting state farmers and consumers. The funding increase supplements the existing $100,000 allocated for Jersey Fresh under the FY2024 appropriations act. This change aims to expand the program's reach while potentially freeing up federal grant funds for other agricultural support.