Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4407) increases daily pay for election workers from $300 to $400 per election (primary, general, or special). It also raises additional compensation for workers managing signature copy registers: from $12.50 to $20 for one worker, or $6.25 to $10 each for two workers sharing the duty. The state will increase its reimbursement to counties from $225 to $325 per election worker, meaning counties still cover $75 of the $400 daily rate. The bill directly affects election workers and county governments across all New Jersey counties.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a New Jersey state tax deduction of up to $5,000 annually for disabled veterans who incur expenses related to service animals. It covers costs for purchasing, training, and maintaining a service animal, including food, grooming, and veterinary care. To qualify, a veteran must be honorably discharged with a service-connected disability (as defined by the U.S. Veterans Administration) and own a service animal meeting the federal definition under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The deduction applies to expenses not already deductible under existing medical expense provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new affordable housing developments (called "inclusionary developments") with 10 or more units or four or more stories to meet LEED Silver or equivalent green building standards. Developers must also submit impact studies on traffic, schools, stormwater, and carbon emissions (if clearing over one acre) to local municipalities before construction begins. The law applies to new projects only, exempting those with applications submitted before the law takes effect. It directs the Department of Community Affairs to create implementing rules within eight months of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Statewide Suicide Prevention Coordination and Oversight Council within the Department of Human Services. The council will standardize data collection from state suicide prevention entities, requiring non-identifying demographic and situational information (such as age, gender, military status, and suicide method) and program details. It will develop reporting guidelines, analyze data to identify trends, and issue annual reports with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. These reports will include aggregated statistics on suicide attempts and completions to inform future prevention strategies. The council will consist of 25 members, including state agency leaders and appointed public members with mental health expertise.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to create and post downloadable maps of all motor vehicle-accessible roads within each State forest on its website within 180 days of enactment. It directly affects drivers and visitors who use State forests by providing clear, official maps showing which roads are open to public vehicle access. The maps must be available for download or printing with clear instructions on the department's website. The bill does not change existing road access rules but makes current motor vehicle routes easier to locate.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding assembly resolution (AR 139) expressing formal appreciation to the staff of the New Jersey General Assembly. It specifically thanks the Chief Clerk and all staff members - including Sergeants at Arms, committee services, administrative personnel, and others - for their dedication, expertise, and service during legislative sessions. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely a symbolic gesture recognizing staff contributions to the legislature's operations. Copies will be distributed to all General Assembly staff members.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council to study how state agencies use artificial intelligence (AI). The council, made up of the state's Chief Technology Officer, two Assembly members, two Senate members, and two public AI experts, will evaluate AI's benefits and risks in government operations. It must develop ethical guidelines to prevent bias and protect privacy, recommend safe AI practices for state agencies, and review current AI systems for fairness. The council will report its findings to the Governor and Legislature within one year and then cease to exist.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's earned sick leave law to provide an alternative compliance method for employers with unionized workers. It allows employers to meet sick leave requirements by offering at least 40 hours of paid time off (PTO) per benefit year - covering personal, vacation, or sick days - to employees under collective bargaining agreements, instead of tracking separate sick leave accruals. The PTO must serve the same purposes as sick leave and applies retroactively to the 2018 law's effective date. This directly affects unionized employees in New Jersey covered by collective bargaining agreements, simplifying compliance for employers.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for residential behavioral health services to match Medicare Part B rates starting July 2024 and requires annual cost-of-living adjustments for residential behavioral health providers based on the Consumer Price Index. It establishes a fund for grants to cover facility repairs and maintenance, and creates a competitive grant program to support behavioral health professional training through internships. The bill also relaxes clinical supervision requirements for certain licensure pathways in behavioral health fields. These changes directly affect residential behavioral health providers, behavioral health professionals, and Medicaid beneficiaries in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a sexual assault prevention and response program and coordinator within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). It directly affects service members (including National Guard members) and veterans who experience sexual assault or harassment, allowing victims to file confidential complaints regardless of whether the assault occurred on or off duty. Key provisions include appointing a coordinator to provide victim advocacy, refer cases to the Attorney General for investigation, assist with protective orders (state and military), and enable participation in the federal "Catch a Serial Offender Program." The program requires annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing prevention efforts, investigation statistics, and improvements needed in training and response.