Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A3851 requires public schools to implement evidence-based early reading instruction for students in preschool through third grade. It mandates the Commissioner of Education to develop a specific literacy plan within one year, emphasizing phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension - while prohibiting "balanced literacy" and the "MSV" three-cueing model. School districts must adopt this instruction starting in the second full school year after the bill takes effect, and teacher preparation programs must require six credits of evidence-based reading training for certification. The bill directly affects New Jersey public schools, educators, and teacher training programs by changing curriculum standards and certification requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of farm equipment and lawn mowers sold in New Jersey to provide independent repair providers and equipment owners with the same diagnostic, service, and repair documentation as they offer to their authorized repair providers - free of charge or under identical terms and timing. It also mandates that manufacturers sell service parts, software updates, and diagnostic tools under "fair and reasonable terms," including security-related repair documentation for equipment with electronic locks. The law prohibits manufacturers from forcing authorized repair providers to use proprietary formats when standardized options exist and exempts them from selling parts no longer available. Violations may result in a civil penalty of up to $500 per offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey school districts to count absences due to students' mental or behavioral health issues as excused. It requires the state Education Commissioner, in consultation with the Health Commissioner, to develop guidelines defining these absences and specifying required documentation (e.g., medical notes) for students returning after such absences. The policy directly affects public school students, districts, and state education officials by expanding eligibility for excused absences. The guidelines must be established before the policy takes effect in the second full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryBill A3602 provides a $250,000 supplemental appropriation to fund pediatric clinical services at the Tourette Syndrome Clinic of Rutgers University. It directly supports children with Tourette Syndrome and related disorders in New Jersey by covering diagnostic assessments and counseling services through the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders. The funding is allocated specifically for the clinic’s operations, including sliding-scale fees for families with financial need. This appropriation supplements existing state funding under the 2024 budget for the Division of Family Health Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to the New Jersey Library Network to cover rising operational costs. It directly supports approximately 2,500 public libraries across New Jersey that provide community access to materials, programs, and services. The funding is a supplemental allocation added to existing library funding under the annual appropriations act. It ensures these libraries can continue serving residents without service disruptions due to financial pressures. The bill does not change library policies or eligibility - it solely provides emergency operational funding.

Maddy summaryACR 119 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a fundamental right for all New Jersey residents to a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, and protected natural habitats. It would require the state to act as a trustee for public natural resources - such as water, air, forests, and public lands - ensuring these are preserved for both current and future generations. The amendment specifies these environmental rights are "self-executing," meaning they would take effect immediately without needing additional laws, and would exist alongside existing legal protections. If approved by voters, this would become part of New Jersey's Constitution, directly affecting all residents and imposing a duty on the state to protect these resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $70 million in federal pandemic recovery funds to New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to support arts and culture organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EDA, in consultation with the State Council on the Arts, will distribute $50 million in grants for financial recovery (including $10 million specifically for arts education programs in schools and after-school settings) and $20 million for placemaking projects like public art installations, park beautification, and educational signage. Qualifying organizations - covering both non-profits and for-profit businesses - can use funds to offset pandemic-related revenue losses or build cash reserves for future disruptions. The funding comes directly from New Jersey's allocation of the federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) rules to extend the time members can be out of service while maintaining their pension membership. It changes the cutoff from 2 years to 4 years for most members who discontinue service, and extends the return-to-service window from 10 to 20 years for those who were laid off or had 10+ years of service when they voluntarily left. The bill also ensures members who terminated employment before the bill's effective date but returned within the extended timeframe would be enrolled in their original membership tier without additional contributions. This affects current and former public school teachers who are members of the TPAF. The changes provide more flexibility for educators who leave teaching positions but may want to return later.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3428) expands New Jersey's child tax credit to include children aged six to 11, in addition to existing coverage for children under six. It increases the credit amount for all children under 12 over a two-year period: for 2023-2024, families with children aged six to 11 receive $500 (up to $30,000 income) or less at higher income levels, with the credit rising to $600 for 2025 and beyond. The credit phases out completely for taxpayers earning over $80,000 annually, regardless of filing status. It directly affects New Jersey taxpayers with children aged six to 11 who file state income taxes and earn under $80,000.

Maddy summaryACR 107 is a concurrent resolution (not a law) expressing New Jersey's legislative support for a "Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights." It lists specific outdoor activities children should have opportunities to experience, such as exploring woods, building forts, playing in mud, planting gardens, and observing nature. The resolution directs copies to the Governor, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, and the Commissioner of Children and Families for their awareness and consideration. It does not create new legal requirements but formally encourages state agencies to recognize the importance of outdoor experiences for children's well-being.