Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill permits licensed motor vehicle dealers in New Jersey to help buyers obtain titles and registrations for used cars purchased through private sales (between non-dealers). It allows individuals aged 17 or older who buy used cars privately to apply to a licensed dealer within 10 working days for title and registration services instead of going directly to the Motor Vehicle Commission. Dealers may charge a reasonable fee for this service and issue temporary registration certificates, while buyers must still apply to the Commission for registration renewals. The bill requires the Commission to create temporary rules within three months to implement these changes, effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Auditor to analyze the costs and benefits of certain state-funded programs and initiatives. It applies to any program or tax credit initiative receiving $1 million or more annually in state funding, including those run by accounting agencies or economic development authorities. The auditor must assess direct/indirect costs, tangible/intangible benefits, compare feasible alternatives, and conduct sensitivity testing. The findings must be reported to the Governor, Legislature, and made publicly available online. This provides lawmakers with data to evaluate program effectiveness and make informed budget decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public schools with grades 9-12 to have counselors or teachers discuss career opportunities in skilled trades, military service, and agriculture with students and their parents/guardians. Schools must also provide information about military enlistment tests during these discussions. The state education commissioner, working with labor and agriculture officials, must supply schools with resources detailing required education, certifications, or apprenticeships for these career paths. The law applies to all high schools starting the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to allow certain non-enrolled students to participate in interscholastic athletics in their district of residence. It specifically applies to students receiving equivalent instruction elsewhere (e.g., homeschoolers), charter school students, and county vocational school students, provided they meet the same eligibility requirements as enrolled students - such as residency, physical exams, academic standards, and for homeschoolers, demonstrating equivalent academic instruction. Students must comply with the district's participation rules and standards of conduct, and any eligibility disputes will be resolved by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. The bill does not require schools to change schedules, provide transportation, or alter existing sports programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state fund to provide property tax relief to municipalities located in New Jersey's Highlands preservation area. Qualified municipalities must either be entirely within the preservation area or have at least 60% of their land in the preservation area while following regional planning standards. The aid amount is calculated based on the decline in true value of vacant land between 2023 (the base year) and the current year. The state will pay eligible municipalities in two annual installments from the fund, which will be funded by the existing "Highlands Protection Fund."

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two programs to support startup businesses in New Jersey. It creates a "Startup Businesses in Business Incubators Development Program" that provides financial assistance to business accelerators and incubators that support startups in specific technology fields like clean energy, life sciences, and advanced materials. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will match 20% of funding provided by research institutions, up to $200,000 per accelerator or incubator, to help these businesses with operating expenses. The bill also provides tax credits (15% of operating expenses for seven years) for qualifying startups participating in these programs, with annual reporting requirements for the authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to offer property tax bills, construction permits, and payment receipts via email as an optional delivery method. It directly affects property owners, permit applicants, and mortgage servicers who can choose to receive documents electronically or continue receiving paper copies by mail at no extra cost. Municipalities must adopt an ordinance to provide email delivery but cannot make it the sole option, requiring them to maintain standard mail delivery for all. The law establishes a process for municipalities to implement this option while ensuring no one is forced to use email. It does not require any municipality to adopt electronic delivery, preserving existing paper-based systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to deduct up to $1,500 annually from their gross income tax for donations made to qualifying animal shelters. It specifically defines "animal shelter" as a licensed facility that houses abandoned, lost, or endangered domestic animals needing temporary care until adoption, relocation, or euthanasia - including municipal animal control facilities. The deduction applies to donations for shelters operating within New Jersey, directly benefiting taxpayers who support these organizations. The provision takes effect for taxable years starting the year after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the requirement that New Jersey National Guard veterans must have served in federal active duty to qualify for a $3,000 annual gross income tax deduction. Currently, National Guard members need to have been called to federal active duty (under federal authority) to claim this deduction, but the bill removes that condition. The change applies to all honorably discharged or released New Jersey National Guard veterans, making the deduction available regardless of whether they served under federal authority. This aligns the tax benefit for National Guard members with the recognition provided to veterans of other military branches.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to record absences for mental or behavioral health reasons as excused, meaning students won't face penalties for missing school to address these needs. Parents or guardians must provide documentation to school officials to verify the absence relates to health needs, and schools must allow students to make up missed work without affecting perfect attendance records. The bill also prohibits these absences from appearing on transcripts or employment forms, and directs state education and health officials to develop implementation guidelines. It directly affects public school students, families, and school districts across New Jersey.