Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's income tax brackets for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, affecting most individual taxpayers. It increases the income thresholds for the four lowest tax brackets, meaning more taxpayers will qualify for lower tax rates. For example, the threshold for the 1.4% tax rate for married couples filing jointly rises from $20,000 to $68,510. These changes provide tax relief to low- and middle-income New Jersey residents by allowing them to keep more of their income. The bill does not change the tax rates themselves, only the income levels at which those rates apply.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey state agencies from requiring electric heating or water heating systems as the sole or primary option in buildings until a required report is issued. It mandates the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to hold at least six public hearings across the state within 18 months, gathering input on costs, environmental impacts, and effects on workers and low-income residents. The DCA must then submit a report within 24 months, summarizing findings and recommending actions for reducing emissions from buildings. The bill does not ban voluntary electric system use or incentives, nor does it prevent individuals from choosing electric systems.

Maddy summaryBill A2844 would provide free undergraduate tuition and student fees at New Jersey public colleges and universities for children (ages 17-26) and spouses, civil union partners, or domestic partners of veterans who were killed in action, declared POW/MIA, permanently and totally disabled due to service, or died from a service-connected disability. To qualify, the veteran must have been a New Jersey resident when entering active duty, the dependent must be a New Jersey resident enrolled as an undergraduate in good standing, and must have applied for all available state and federal financial aid. The benefit covers up to the credits needed for a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution or an associate degree at a community college. For spouses or partners, benefits are limited to 10 years from the qualifying event (e.g., veteran's death or disability determination) and end if they remarry or form a new partnership.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover annual mental health screenings under the same terms as other medical services. It applies to individual and group health insurance policies, health maintenance organizations, and state health benefit programs. Insurers must provide this coverage without applying more restrictive limitations than those for other medical services. The law mandates coverage for mental health conditions as defined by current medical standards. The bill will take effect 90 days after enactment for all plans issued or renewed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to add specific content about cannabis and marijuana risks to health and physical education curricula for grades 3-12. It mandates age-appropriate instruction covering how cannabis affects adolescent brain development, THC's effects, addiction risks, driving impairment, differences between medicinal and recreational use, and factors influencing usage decisions. The Department of Education must develop this content in consultation with the Division of Addiction Services. The policy directly affects all K-12 students and school health educators across the state. The bill would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the duration of certain emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor under the Civil Defense Act to a maximum of 14 days. It requires the Legislature to approve any extension beyond this 14-day period through a concurrent resolution. The Governor cannot issue identical or substantially similar orders for the same emergency after one expires under this rule. Exceptions include orders rescinding prior emergency measures, federal compliance requirements, internal state government operations, military orders, or orders issued under other laws with longer terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year Animal Advocate Program within New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). It allows courts to appoint an advocate in specific criminal cases involving animal welfare - such as animal cruelty (R.S.4:22-17) or dog fighting (P.L.2015, c.85) - to represent the animal's best interests. The advocate monitors the case, reviews records from animal control and veterinarians, shares information with attorneys, and recommends placement or care to the court. The program expires after two years, requiring the AOC to submit a report on implementation and recommendations for continuation.

Maddy summaryThe "Vegetation Management Response Act" authorizes New Jersey's electric public utilities to manage vegetation near power lines to prevent outages. It defines "dangerous vegetation" as trees or plants that could interfere with power infrastructure and permits utilities to clear, cut, or remove such vegetation using ANSI A300 tree care standards. Utilities must notify affected customers and property owners at least seven days in advance of vegetation management activities and conduct annual public education programs about vegetation management. The bill ensures that local shade tree commissions cannot block utility vegetation management, though utilities must still follow environmental rules and may be held liable for damage caused by non-compliance with commission regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Special Investigations Division in state correctional facilities to submit two types of reports: (1) an executive summary of any inmate sexual abuse complaint within 48 hours of receipt, and (2) a monthly report by the 10th day summarizing all sexual assault allegations from the prior month and updates on open investigations. It directly affects correctional facilities, the Commissioner of Corrections, and facility administrators by mandating timely reporting on abuse investigations. The key provision ensures transparency by requiring prompt initial summaries and regular detailed updates, aiming to improve accountability in handling abuse claims. The bill takes effect four months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3204) requires public school districts to post detailed curriculum plans online at least 30 days before each school year begins. It mandates that districts include all units of study, learning objectives, and information about textbooks/materials used for each grade level on their website, with updates whenever plans change. School districts must also specify when and where parents/legal guardians can review these materials before they are used in classrooms. The law directly affects school districts (requiring website updates) and parents/guardians (granting review access), taking effect for the first full school year after enactment.