Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (ACR 70) is a symbolic gesture celebrating three specific elements: the Irish flag, St. Patrick's Day, and the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes - it is purely commemorative. The resolution expresses New Jersey's recognition of the historical significance of the Good Friday Agreement (signed April 10, 1998), the Irish flag's 175th anniversary (first flown in 1848), and St. Patrick's Day traditions. Copies will be sent to Ireland's Taoiseach and President as part of this ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryAJR 55 designates March 16 each year as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize service dogs that assist veterans with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. The resolution directly affects veterans, service dog organizations (such as Paws Healing Heroes in Glassboro), and the public by raising awareness of these animals' role in veteran support. Its key mechanism is an annual designation requiring the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public observance. This is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with funding or regulatory changes, and it takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A3219 would amend election board eligibility rules (R.S.19:6-2) to allow full-time U.S. citizen college students enrolled at an institution of higher education within a county to serve as district board members (poll workers), regardless of their county or state residency. Currently, applicants must be county residents, but this bill adds a new eligibility category specifically for such students. The change applies only to students attending schools located in the county where they seek appointment and does not alter other existing requirements like citizenship or age. It directly affects college students at New Jersey institutions who wish to work on election boards but lack local residency.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections to provide reunification therapy (counseling sessions) to inmates and their immediate family members before an inmate's release. It applies to inmates scheduled for release within six months (offering immediate participation) or nine months (requiring notification six months prior). Sessions must occur virtually with the inmate and in person with family at approved locations like contracted mental health offices or nonprofit reentry centers, with individual counseling available if family declines participation. The bill also mandates the Department to seek supplemental funding through public-private partnerships and provide information about reentry resources to participating inmates.

Maddy summaryAJR 41 designates the third week of September each year as "Forensic Science Week" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, private organizations, and citizens to observe the week with awareness activities. It recognizes forensic science's role in criminal investigations, including identifying suspects, determining crime details, and supporting justice system integrity through evidence-based methods. This is a symbolic designation with no new legal requirements or funding impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to install and maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on every train set used for passenger service. It mandates that AEDs be kept accessible, tested regularly, and clearly marked with signs. NJT must also ensure trained staff are present on all operating trains to use the devices and provide CPR, while notifying emergency services about AED locations. The law directly affects NJT passengers, staff, and emergency responders by improving cardiac emergency response on public transit. The bill specifies liability protection for NJT and its employees using the AEDs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3187) requires New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to create visitation guidance during public health emergencies, mandating that community-based residential providers allow in-person visits between residents with developmental disabilities and their immediate family members or legal guardians. It directly affects residents in licensed settings like group homes, developmental centers, and community care residences, as well as the providers operating these facilities. The key mechanism is DDD developing the guidance in consultation with the Department of Health, then requiring providers to implement it. The bill applies only during declared public health emergencies and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires State employers and contracted service providers to conduct comprehensive background checks for all employees in positions involving regular contact with children. It mandates applicants disclose any history of child abuse or sexual misconduct investigations, and requires criminal history checks for specific offenses like child molestation, sexual assault, and abuse. Employees or applicants with substantiated child abuse convictions or certain criminal histories would be permanently disqualified from these positions, though rehabilitation evidence may allow exceptions for other offenses. The policy aims to prevent individuals with relevant histories from working with children in State-related positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to minimize adverse economic impacts on **all municipalities** - not just "small" ones - when developing and proposing new rules. It mandates agencies to use flexible approaches like adjusted compliance timelines, performance-based standards, or exemptions where feasible, without compromising statutory goals. Agencies must also provide a detailed "State mandate flexibility analysis" estimating annual costs, required services, and how the rule reduces financial burdens for affected municipalities. This change extends existing requirements (currently limited to small municipalities) to address budget pressures from recent property tax cap restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to update their anti-bullying policies to include two key changes: (1) principals must make a preliminary determination about whether an incident qualifies as bullying before starting an investigation, and (2) hold separate meetings with parents of all involved students within seven days of reporting the incident. It also extends the investigation timeline from 10 to 30 school days after a written report is received. These changes directly affect school principals, parents, and students involved in alleged bullying incidents. The policy amendments aim to ensure thorough initial assessments and provide time for parental input before formal investigations begin.