Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution designates October 13, 2020 as "Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day" in New Jersey. It officially recognizes this date to raise public awareness about metastatic breast cancer - a form of the disease that has spread and is incurable, with an average life expectancy of 18-36 months after diagnosis. The resolution directs the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day through activities honoring organizations working on research and treatment for this condition. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the disease's impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill, A3214, provides tuition-free education at New Jersey public colleges for dependent children of veterans who died or became totally and permanently disabled due to service-related injuries or illnesses, as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It covers up to 60 credits for associate degrees and 120 credits for bachelor's degrees, contingent on the student being a New Jersey resident, meeting academic standards, and applying for all available state, federal, and VA education benefits first. The state will reimburse public institutions for waived tuition costs. Eligibility requires the student to have no federal benefits covering tuition beyond the free credit hours and to be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide public boat access at state-owned lakes where boating is permitted, within two years of enactment. It appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to fund construction, contracts with private marinas (via public bidding), or other solutions for public boat launches. The policy directly affects residents seeking recreational access to state lakes, such as Greenwood Lake, where public access has been limited as private marinas now restrict or charge for day-use access. Key provisions mandate DEP action if access cannot be provided due to funding constraints, requiring a report to the Governor and Legislature detailing the issue and needed resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year Mental Health Awareness Pilot Program within New Jersey's Department of Education, targeting middle and high school students. School districts wishing to participate must apply with data on student demographics, absenteeism, academic performance, mental health staffing, and current services. The Commissioner of Education will select six districts - ensuring regional and community diversity (urban, suburban, rural) - to implement innovative mental health awareness and coping skills initiatives. After two years, the Commissioner must report to the Governor and Legislature on the program's implementation and recommend whether to continue or expand it.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county clerks to send a confirmation notice to voters who apply for mail-in ballots and request delivery to a different address than their registered voting address. The notice, sent to the voter's registered address, will confirm the separate mailing address and provide instructions for correcting errors in the request. It directly affects voters who choose a non-registered address for ballot delivery, ensuring they are notified of the change. The bill amends existing election law to add this mandatory notification requirement, which is not currently required under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends paid leave for New Jersey public employees who serve in military reserves or the National Guard. It allows state, county, school district, and municipal workers to take paid leave for required inactive duty training (like regular drills) within existing annual limits: 30 work days for federal reserve members and 90 days for New Jersey National Guard members. The law maintains current pay protections but requires the state to reimburse local governments and school districts for any additional costs incurred. This change applies immediately to all affected public employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all 11th-grade students in New Jersey public schools to complete a United States civics course as part of their high school graduation requirements, starting with the 2023-2024 school year. The course must cover fundamental principles of democracy, the U.S. government, New Jersey state government, and local county/municipal governments. School districts must ensure this civics course is included in their graduation requirements, and the content must prepare students to become informed citizens, voters, and community members. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for motor vehicle registration fee exemptions and toll exemptions on New Jersey toll roads to include disabled veterans approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to receive adaptive vehicle equipment. Specifically, it adds veterans who have completed VA Form 21-4502 and received approval under 38 U.S.C. §3901 to the existing list of exempt veterans. The law requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority to waive tolls for eligible veterans using E-ZPass on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Atlantic City Expressway. It does not change existing exemptions for veterans of World War II, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam War who meet current criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3159) creates a 10% price preference for businesses owned by women veterans or women actively serving in the U.S. military when competing for New Jersey state contracts paid with public funds. It directly affects qualifying businesses that meet specific criteria: at least 51% ownership/control by a woman veteran or active-duty woman, with the business based in New Jersey and independently operated. The preference means a qualified business can win a contract even if its bid is slightly higher than others, as long as it remains the lowest after applying the 10% discount. The bill defines "woman veteran" as a female with an honorable military discharge and "woman serving in the military" as a female on active duty or who completed initial training.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 93) urges the U.S. President and Congress to permanently restore the expanded federal child tax credit levels from 2021. It requests legislation that would provide $3,600 annually for each child under age 6 and $3,000 for each child aged 6-17 (up from the current $2,000 maximum), ensuring families avoid a planned 2025 reduction to $1,000 per child. The resolution directly affects U.S. families with children under 17 who qualify for the federal tax credit, particularly those facing high childcare, housing, and food costs. It references the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, which temporarily increased credit amounts and reduced child poverty, noting that without permanent action, credits would revert to pre-2021 levels by 2025. The resolution itself does not change law but advocates for federal legislative action.