Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's marriage license application form to allow couples to change their middle names or surnames at the time of marriage. It provides five specific options for surname changes, including combining both spouses' premarital surnames, using a hyphenated name, or moving a former surname to the middle name position. The form must clearly state that name changes are optional and direct applicants to update Social Security records afterward. The policy directly affects anyone applying for a marriage license in New Jersey who wishes to modify their name as part of the marriage process, eliminating the need for separate court or government office procedures.

Maddy summaryAJR 28 designates the third full week in May each year as "Roxie's Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children" in New Jersey. The resolution encourages counties, cities, and school districts to promote drowning prevention awareness through local activities and programs. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation urging public officials and residents to observe the week, emphasizing proven safety strategies like close adult supervision, pool barriers, swimming lessons, and life jackets for non-swimmers. This commemorative resolution aims to raise public awareness about drowning being a leading cause of preventable child injury and death, particularly for children under five.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1582) requires New Jersey public school students who sustain a concussion to obtain an evaluation and written clearance from a licensed health care professional before returning to school. It also prohibits students from participating in any physical activities (like recess or PE) until they receive this clearance. School districts must implement any restrictions or limitations recommended by the health professional, using their 504 team (per N.J.A.C. 6A:8-1.3), and notify all relevant staff. The law applies directly to public school students, school districts, and licensed health care providers who diagnose/treat concussions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special "Support Our Veterans" license plate for New Jersey residents, with the $50 initial fee (plus $10 annual fee) funding a dedicated fund. Proceeds from these fees, after covering production costs, will support services at New Jersey's Veterans Haven homeless veteran centers. The program requires 500 initial applications and $25,000 from the Veterans Haven Council to cover startup costs before implementation. If annual production costs exceed the $50 fee for two years, the license plate program may be discontinued.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed organizations in New Jersey - such as charities, churches, veterans' groups, and civic clubs - to conduct a new type of raffle game called "Queen of Hearts." The game uses a board with 54 shuffled playing cards; a randomly drawn winner selects a card. If the card isn't the Queen of Hearts, the winner gets a cash prize immediately, and the game continues weekly until the Queen is chosen. If the Queen is selected, the winner receives half the prize, with the rest kept by the organization. The state's gambling control commission will establish rules for how these raffles must be run.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "State House Flag Program," allowing New Jersey legislators to request that a New Jersey State flag be flown over the State House to honor an individual, group, or organization. For each request, the State Capitol Joint Management Commission’s Building Management office will provide a certificate detailing the date and recipient, then mail the flag and certificate to the honoree. The program is funded through a one-time appropriation from the General Fund, with the Director of Public Information required to publicize the program to the Legislature and public.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3228) extends the required notice period for certain land use applications from 10 to 21 days before public hearings. It directly affects developers and municipalities by requiring longer advance notice to property owners within 200 feet of proposed developments, as well as to county planning boards, utility companies, and other specified entities. The key provision amends Section 7.1 of New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law (P.L.1975, c.291) to mandate this 21-day notice period for applications involving major subdivisions, site plans, or developments near roads, county land, or state highways. The change applies to most public hearing requirements for development projects, excluding minor site plans and certain routine approvals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires urgent care clinics (treating acute but non-life-threatening conditions) and retail health clinics (located in stores/pharmacies, offering limited walk-in care) to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site and ensure staff are trained in its use. Clinics must store the AED centrally, maintain it, notify emergency services of its location, and train all employees in CPR and AED operation. At least one trained employee must be present during business hours. The law takes effect immediately but enforces these requirements 365 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill would restore approximately $331 million in municipal aid reductions that occurred during fiscal years 2009-2011 by gradually increasing distributions from the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over five years. Starting in fiscal year 2017, municipalities would receive incremental increases (20% in 2017, 40% in 2018, 60% in 2019, 80% in 2020, and 100% starting in 2021) to fully restore aid levels from fiscal year 2012. The bill requires municipalities to subtract any additional aid received from their property tax levy when calculating their next year's tax amount. This directly affects all New Jersey municipalities that received aid from these funds, allowing them to lower property tax rates for residents while maintaining their overall aid levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates special New Jersey license plates supporting Autism Awareness. Vehicle owners who apply pay a $50 one-time fee and a $10 annual fee, with the additional funds going to a special fund. The fund, managed by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, supports autism research and treatment programs. The program requires 500 initial applications and a $25,000 contribution from autism advocacy groups before implementation, and will expire if these conditions aren't met within 12 months.