Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend New Jersey's tax code to exclude certain retirement contributions from gross income tax calculations. Specifically, it would exclude contributions to qualified pension plans, deferred compensation plans, and provide a deduction for qualifying individual retirement account (IRA) contributions. Currently, private sector employees benefit from tax deferral on retirement contributions, but public sector employees (including government workers, school employees, and nonprofit staff) do not have the same tax treatment. The bill would extend similar tax advantages to these workers, making retirement savings more accessible for them. It would apply to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2703) amends New Jersey tax law to exclude military compensation from gross income tax for service members who are domiciled in New Jersey but stationed outside the state. It specifically exempts pay received for service performed while stationed outside New Jersey, including active duty pay and housing allowances. The change applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment. This directly affects New Jersey-domiciled military personnel serving at out-of-state locations, reducing their state tax burden on military compensation. The bill modifies N.J.S.54A:6-7 to clarify this tax exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and distribute special blue envelopes for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes must hold driver's licenses, registration, and insurance documents, feature a distinct color recognizable to police, clearly identify the holder's diagnosis, and include communication guidance for law enforcement. It applies directly to autistic drivers, their parents, guardians, or caregivers who apply for the envelopes. The MVC must design these envelopes in consultation with autism advocacy groups, the Human Services Commissioner, and State Police. The bill draws from a 2020 Connecticut law and takes effect 12 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for in-person partial care and intensive outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services for adults aged 21 and older. It raises provider payments by 35% for these services and sets a minimum $10 reimbursement per one-way trip for transportation to or from treatment. The changes apply to both Medicaid fee-for-service and managed care systems, affecting clinics, treatment centers, and adult Medicaid beneficiaries. These rate adjustments aim to improve access to community-based care by ensuring providers are adequately compensated.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed mental health practitioners in New Jersey to complete two hours of annual suicide prevention training. It directly affects clinical social workers, therapists, counselors, psychologists, and psychoanalysts licensed under Title 45 of New Jersey law. Practitioners must complete approved training covering suicide prevention, assessment, and management, then submit proof of completion to their state licensing board. The Division of Consumer Affairs will maintain a list of approved training programs, including those from nationally recognized organizations like the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits under the Pension Adjustment Act (P.L.1958, c.143) for members of New Jersey's State-administered retirement systems. It directly affects retirees and beneficiaries of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund, Judicial Retirement System, Public Employees' Retirement System, Police and Firemen's Retirement System, and State Police Retirement System. The bill reverses a 2011 provision that had eliminated these automatic annual adjustments, ensuring benefits will adjust each year to help maintain purchasing power against inflation. By reinstating COLAs, the bill prevents gradual erosion of retirement benefits' value over time. This change provides concrete financial protection for retirees as the cost of living increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey to annually adjust its income tax brackets for inflation using the national consumer price index (CPI-U), preventing "bracket creep" where inflation alone pushes taxpayers into higher tax brackets without real income growth. The Director of the Division of Taxation would calculate these annual adjustments based on the CPI-U measure. This change would affect all New Jersey residents who pay state income tax by ensuring their tax brackets keep pace with rising prices. The bill follows the same model used for federal income tax brackets, which has been in place since the 1980s.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates an exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. It would require these venues to become smoke-free, meaning no smoking would be permitted inside for employees, patrons, or visitors. The change directly affects casino operators, staff, and customers at all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities (such as those with slot machines, table games, or dedicated seating for betting). This policy shift extends the existing indoor smoking ban to these locations, removing a long-standing exemption.

Maddy summaryACR 31 is a New Jersey legislative resolution applying to Congress for an Article V Convention of States. It seeks to propose constitutional amendments limiting federal government powers, imposing fiscal restraints on spending, and restricting terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution is a continuing application, meaning it remains in effect until two-thirds of U.S. states make similar requests on the same issue. This is a procedural step, not a law; it does not change existing federal policy but requests Congress convene a convention to consider specific constitutional amendments.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Office of the Ombudsman for Children within the Attorney General's office (though operating independently) to oversee child welfare services in New Jersey. The Ombudsman investigates state agency responses to child abuse/neglect cases, inspects facilities like foster homes and group homes, and reviews policies affecting children in state care. Key mechanisms include requiring state agencies to create corrective action plans for systemic issues identified by the Ombudsman, mandating annual public reports to the Governor and Legislature, and creating a 24-hour hotline for public concerns. The office directly affects children in foster care or under state supervision, child welfare agencies, and families reporting issues.