Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill would extend New Jersey's tax treatment of health savings accounts (HSAs) to mirror federal tax treatment. It would allow New Jersey taxpayers to deduct HSA contributions that are deductible for federal income tax purposes, exclude HSA growth from gross income, and exempt qualified medical expense distributions from NJ taxation. The bill would apply to individuals covered by high-deductible health plans, which require minimum deductibles ($1,000 for self-only coverage, $2,000 for family coverage) and have out-of-pocket maximums ($5,000 for self-only, $10,000 for family). This would align New Jersey tax law with federal law for HSAs, which currently provide tax advantages not available under NJ gross income tax.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution urges New Jersey's U.S. Congressional delegation to join the existing Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. The task force works to raise awareness about brain injuries, support research for rehabilitation and potential cures, and address impacts on families, education, and the workforce. The resolution asks current and future New Jersey representatives to join the task force to better represent constituents affected by traumatic or acquired brain injuries. It does not create new policy but encourages congressional engagement with this existing advocacy group.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1498) changes how energy tax revenues are distributed by requiring energy taxpayers (such as utility companies) to pay energy taxes directly to municipalities instead of through the State. It revises the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Aid program, directing the State Treasurer to calculate each municipality's share based on historical payments and equalized property valuations, then instruct energy taxpayers to pay that amount directly to the municipality. The bill ensures municipalities receive either the full amount of energy taxes collected or the amount they would have received under current law, whichever is greater, preventing the State from retaining any portion of these tax collections for other purposes. This change would take effect starting in Fiscal Year 2022, fundamentally altering the revenue distribution mechanism for energy taxes in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable tax credit for New Jersey residents who pay for care of qualifying elderly relatives. It allows eligible caregivers to claim 22.5% of up to $3,000 in qualified care expenses (such as home health services, adult day care, or home modifications) paid for a senior family member who is 60+ (or 50+ with Social Security Disability) and meets income requirements. To qualify, caregivers must have gross income under $100,000 (or $50,000 for certain filing statuses), and the credit is refundable - meaning it can be paid as cash if it exceeds tax liability. The credit applies to expenses not reimbursed by insurance or government programs and is in addition to any dependent deductions claimed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to close public schools for regular classes on election days when those schools serve as polling places. It allows school boards to use the day for staff training instead of holding classes. The law applies immediately to all election days, with its first application being the November 2021 general election. This policy directly affects school districts that use public schools as voting locations during elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3193) requires New Jersey's Adjutant General to create a program helping veterans access evaluation and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or total brain injury directly linked to military service. The program must provide support services like transportation, guidance, assistance filing disability claims, and help updating discharge status. It specifically covers veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces or Reserve components, including the New Jersey National Guard. The Adjutant General must develop this program in coordination with relevant state departments and agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's child care subsidy program to cover families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level (approximately $83,250 for a family of four in 2022), up from the current 200% limit ($55,500 for a family of four). It requires the state to establish at least four income tiers for determining eligibility and co-payment amounts, and appropriates necessary funds from the General Fund for implementation. The bill also ensures subsidy rates for child care - especially for school-aged children during school breaks - do not fall below pandemic-era levels ($83,250 for a family of four in 2022). This directly affects low- and moderate-income families with children under 13 who need subsidized child care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit surgical declawing (onychectomy) or flexor tendonectomy procedures on cats or other animals, except when a licensed veterinarian determines it's medically necessary for the animal's health. The law specifically bans declawing for cosmetic reasons or convenience, allowing exceptions only for conditions like infections, injuries, or diseases affecting the animal's claws. Veterinarians must document such procedures with the Department of Health and provide a copy to the pet owner, with failure to comply resulting in disciplinary action. Violations would be punishable by civil penalties of $500-$2,000 or criminal charges including fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals diagnosed with autism or a communication disability to voluntarily add a notation to their New Jersey driver's license, ID card, and MVC registry. The notation includes a restriction code for law enforcement to identify and communicate effectively during interactions, while the holder can remove it anytime. It also creates a confidential statewide registry storing vehicle details and emergency contacts (submitted voluntarily) for law enforcement use only during stops, with strict privacy protections preventing public access. Additionally, it mandates annual training for all law enforcement agencies on interacting with and de-escalating situations involving individuals with these diagnoses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to implement a "complete streets" policy for all new or rebuilt public highways and transportation projects. The policy must specifically include design elements that help people with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual or developmental disabilities travel independently. The DOT must also develop universal design concepts and guidance to integrate these accessibility features into planning, construction, and maintenance. Additionally, the DOT must encourage local governments receiving state transportation funding to adopt similar inclusive policies.