Asm. Aura Dunn

Maddy summaryThis bill provides an additional $4.8 million in state funding to Jefferson Township Public Schools for operational costs. The supplemental appropriation directly supports the school district by closing a current budget shortfall in its day-to-day expenses. The funds will be added to New Jersey's education budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year under the Department of Education's operational aid category. This targeted financial aid helps the district cover essential costs like staffing and utilities without requiring local tax increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey's Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to accept voluntary donations, grants, or gifts from the public or private sectors specifically for creating veteran suicide prevention public service announcements (PSAs). Funds received under this bill must be deposited into a special nonlapsing fund managed by the State Treasurer. These funds can only be used to produce and distribute PSAs aimed at preventing veteran suicide, with no other purposes permitted. The bill directly affects the DVA's ability to secure external funding for this targeted prevention effort, benefiting veterans through expanded public awareness campaigns.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of the State Chief Efficiency Officer within New Jersey's Department of the Treasury, appointed by the Governor with Senate approval. It also requires every state executive department to establish an Efficiency Officer position, while allowing counties and municipalities to create similar roles. The officers must ensure taxpayer funds are spent efficiently (e.g., on supplies, utilities, and operations), identify cost savings, and submit annual reports to the legislature detailing savings achieved. The State Chief Efficiency Officer will oversee all department-level officers and maintain a public webpage with these reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a New Jersey tax credit of up to $500 for spouses of active-duty military members who must pay professional licensing fees after relocating to the state due to a permanent military move. It applies to fees required for licenses the spouse held before moving, such as for nursing, law, or engineering, and covers costs incurred within 13 months of the relocation order. The credit directly reduces the spouse's state tax bill for that year, with excess credit treated as a refund. It targets military families facing financial burdens when rebuilding careers after frequent relocations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide public boat access at state-owned lakes where boats are permitted, within two years of enactment. It mandates the DEP to construct access points or contract with private marinas (via public bidding) to create launches for boats with or without motors, using $2 million in state funds. The legislation specifically addresses gaps like Greenwood Lake, where public access was previously limited as private marinas reached capacity. It directly affects the public by ensuring equitable access to state lakes for recreational boating, rather than relying solely on private marinas.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A4430 upgrades certain invasion of privacy offenses to higher criminal degrees (from third to second degree) and removes the automatic presumption against jail time for convictions. It specifically targets secretly photographing, recording, or disclosing intimate images or activities without consent - such as in fitting rooms or dressing areas - where a reasonable person wouldn’t expect observation. The bill also clarifies that disclosing such recordings (e.g., via internet or sharing) constitutes a separate offense. Retail stores can avoid liability by posting clear notices about surveillance, and law enforcement officers are exempt when performing official duties. This directly affects individuals committing non-consensual recording or disclosure of intimate moments.

Maddy summaryACR 121 is a procedural resolution proposing a special session of the New Jersey Legislature focused solely on property tax relief and reform. It would require the presiding officers of both legislative houses to convene the session within seven days of the resolution's passage, dedicating it entirely to developing solutions for New Jersey's high property taxes. The resolution states that these taxes - among the highest in the nation - disproportionately burden residents, including the elderly, young people, and low-income families, while supporting schools and local governments. This measure does not enact tax changes itself but creates a dedicated legislative process to consider such reforms.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4431) upgrades the offense of stalking when the victim is under 18 years old from a fourth-degree to a third-degree crime in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals who stalk minors, increasing penalties to a maximum of 3-5 years in prison or a $15,000 fine for such offenses. The key provision amends New Jersey's stalking statute (P.L.1992, c.209) to specify that stalking a minor automatically elevates the charge to third degree, regardless of prior offenses. This change applies immediately upon enactment, without requiring additional court orders or prior convictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades penalties for repeat offenses of buying sex (prostitution as a patron) in New Jersey. A first offense remains a disorderly persons offense, but a second or third offense becomes a fourth-degree crime, and a fourth or subsequent offense becomes a third-degree crime. The bill also requires that fines collected from these offenses be directed to the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund" to support survivors of human trafficking. It applies specifically to individuals who repeatedly engage in purchasing sexual services.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Battlefield to Boardroom Act provides tax credits to New Jersey businesses that hire veterans meeting specific criteria. Businesses can claim a credit equal to 10% of qualified wages paid to veterans (capped at $1,200 per veteran annually) for wages earned between 2026 and 2029. To qualify, businesses must hire at least 25% veterans as new employees, maintain 50% of veterans hired the previous year, and provide veteran support services and recruitment efforts. The credit cannot exceed 50% of the business tax liability and is void if wages are claimed for other state benefits.