Rep. Bob Auth

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 901, "Max's Law") requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction on the dangers of fentanyl and xylazine in health education for students in grades 6-12. Key provisions mandate teaching specific topics like abuse prevention, poisoning symptoms, emergency response, and legal protections for seeking help, using resources from federal agencies like the CDC and DEA. The bill also requires the state education department to provide resources, maintain online materials for schools and parents, and submit annual reports on the curriculum's effectiveness. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.278.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals New Jersey laws that allowed certain undocumented students meeting specific criteria to qualify for in-state tuition and state financial aid at public colleges. It eliminates the requirement that students must have attended a New Jersey high school for three or more years, graduated from a New Jersey high school (or equivalent), and enrolled as an entering student or currently enrolled as of a specified date. The bill also removes the requirement for undocumented students to file an affidavit about applying for legal immigration status. This change directly affects undocumented students who previously met these criteria but no longer qualifies them for these benefits. Provisions for students with T/U visas or dependents of H-1B/O-1/O-2 visa holders remain unchanged.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits candidates from being nominated for more than one elective office in the same primary or general election in New Jersey. It directly affects candidates who might attempt to run for multiple positions, such as two different legislative seats or a state and local office simultaneously. The key mechanism requires candidates to withdraw from any nomination if they accept a nomination for another office, and amends election code to state: "No person shall be nominated as a candidate for more than one office in any primary or general election" and "No person shall be certified as a candidate for more than one office in the same election." The law aims to prevent candidates from splitting votes or confusing voters with multiple nominations during a single election cycle.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners or operators of venues holding 1,000+ people (like stadiums, arenas, and concert halls) to maintain at least one automatic external defibrillator (AED) on-site. It mandates that AEDs be accessible at all times, properly stored and maintained, with clear signage and staff trained in CPR and AED use. Venues must also develop emergency response protocols and notify emergency services about AED locations. The law aims to improve survival rates for cardiac events - where immediate defibrillation can increase survival by up to 90% - by ensuring rapid access to life-saving equipment at large public gatherings.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands when juveniles (under 18) can be sent to adult court for motor vehicle theft or unlawful taking. It adds specific offenses - like theft of a motor vehicle under N.J.S.2C:20-10.1 or unlawful taking under N.J.S.2C:20-10 - to the list of crimes that automatically trigger a waiver to adult court if the juvenile has *previously* been found delinquent for the same offense. The key mechanism requires prosecutors to seek waiver for these cases without the juvenile’s consent, with courts considering factors like the juvenile’s prior record and maturity. It directly affects juveniles with prior adjudications for motor vehicle theft or unlawful taking, potentially leading to adult criminal sentencing instead of juvenile court processing.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 734) requires political committees and independent expenditure groups to file more detailed campaign finance reports, including contributor occupations and employer addresses for donations over $200. It extends the statute of limitations for campaign finance violations from 2 to 5 years and exempts reports filed with New Jersey's Election Law Enforcement Commission from certain document redaction rules. The bill directly affects political committees, campaign treasurers, and independent expenditure groups by mandating enhanced reporting deadlines (including 24-hour filings during the final week before elections) and quarterly filings for "continuing political committees." These changes aim to increase transparency in campaign financing while strengthening enforcement of campaign finance laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense for financial exploitation of elderly individuals in New Jersey. It amends existing criminal statutes to define the offense, specifically targeting situations where someone in a position of trust - like a fiduciary, caregiver, or agent - illegally takes or controls an elderly person's property through deception or coercion. The law establishes clear definitions for terms like "deprive" and "fiduciary" to ensure consistent prosecution. This change directly affects vulnerable seniors and those who exploit them, providing law enforcement with a targeted legal tool to address financial abuse.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3145) increases state aid to New Jersey municipalities from the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over five years to reverse previous aid cuts. It directly affects all municipalities by requiring them to reduce their annual property tax levies by the amount of the additional state aid received. Key provisions update how the fund's distributions are calculated and require that new aid amounts be subtracted from each municipality's local tax levy. The bill modifies existing laws (P.L.1997, c.167 and P.L.2007, c.62) to implement this adjustment. It does not change the total annual fund amount but ensures municipalities cannot increase their tax burden while receiving more state aid.

Maddy summaryThis resolution opposes proposals to reclassify the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as a National Park and Preserve (specifically the "Delaware River National Park and Lenape Preserve" plan) and expand its boundaries. It cites concerns about potential restrictions on recreational activities like hunting, negative economic impacts on local tourism businesses and farmers, and possible federal land acquisition using eminent domain. The resolution formally expresses New Jersey's opposition to these changes and directs copies to state and federal officials, including the National Park Service and congressional representatives.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits public school districts from including instructional materials that promote specific concepts related to critical race theory, such as claims that one race is inherently superior or that individuals bear responsibility for historical actions of their race. It also bans teachers from engaging in political, ideological, or religious advocacy in classrooms, including endorsing candidates, legislation, or partisan viewpoints on controversial issues. The law allows teaching history neutrally through approved materials, such as historical documents or impartial discussions of historical oppression. Violations could result in withheld state funding, and the bill requires schools to provide teachers with professional development on these rules.