Asm. Bob Auth

Maddy summaryThis bill delays New Jersey's fourth round of municipal affordable housing obligations - including setting regional needs and related litigation - until July 1, 2028, instead of the original 2025 start date. It directly affects municipalities required to meet fair-share affordable housing quotas under the Mount Laurel doctrine. The delay allows time to analyze data from the third round (ending July 2025) before establishing new obligations. The bill explicitly states it does not impact existing court judgments or settlements related to housing obligations finalized before July 1, 2025, and expires on June 30, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey nursing homes and assisted living facilities (licensed under state law) to maintain an on-site supply of COVID-19 antiviral treatments. It mandates that these facilities provide such treatment to any resident who tests positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing symptoms. The law applies directly to long-term care facilities operating in New Jersey and takes effect immediately. The requirement focuses on ensuring timely access to antiviral treatment for symptomatic residents, without specifying which antiviral drugs must be stocked.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to add specific content about cannabis and marijuana risks to health and physical education curricula for grades 3-12. It mandates age-appropriate instruction covering how cannabis affects adolescent brain development, THC's effects, addiction risks, driving impairment, differences between medicinal and recreational use, and factors influencing usage decisions. The Department of Education must develop this content in consultation with the Division of Addiction Services. The policy directly affects all K-12 students and school health educators across the state. The bill would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the duration of certain emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor under the Civil Defense Act to a maximum of 14 days. It requires the Legislature to approve any extension beyond this 14-day period through a concurrent resolution. The Governor cannot issue identical or substantially similar orders for the same emergency after one expires under this rule. Exceptions include orders rescinding prior emergency measures, federal compliance requirements, internal state government operations, military orders, or orders issued under other laws with longer terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's NJ STARS scholarship program to include students who receive equivalent instruction outside traditional schools (such as homeschoolers or students in alternative education programs). It allows these students to qualify for tuition coverage at New Jersey county colleges if they meet the same academic criteria as traditional high school graduates - specifically, ranking in the top 15% of their class or completing a rigorous course of study. The scholarship covers full tuition for up to 18 credits per semester during the first year of enrollment, with renewal dependent on maintaining a 3.0 GPA in subsequent years. This change directly affects students who did not attend public or private high schools but completed equivalent education.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year Animal Advocate Program within New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). It allows courts to appoint an advocate in specific criminal cases involving animal welfare - such as animal cruelty (R.S.4:22-17) or dog fighting (P.L.2015, c.85) - to represent the animal's best interests. The advocate monitors the case, reviews records from animal control and veterinarians, shares information with attorneys, and recommends placement or care to the court. The program expires after two years, requiring the AOC to submit a report on implementation and recommendations for continuation.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises how New Jersey determines the "common level range" used in real property tax appeals. It requires the Director of the Division of Taxation to certify whether adjusting this range from ±15% to ±5% of the average assessed-to-value ratio is technically feasible. If certified feasible, the reduced range (±5%) would apply to future tax appeal determinations starting with the next common level calculation. This change directly affects property owners appealing their tax assessments and county tax boards resolving those appeals, as a narrower range could make it easier for property owners to successfully challenge their tax valuations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey State parks, forests, State-owned beaches, and MVC offices to remain open to the public if a state of emergency is declared due to the state failing to pass the annual budget by the constitutional deadline. During this emergency period, the state cannot charge parking fees at facilities serving parks, forests, or beaches. It also mandates that MVC agencies, inspection facilities, and supporting offices stay operational with no service fees, and designates relevant staff as essential personnel. The bill ensures continued public access to these facilities and services during budget impasses, without changing the underlying budget process.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A430) amends New Jersey law to allow problem gamblers to request placement on the Division of Gaming Enforcement's self-exclusion list for in-person gambling venues through the division's website, by mail, or in-person - expanding current options that previously required in-person visits for casino self-exclusion. It requires the division to establish verification procedures specific to each submission method (website, mail, or in-person) to confirm the requester's identity and intent. The bill maintains existing online self-exclusion options for internet gambling while ensuring licensed casinos must deny excluded individuals access to services like credit, promotions, or winnings. This change directly affects individuals seeking to voluntarily restrict their access to in-person gambling at licensed venues.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3204) requires public school districts to post detailed curriculum plans online at least 30 days before each school year begins. It mandates that districts include all units of study, learning objectives, and information about textbooks/materials used for each grade level on their website, with updates whenever plans change. School districts must also specify when and where parents/legal guardians can review these materials before they are used in classrooms. The law directly affects school districts (requiring website updates) and parents/guardians (granting review access), taking effect for the first full school year after enactment.