Asm. Bob Auth

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1111) requires commercial trucks over 26,000 pounds gross weight to have GPS systems that provide real-time alerts about low-clearance bridges and weight restrictions, plus route directions adjusted for the vehicle's specific height and weight. It directly affects most commercial freight haulers operating in New Jersey, excluding government vehicles, school buses, and religious/charitable transportation. The GPS must display infrastructure warnings and dynamically reroute based on the truck's size when entered by the driver. The Motor Vehicle Commission will create implementation rules, with the law taking effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require health insurers in New Jersey to provide coverage for mammograms starting at age 35, lowering the current requirement from age 40. It mandates one baseline mammogram for women at age 35 and annual mammograms for women 35 and older. Women under 35 with family history of breast cancer or other risk factors would still receive coverage as determined by their healthcare provider. The legislation amends multiple sections of New Jersey law to implement this change across various health insurance plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A777) ensures religious services can continue during New Jersey Governor-declared state or public health emergencies. It directly affects religious institutions and congregants by preventing restrictions on gathering for worship, travel to places of worship, or penalties for practicing faith during emergencies. The key provision prohibits emergency declarations from infringing these rights, while still requiring religious groups to follow universal health/safety rules applicable to all essential businesses. The bill takes immediate effect and focuses solely on preserving religious assembly rights without altering general emergency authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A770) requires all registered New Jersey voters to show a photo ID at polling places when casting a ballot. Acceptable IDs include a valid New Jersey driver’s license, REAL ID, DMV "identification only" card, or U.S. passport. Voters without proper ID may be challenged but can still prove eligibility through signature verification or other means outlined in the bill. The law would take immediate effect and does not deny voting access if a voter provides acceptable identification or meets verification requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A234) allows corrections officers, firefighters, and police officers in New Jersey to administer epinephrine auto-injector devices after completing approved training. It requires these officers to finish an educational program approved by the Commissioner of Health, after which they receive a certificate authorizing them to administer, maintain, and dispose of the devices. The law explicitly expands the current scope of who may use these devices beyond licensed health care professionals. It does not change existing protocols for prescribing or supplying the devices, which remain under the authority of licensed health care professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to allow any member who participated in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations to qualify for accidental disability retirement benefits if they develop a disability linked to that work. It presumes that health conditions from 9/11 exposure (like respiratory illnesses or PTSD) resulted from their duties if they worked at least eight hours at the site, or if they had a documented injury preventing further participation. Members who later retire on ordinary disability or service retirement can also seek recalculated benefits if they develop qualifying 9/11-related disabilities. The policy change applies to all PERS members, regardless of when they joined the system, removing previous restrictions that limited eligibility to specific roles like emergency medical technicians.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public and nonpublic schools to have at least one FDA-registered portable anti-choking device (a suction device for clearing airway blockages) placed in accessible locations like cafeterias and nurse offices during school hours and events. Schools must display clear signage marking device locations and develop policies requiring staff training in airway management and device use. The state Department of Education will reimburse schools for device costs and provide annual training opportunities for school nurses and staff. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryAJR 33 designates June of each year as "Cancer Survivor Month" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the month with awareness activities. It aims to increase public understanding of cancer survivors' ongoing physical, emotional, and financial challenges, as noted in the resolution's preamble. This is a symbolic designation with no new funding or legal requirements, focusing solely on raising awareness.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A410) requires New Jersey public school districts to provide vouchers to parents who withdraw their child from public school due to objections about curriculum materials or activities they deem "harmful." The voucher covers 75% of the nonpublic school's tuition and fees, calculated based on the district's per-pupil spending and prorated for remaining school days. It specifically defines "harmful" objections to include conflicts with parental beliefs about sex, sexuality, gender identity, religion, or morality. The bill applies to parents of students enrolled in public schools who choose to enroll in nonpublic schools for these reasons.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 20) is a symbolic statement opposing President Biden’s current border policies and urging him to reinstate specific border measures from the prior administration. It specifically calls for the return of policies including the border wall, Title 42 expulsions, the "remain in Mexico" program, and Safe Third-Country Agreements with Central American nations. The resolution does not change any laws but expresses New Jersey’s position and will be sent to President Biden, Congress, and New Jersey’s federal representatives. It directly addresses the federal executive and legislative branches, not state residents or local policies.