Asm. Chris DePhillips

Maddy summaryThis is a New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 115), not a binding bill. It urges Congress and the President to pass the "Kids Online Safety Act" (proposed by Senator Blumenthal). The resolution cites research linking social media use to rising teen mental health issues (like 36.7% of adolescents reporting sadness/hopelessness) and describes the proposed law as requiring social media platforms to prevent addictive design, enhance data safety for minors, expand parental controls, and block harmful content. The resolution itself has no legal effect but formally requests federal action on this proposed legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3916) creates a rebuttable presumption requiring pretrial detention for defendants charged with motor vehicle theft (N.J.S.2C:20-2) if, during the theft, they caused death or serious bodily injury to another person or created a substantial risk of such harm. It directly affects individuals facing this specific theft charge with aggravating conduct. The key mechanism shifts the burden to the defendant to prove, by a preponderance of evidence, that release conditions (like bail or supervision) would reasonably assure court appearance and community safety. This changes existing law by adding motor vehicle theft with injury risk to the list of offenses where detention is presumed unless rebutted.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3832) allows volunteer firefighters, rescue squad members, and first aid squad volunteers to claim a $5,000 deduction from their state income tax. To qualify, individuals must have volunteered full-time during the tax year, met specific duty hour requirements (e.g., 400 hours minimum with no more than 50% for drills), and held approved certifications (like Firefighter I or EMT training) by January 1. Departments must submit qualifying member lists to state agencies by March 31 each year for tax verification. The deduction is capped at $5,000 per year and requires proof of eligibility with tax filings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to allow students attending nonpublic schools (like private or religious schools) to try out for and join high school sports teams in their residential district, provided they meet the same eligibility standards as public school students, such as academic requirements, physical exams, and team conduct rules. Nonpublic school students must provide proof of residency and comply with district-specific requirements like insurance, fees, and age limits. Districts may charge nonpublic students a fee up to the actual cost per pupil for the sport, but not for students qualifying for financial hardship (using the same criteria as free school meal eligibility). The bill does not require districts to provide transportation or alter team schedules for these students.

Maddy summaryBill A3587 upgrades burglary of an occupied residence to a second-degree crime (previously a third-degree offense). If a person was present in the home during the burglary, offenders must serve at least 85% of their prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole, as required by New Jersey's "No Early Release Act." This applies specifically to burglaries of dwellings or structures adapted for overnight accommodation (like homes) when occupants were inside. The change increases penalties for burglaries involving occupied residences compared to unoccupied ones, which remain third-degree crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the penalty for drivers who flee the scene of a traffic accident causing death from a second-degree crime to a first-degree crime in New Jersey. Currently, this offense carries up to 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine; the bill increases the maximum sentence to 20 years in prison and a $200,000 fine. The law clarifies that drivers cannot avoid punishment by claiming they were unaware the accident caused a death, as knowledge of the death is not required for conviction. It applies directly to motor vehicle operators who leave the scene of a fatal crash without providing identification, assistance, or contacting authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to contract with AAA to provide specific motor vehicle services at AAA facilities across the state. It mandates that the contract must allow for services including driver's license renewals (including REAL-ID upgrades), vehicle registration renewals, non-driver ID card services, license plate surrenders, and vision tests. The MVC must publish a list of participating AAA locations online within one month of signing the contract. This directly affects New Jersey drivers who use AAA facilities for these services and AAA as the service provider.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey state entities, including the Commissioner of Health, from requiring students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition for attending public K-12 schools. It directly affects students and families in New Jersey's public primary and secondary schools by removing a vaccination mandate for attendance. The law takes immediate effect upon enactment, preventing state-level enforcement of such requirements.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 96) formally condemns Hamas for its October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and affirms support for Israel's right to exist. It specifically references Hamas's rocket attacks, killings of civilians (including infants and elderly), and hostage-taking, citing over 1,400 Israeli deaths. The resolution directs the state to send copies to Israel's Prime Minister, U.S. ambassadors to Israel and Israel, and New Jersey's congressional representatives. It serves as a symbolic statement of support from New Jersey's government, with no direct impact on citizens or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles (max 20 mph) and low-speed electric scooters (max 19 mph) in New Jersey to register these vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and maintain liability insurance. Registration costs $8, expires after 11 months, and requires MVC approval of the vehicle type. Owners must carry minimum liability coverage of $35,000 per person for bodily injury, replacing prior exemptions that allowed operation without registration or insurance. The bill directly affects all residents who own or operate these devices on New Jersey roads and paths.