Asm. Carol Murphy

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution establishes a Prison Gang Task Force to study security and safety issues in New Jersey's correctional facilities. The task force will examine topics such as gang prevalence, safety equipment for officers, training adequacy, intelligence gathering methods, and policies for handling incidents. It consists of 11 members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, including current and former correctional police officers, legislators, and experts in gang-related activities and facility security. Members serve without pay but may receive expense reimbursements, and the group must organize within 60 days of the resolution's approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates August of each year as "American Artist Appreciation Month" in New Jersey to recognize the contributions of American artists to culture and the economy. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging schools and cultural institutions to hold activities and programs during this month. It highlights the arts industry's economic impact, noting it supports jobs and generates significant revenue for the state and local governments. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and serves as a commemorative measure rather than establishing new funding or policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey concurrent resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass legislation exempting military retirement pay from federal income taxation. It directly affects retired members of the Armed Forces and Reserves who currently pay federal taxes on their retirement benefits based on length of service. The resolution highlights the sacrifices made by military personnel and notes that while some states already offer tax exemptions, federal law currently taxes this income. This document is a non-binding recommendation from New Jersey lawmakers rather than a law itself, as it only expresses support for federal action.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Supporting Educational and Entrepreneurial Development (S.E.E.D.) Program within New Jersey's Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to provide grants for student-led projects. The program will be managed by a seven-member board that includes the Secretary of Higher Education, a business representative, and five public members appointed by legislative and executive leaders. Grants are awarded through a competitive process based on project merit, feasibility, and applicant qualifications, with funds used to help projects become self-sustaining or qualify for additional funding. The S.E.E.D. Fund will be financed through state appropriations calculated based on student enrollment numbers at public institutions, plus interest earnings, with future funding levels adjusted based on project outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school boards to publish financial summaries on their websites, including payroll, total accounts payable, and weekly accounts payable. It also mandates that boards display a user-friendly document outlining major spending categories and vendors selected through competitive bidding. The information must be posted in a prominent, easily accessible location using a format approved by the Commissioner of Education. This measure aims to increase transparency in public school finances by making budget details more visible to the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of multi-story apartment buildings in New Jersey to give priority to senior citizens and people with mobility disabilities when those residents want to move to a lower floor with the same number of bedrooms. The law grants these qualifying residents the right of first refusal over outside applicants and other current tenants seeking lower-floor units, while preserving existing affordability rules and income restrictions. Building owners must also post a visible sign informing residents of this priority status. The measure applies to non-cooperative apartment buildings with three or more floors and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to submit an annual report detailing interscholastic athletic opportunities for male and female students in middle and high schools. The report must include data on student enrollment, team rosters, financial contributions from booster clubs, school spending on teams, coaching staff details, and the number of competitions held. School districts must post their individual reports on their websites by November 1, while the Commissioner of Education will compile a statewide summary and share it with state officials by January 15.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 18 of each year as "Worker Safety Day" in New Jersey to raise public awareness about workplace safety. It directly affects employers, workers, government agencies, and communities by encouraging them to collaborate on maintaining safe working environments. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation calling for appropriate activities and programs to observe the day. The bill does not create new regulations or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to highlight the importance of preventing occupational injuries and fatalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes licensure for emergency medical responders and emergency medical technicians in New Jersey, while also creating a certification program for mobility assistance vehicle operators. It updates the state's legal definitions for various emergency medical roles and services, including advanced life support, mobile intensive care units, and hospital transfer centers. The legislation requires the Department of Health to oversee these new standards and ensures that patient transportation services meet specific safety and care requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands tuition assistance in New Jersey to include dependents of U.S. Armed Forces members who died while on active duty, extending a benefit currently limited to New Jersey National Guard members. It allows eligible children or surviving spouses to attend public colleges tuition-free for up to 16 credits per semester if they meet standard enrollment and financial aid requirements. Additionally, the bill provides a monetary award equal to 10 percent of tuition costs to be used for non-tuition expenses like housing, dining, and fees. The changes apply to the first full academic year following enactment.