Asm. Carol Murphy

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients do not need to own a vehicle to receive free parking at municipal meters in New Jersey. Under the new provision, these individuals can park for free as long as they display a valid disabled veteran or Purple Heart license plate or placard and are either driving or riding as a passenger in the vehicle. The law also allows them to lease a vehicle for this exemption, provided the appropriate identification is shown and the parking does not exceed 24 hours in one location. This change removes the previous requirement that the veteran or recipient must own the car to qualify for the parking fee waiver.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows representatives from youth-serving patriotic societies to speak with public school students during regular school hours in the first quarter of the school year. To arrange a visit, the society must notify the school principal, who retains discretion over the time, location, and manner of the presentation. The legislation prohibits societies from collecting personal information from students during these visits and defines eligible organizations as those listed in Title 36 of the United States Code.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that urges the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Economic Development Authority to establish a plastics recycling marketplace. It calls for the Department of Environmental Protection to use State Recycling Fund money to research how to increase recycling of single-use plastics, while asking the Economic Development Authority to encourage and fund the creation of such a marketplace. The resolution defines single-use plastics as items like bottles, bags, and food containers designed for one-time use and highlights concerns about plastic waste pollution in the environment. This document is a formal recommendation rather than a law, so it does not create binding requirements but instead asks state agencies to take specific actions to address plastic waste management.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover the prescription and purchase of buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone for pain treatment without using step therapy or fail-first protocols. It applies to various types of insurance contracts, including hospital service, medical service, and health service corporation plans, as well as individual and group health insurance policies. The law ensures that people with these insurance plans can access these medications directly without first trying other treatments or meeting additional requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides legal protection from civil and criminal liability for individuals who break into a vehicle to rescue an animal left in inhumane conditions. It applies to any person who reasonably believes an animal is in immediate danger due to heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or other harmful circumstances. To qualify for immunity, the rescuer must first contact appropriate rescue personnel and attempt to locate the vehicle owner unless urgent circumstances prevent it. The law also requires that rescue workers provide veterinary care and investigate potential animal cruelty violations after the animal is removed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires financial institutions in New Jersey to delay certain transactions involving senior or vulnerable customers when suspicious activity is suspected. It mandates that banks and credit unions share account information with adult protective services or law enforcement if there is evidence of potential fraud against these individuals. The legislation also establishes specific definitions for who qualifies as a senior customer (60 or older) or a vulnerable customer (18 or older with physical or mental limitations) and outlines the conditions under which financial records can be released for investigation purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the New Jersey Constitution to increase the property tax deduction for veterans from $250 to $2,500 over a four-year period. The increase would occur in annual steps, reaching the full $2,500 amount by tax year 2029, and would apply to honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses. The amendment also clarifies how the deduction works for veterans living in continuing care retirement communities, ensuring they receive the benefit through a payment or credit from the facility. If approved by the legislature and voters, the change would become permanent and cannot be altered or repealed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to set aside at least 30% of their advertising budget for eligible local news organizations. The law defines eligible news organizations as those that produce original local content, maintain editorial independence, and meet specific operational and financial criteria. State agencies purchasing advertising must reserve this portion of their budget specifically for these qualifying local news outlets. The legislation aims to support local journalism by ensuring a steady stream of advertising revenue while maintaining the editorial freedom of news organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the immediate revocation of parole for any parolee who assaults or threatens a law enforcement officer, including retired officers acting in their former capacity. It mandates that parole boards detain offenders and begin revocation proceedings upon arrest or indictment for such acts, or upon credible reports of threats intended to cause imminent fear of death or physical harm to officers or their family members. The legislation applies to both active and retired law enforcement personnel and defines family members to include spouses, parents, children, and other relatives residing with the officer.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 22nd as "Stuttering Awareness Day" and the second full week of May as "Stuttering Awareness Week" in New Jersey. The primary purpose is to raise public awareness about stuttering, a speech disorder that affects approximately one percent of the global population, and to highlight available support and treatment services. The resolution requests that the Governor issue annual proclamations encouraging public officials and citizens to observe these designated times with appropriate activities and programs. It aims to educate the community about the challenges faced by individuals who stutter and promote understanding of available resources for assistance.