Asm. Carol Murphy

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 4147 requires New Jersey public school districts and development authorities to implement specific security measures in both new school construction and existing school buildings. Key provisions include mandating a single secured main entrance with a vestibule, access control systems allowing remote door locking, bollards to block vehicle access, and a guard shack with gate for perimeter security. The bill also requires uniformed security personnel, clear entrance numbering for emergency responders, and protocols to prevent propped-open doors during school hours. These requirements apply to all public schools statewide, with some features subject to funding and site conditions.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A4150 would waive application fees and streamline professional licensing for spouses of active-duty U.S. military members relocated to New Jersey due to military orders. The bill requires licensing boards to issue temporary licenses to eligible spouses using their existing out-of-state license (if equivalent standards apply) or through reciprocity, without requiring full state-specific exams or additional fees. To qualify, applicants must hold a current license in another jurisdiction, have practiced for at least two of the past five years (counting military service time), maintain a clean disciplinary record, and pass a background check. This applies specifically to spouses who moved permanently with their service member, not to dependents or other family members.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows incorporated fire police units (meeting specific requirements like tax filings, insurance, and a station number) to appoint non-members of volunteer fire companies as fire police officers. To be appointed, individuals must be in good health, have good moral character, no criminal convictions involving moral turpitude, complete fire police training, and take an oath (now also permitted to be administered by a notary public). The bill maintains existing duties for fire police officers, such as protecting property during emergencies and collaborating with law enforcement. It directly affects fire police units seeking to expand their personnel and non-member volunteers who meet the qualifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all newly constructed police stations, fire stations, and hospitals in New Jersey to install a secure, alarmed compartment (a "newborn safety device") for parents to safely leave newborns. Parents who leave a baby under 30 days old in the device (or with an adult employee at these facilities) without intending to return cannot be prosecuted for child abandonment. The facility must then transport the baby to a hospital emergency department, and the hospital must notify child protection services within one business day. This applies only to newly built facilities and does not change existing laws for older buildings.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands oversight by New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) over common interest communities - including condos, co-ops, and similar developments - directly affecting homeowners in these communities. It establishes a trust fund for homeowners' association finances, an advisory council, and an ombudsman office to handle complaints and disputes. Key provisions give the DCA authority to review association records, oversee fair elections, resolve conflicts between homeowners and associations, and impose sanctions for violations. The DCA will also manage dispute resolution processes and ensure transparency through required notices to homeowners.

Maddy summaryAJR 129 creates a 21-member task force to study cannabis-related traffic fatalities in New Jersey. The task force includes state agency heads (like the Attorney General and Transportation Commissioner), law enforcement representatives (such as police unions), traffic safety experts, and public members with relevant experience. It will examine how cannabis use affects driving safety, analyze crash statistics before and after cannabis legalization, assess public awareness, and evaluate prevention strategies. The task force must make recommendations - including proposing a new public awareness campaign - to reduce cannabis-impaired driving and improve road safety for all users. This resolution is procedural and will activate once cannabis legalization or decriminalization legislation is enacted.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A4163 would require campaign advertisements containing deepfakes of candidates to include a clear disclosure to avoid civil penalties. Deepfakes are defined as realistic videos, audio, or images falsely depicting a candidate's speech or actions. The disclosure must state the content is manipulated and be visible each time the ad is shown, using a specific format. This applies to campaign ads distributed after a candidate officially files for office.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's AJR 138 is a joint resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass legislation granting statehood to Washington, D.C. It directly affects the approximately 679,000 residents of D.C., who pay federal taxes and serve in the military but lack voting representation in Congress. The resolution cites that D.C. residents approved statehood by 86% in a 2016 referendum and notes they face "denial of full representation" despite sharing all federal citizenship responsibilities. It specifically calls on Congress to enact the Washington, D.C. Admission Act (H.R. 51/S. 51), which would admit D.C. as the 51st state with two U.S. Senators and at least one House member. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change law but seeks to pressure federal lawmakers.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Battlefield to Boardroom Act provides tax credits to New Jersey businesses that hire veterans meeting specific criteria. Businesses can claim a credit equal to 10% of qualified wages paid to veterans (capped at $1,200 per veteran annually) for wages earned between 2026 and 2029. To qualify, businesses must hire at least 25% veterans as new employees, maintain 50% of veterans hired the previous year, and provide veteran support services and recruitment efforts. The credit cannot exceed 50% of the business tax liability and is void if wages are claimed for other state benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to allow veterans who hold a Combat Action Ribbon (as certified by their military discharge documents, such as a DD-214) to obtain the "Combat Infantryman Badge" license plate, which was previously only available to those with a Combat Infantryman Badge. The special plate, featuring the Combat Infantryman Badge emblem and the words "Combat Infantryman Badge," will now be accessible to Marines and other veterans awarded the Combat Action Ribbon. A $15 additional fee applies for this plate, beyond standard vehicle registration costs. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans may continue to display the plate on their vehicle under existing provisions.