Asm. Carol Murphy

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3453) requires New Jersey's Corrections Ombudsperson to review criminal investigations conducted by correctional facilities to ensure they were accurate, unbiased, and thorough. It directly affects inmates who may report concerns about investigations, the Department of Corrections (which must provide investigation details), and the Ombudsperson's office (which gains this specific review duty). The key provision adds a requirement to the Ombudsperson's existing responsibilities, mandating they assess the quality of criminal investigations - without investigating alleged criminal behavior themselves - to protect inmates' rights. This change is part of broader oversight duties under existing laws and aims to improve accountability in correctional facility investigations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey courts from basing child custody or visitation decisions solely on factors like a parent's disability, age, health status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. It requires courts to provide detailed written justifications if they consider these factors in custody cases involving otherwise fit parents. The law does not ban considering these factors entirely but ensures they cannot be the sole basis for rulings, while maintaining that the "best interests of the child" remains the primary standard. The bill applies to all parents in custody proceedings and aligns with New Jersey's existing focus on parental rights and child welfare. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill modernizes the New Jersey Council of County Colleges' role in state funding and strategic planning. It requires the Council to submit an annual unified budget request to the Governor and Legislature, establish a performance-based funding formula (capping state operational support at 43% of colleges' base-year costs), and develop a strategic plan aligned with state priorities. The Council must also advise state agencies on higher education policy, promote equitable funding, and enhance data sharing for student success initiatives. Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was superseded by P.L.2025, c.371.

Maddy summaryThis bill redirects fines from specific prostitution-related convictions to the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund." It applies to fines collected for offenses under subsection b. paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), or (7) of N.J.S.2C:34-1, which include promoting prostitution of minors, compelling others into prostitution, or other serious violations. The funds will be deposited into the existing state fund established to support trafficking survivors, as specified in prior law. This policy change modifies where penalty money goes but does not alter the definition of prostitution or the penalties themselves. The bill affects individuals convicted of these specific prostitution-related offenses in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 49) urges Congress to fully fund existing programs authorized under the federal Elder Justice Act of 2010. It specifically requests funding for state adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman programs, facility survey agencies, forensic centers, and the Elder Justice Advisory Board - programs Congress has not fully funded since 2014, per a 2020 Congressional Research Service report. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests Congress restore funding to these elder abuse prevention and response initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows prosecutors to request extended prison sentences for repeat offenders convicted of receiving stolen property. It applies to individuals with two or more prior separate convictions for this crime (or substantially equivalent offenses), provided the current offense occurred within 10 years of either their last prison release or their most recent prior conviction. The court must hold a hearing where the defendant can challenge the evidence before imposing the extended term. This changes sentencing options for repeat property crime offenders by expanding eligibility for longer prison terms under specific prior conviction conditions.

Maddy summaryAJR 34 designates April 9th of each year as "Dr. James Still Day" in New Jersey to honor Dr. James Still, a self-educated African-American herbalist and homeopathic healer born in 1812 to formerly enslaved parents. The bill requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance through events and activities. It commemorates Dr. Still's legacy of overcoming racial and economic barriers to build a successful medical practice and develop innovative herbal remedies. This is a ceremonial resolution with no new regulations or funding, solely recognizing historical contributions.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3979) requires all health insurance plans sold in the state - including hospital, medical, and health service corporation contracts - to cover specific lipedema treatments. It mandates coverage for compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage, medical nutrition therapy, mental health care, medically necessary lipectomies, and related appointments. Insurers must accept physician diagnoses and surgeon-provided photos for verification, cannot deny coverage based solely on photos, and must cover the full number of lipectomies deemed necessary by a surgeon. The coverage must align with existing cost-sharing structures (deductibles, coinsurance) and standard medical care for lipedema.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3300) requires New Jersey public utilities to charge nonprofit organizations the residential utility rate - instead of the higher commercial rate - for services at their primary operating location, if the residential rate is lower. It directly affects nonprofits (defined as IRS 501(c)(3) groups or NJ nonprofit corporations) and public utilities like electricity, gas, or water providers. The key mechanism mandates utilities to establish a certification process (with the Board of Public Utilities) for nonprofits to verify their status and qualify for the lower rate. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 15-member "Property Tax Study Commission" to examine New Jersey's property tax system and develop recommendations for reducing residential property tax burdens. The commission, including state officials and appointed public members with tax/finance expertise, must submit an interim report within 9 months and a final report within 12 months. Its recommendations must be revenue-neutral (not increasing or decreasing overall state revenue), address inequities, and explore alternatives to reduce local government reliance on property taxes. The final report will include specific legislative proposals and any constitutional changes needed, with annual follow-up reports for five years after the final report is issued. The bill directly affects all New Jersey homeowners and local governments by initiating a formal review of property tax policy.