Asm. Carol Murphy

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 3-year pilot program in New Jersey’s six highest-crime municipalities (per state police data) to provide grants to non-profit organizations for outreach about the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO). The grants would help non-profits inform crime victims about accessing state compensation for expenses related to crimes. The Department of Law and Public Safety would administer the program and require a post-pilot report to the Governor and Legislature, recommending whether to continue, expand, or make the program permanent. The initiative directly aims to improve access to victim compensation services in communities most affected by crime.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill revises the legal definition of "abused child" to explicitly include cases where abuse (physical injury, sexual abuse, or risk of harm) is committed or allowed by non-parental caregivers - such as teachers, staff in schools or institutions, or other individuals with custody or control - not just parents or legal guardians. It expands protections for children by clarifying that institutions (including schools) must be held accountable for abuse by their staff, while exempting day schools from certain provisions under the current definition. The bill does not create new services for children with problematic sexual behaviors (as referenced in the title), but focuses solely on broadening the definition of abuse to cover additional perpetrators. The legislation is currently pending before the Assembly Judiciary Committee after its introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2303) clarifies that consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded in an intimate or sexual context does not automatically allow the disclosure of those images. It requires separate, explicit consent for image disclosure - meaning a person’s permission to take a photo isn’t considered consent to share it. The law directly affects individuals in private settings (like dressing rooms) and anyone who might share such images without clear, separate permission. The key change prevents implied consent for disclosure, making it a distinct offense to share images without fresh, specific authorization.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2311) modifies New Jersey's pretrial release procedures for defendants charged with firearm offenses. It allows courts to take up to seven additional days beyond the standard 48-hour deadline to consider release decisions when a prosecutor requests extra time for a firearms ballistic analysis. The provision directly affects individuals facing pretrial detention who are accused of crimes involving firearms, requiring courts to wait for this analysis before finalizing release conditions. The change ensures courts can review firearm evidence before deciding whether to release a defendant or detain them pending trial.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's Megan's Law to align with the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). It changes how sex offenders are registered by basing registration requirements solely on the specific crime committed (not risk assessment), ensuring consistency across all counties and enabling national registry sharing. The law affects all convicted sex offenders, including juveniles tried as adults, but explicitly excludes most juvenile offenders' information from the public internet registry. This change avoids a potential 10% annual reduction in federal law enforcement funding and streamlines public access to offender information through geographically searchable online tools.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires courts to ensure juvenile defendants (14+ years old, or under 14 for murder charges) who voluntarily choose to be tried as adults fully understand the differences in sentencing and consequences before proceeding. It mandates a court hearing to confirm the election is made knowingly, willingly, and voluntarily, explaining how adult convictions differ from juvenile dispositions. If a juvenile elects adult trial, the law presumes they will serve custodial sentences in juvenile facilities until age 21, with limited options for transfer to adult facilities. The bill also allows courts to remand cases back to juvenile court later if it serves the juvenile's best interests or public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1166) requires the New Jersey State Police Superintendent to create a recovery leave policy for troopers who provide proof of pregnancy. It mandates at least eight weeks of continuous paid leave after childbirth, with full pay and benefits (not counted as sick leave or deducted from sick leave balances), and prohibits residency restrictions or integrity checks during this period. The policy must be posted on the State Police intranet, including required forms, FAQs, and contact information for inquiries. The bill was enacted into law (P.L.2025, c.259) and took effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey municipalities with existing outdoor firing ranges to create local zoning ordinances that establish specific safety standards for these facilities. The rules must include clear signage about the range's location and hours, restrictions on ammunition types, and requirements for safety barriers (such as protective berms) on the property. Municipalities must hold public hearings and notify residents within the municipality and within one mile of the range before adopting these ordinances. The bill amends state zoning law to explicitly permit these safety guidelines as a standard provision for outdoor firing ranges. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $50 fee for filing a certified copy of a court-ordered name change in New Jersey. It directly affects residents who need certified copies for legal purposes, such as after marriage, divorce, or other life events requiring a name change. The key provision deletes the existing $50 fee line (Section 11(d)) from state law, replacing it with no fee for this specific service. The change applies immediately upon enactment, removing a cost for individuals seeking to update official records.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3388) creates a legal presumption that custody of children should be awarded to a domestic violence victim in appropriate cases, shifting the default in family court custody decisions when abuse is proven. It requires courts to order counseling for children in households affected by domestic violence and mandates that victims and abusers be informed about available counseling services immediately upon filing a complaint. Key mechanisms include waiving residency requirements for filing complaints, streamlining emergency protective orders (including firearm safety measures), and ensuring courts provide clear information about services. The bill directly affects domestic violence victims, their children, and family court proceedings handling custody disputes involving abuse.