Asm. Carol Murphy

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 17-member "Police Body Camera Implementation Task Force" to study and recommend best practices for body cameras used by law enforcement in New Jersey. The task force, including representatives from police unions, civil rights groups, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers, will examine implementation requirements and rules for accessing body camera recordings. It must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by December 30, 2021. The bill does not mandate body cameras but aims to inform future policy decisions affecting law enforcement agencies and public safety practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3539) changes how New Jersey can end tax agreements with other states that exempt income tax for residents working across state lines. It requires that any termination of these reciprocal tax agreements must be done through a new law passed by the legislature and signed by the governor - preventing the Director of Taxation from ending agreements unilaterally. The change applies to all existing agreements, including the 1977 agreement with Pennsylvania, and takes effect immediately. This directly affects the Director of Taxation (who administers these agreements) and the legislative process for ending them.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3795) provides tuition-free enrollment in New Jersey public colleges for dependent children of veterans who died, are missing in action, or are totally disabled due to service-related injuries (as certified by the VA). It covers up to 60 credits for associate degrees and 120 credits for bachelor's degrees at public institutions. To qualify, students must be New Jersey residents, meet academic progress standards, apply for all other available financial aid (including federal VA benefits), and have classroom space available. The state will reimburse public colleges for waived tuition costs.

Maddy summaryAJR 39 designates June 11 of each year as "Day of Play" in New Jersey to raise public awareness about the importance of play for people of all ages. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging residents to prioritize play and organize activities. It highlights play's benefits for development, mental health, and social inclusion, referencing the United Nations' recognition of play as a child's right and its 2024 establishment of an International Day of Play. This procedural resolution does not create new laws but aims to promote existing play initiatives across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits local governments and state agencies from approving new large warehouse construction (100,000+ sq. ft. storage facilities) on land within 1,000 feet of designated historic districts. It directly affects developers seeking permits for such warehouses near historic areas, with exceptions for specific redevelopment projects under existing law. The bill allows planning boards to grant waivers if developers request them, but requires approval before permits can be issued. It takes effect immediately for new applications not yet approved by the enforcing agency.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance plans sold in New Jersey - covering hospital or medical expenses - to include coverage for private duty nursing services. It directly affects insurance companies and policyholders by mandating coverage for nursing care provided in homes, hospitals, or skilled nursing facilities by licensed nurses under a doctor's direction, for individuals needing more continuous care than standard visiting nurses provide. The law specifies coverage must follow the same deductibles and coinsurance as similar services, though insurers may still require prior authorization. This applies to hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health service corporations, individual policies, and group health plans issued or renewed in New Jersey after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's nursing home assessment system to align with federal limits. It changes the current 6% cap on assessments (based on nursing home revenues) to allow either 6% or the maximum percentage permitted under federal law. The assessment applies only to non-Medicare patient days and excludes Medicare revenues. Nursing homes must pay the assessment only after federal approval of both the assessment rate and how funds will be distributed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires construction permit applicants in New Jersey to disclose the anticipated funding sources and amounts for their projects. It applies to most construction projects but excludes single-family homes, routine renovations or repairs of dwelling units, and small-scale alterations (like individual units in buildings with fewer than three units). Applicants must provide this funding information when applying for a permit, and before receiving a certificate of occupancy, they must certify the accuracy of that information or submit updated details. The Commissioner of Community Affairs will develop specific rules within 180 days to implement these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act to set clearer requirements for consumers filing lawsuits. To win, plaintiffs must prove they acted like a reasonable consumer, that the business practice would mislead others similarly, and that they suffered actual, calculable harm. It also limits attorney fee awards to be fairly tied to the monetary judgment amount, or based on time spent if only non-monetary relief is granted. These changes aim to prevent lawsuits over minor or technical violations without proven consumer harm.

Maddy summaryACR 40 is a concurrent resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass the "Alice Paul Voter Protection Act" (H.R. 1583), a proposed federal law. This resolution does not create new law but supports H.R. 1583, which would criminalize interfering with voter registration - such as preventing someone from registering or helping others register - with penalties including fines or up to five years in prison. It also requires the federal Election Assistance Commission to develop best practices for states to prevent such violations. The resolution honors suffrage leader Alice Paul, a New Jersey native whose work led to the 19th Amendment, though the resolution itself has no binding effect.