Asm. Carol Murphy

Maddy summaryACR 70 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow New Jersey's Legislature to extend civil service hiring preferences to all veterans, not just those who served during wartime. Currently, only veterans with wartime service receive this preference when applying for state government jobs. The amendment would enable the Legislature to create a new law defining eligibility for this hiring preference, potentially including veterans who served in peacetime. This change would directly affect all veterans applying for civil service positions across New Jersey state government. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election following its passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill would waive the transfer fee for veterans and their spouses when moving a commercial driver license (CDL) from another state to New Jersey. It specifically eliminates the fee charged for transferring a CDL from a previous state of residence, directly affecting veterans who received an honorable discharge from U.S. military service or the National Guard. The waiver applies only to the transfer fee, not other CDL-related costs like examinations or endorsements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education (with input from the Division of Criminal Justice) to create a sexual assault prevention training program for high school athletic coaches and athletic directors. The training covers preventing sexual assault, recognizing signs of assault, and connecting victims to medical, legal, and counseling services. All coaches and athletic directors in public and nonpublic high school sports programs must complete this training every four years, with new hires required to complete it in their first year. The program must be updated regularly to reflect current best practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows out-of-state applicants seeking cosmetology, hairstyling, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, or skin care licenses in New Jersey to count teaching experience in a licensed school toward the required three years of practical experience. The State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling will determine if the teaching experience meets equivalency standards. It also establishes a three-year pilot program in specific cities for out-of-state barber applicants, permitting them to practice under supervision while awaiting full licensure. These provisions aim to streamline licensing for qualified professionals moving to New Jersey without requiring retaking exams.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two new entities in New Jersey: the Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency (within the Department of Health) and the Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission. It requires hospitals, health insurers, and other healthcare providers to publicly report detailed pricing data for services like inpatient care, emergency visits, and physician services. The Commission will set annual benchmarks for healthcare cost growth and hospital pricing, monitor entities exceeding these benchmarks, and may impose public transparency requirements or civil penalties for noncompliance. These provisions directly affect all New Jersey hospitals, health insurers, and healthcare providers by mandating transparency in pricing and cost reporting to promote affordability.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2178) amends New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking to specifically require the commission to study human trafficking affecting women and children of color. The commission must identify risk factors making these groups vulnerable, develop prevention strategies, and recommend ways to improve support services for victims. The commission will continue its existing duties - like evaluating laws, reviewing victim programs, and promoting public awareness - but now with a focused mandate on racial disparities in trafficking. It will report annually to the Governor and Legislature on its findings and legislative recommendations related to this specific population.

Maddy summaryThis bill (NJ A1097) amends New Jersey's definition of "veteran" for civil service hiring preferences. It clarifies that veterans must provide evidence of service duration (typically 90 days for most conflicts, or 14 days for specific peacekeeping missions like Lebanon, Grenada, or Panama) to qualify for hiring preference, with exceptions for those with service-connected injuries or disabilities. The change directly affects veterans applying for state civil service jobs who must meet these updated service requirements and submit documentation to the Adjutant General. The bill focuses on defining eligibility criteria rather than creating new benefits. It is currently in committee review after introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $15 fee for special license plates designated for firefighters and first aid/rescue squad members in New Jersey. Currently, these emergency service members pay an additional $15 fee on top of standard vehicle registration costs to obtain the plates. The bill would allow eligible volunteer, part-time, and paid members of fire departments or first aid/rescue squads to receive these plates at no extra cost (only standard registration fees would apply). It requires annual renewal with proof of continued membership and was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.354.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission to negotiate a reciprocity agreement with Ireland. It would allow drivers with valid New Jersey licenses to get an Irish license without tests (meeting agreement requirements), and Irish license holders to get a New Jersey license without tests (meeting agreement requirements). The agreement would eliminate the need for driving knowledge or skills tests for both groups, though specific requirements would be set in the agreement itself. This is a procedural bill focused on facilitating license recognition between jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1.5 million annually from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund to support the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP) or its successor. NJMEP is a nonprofit organization that helps New Jersey manufacturers improve competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency through customized training and technical assistance. The funding is designated as a permanent, dedicated source within the broader workforce development fund, separate from other allocations for worker training programs. This provision ensures consistent financial backing for NJMEP's services to manufacturers across the state.