Rep. Carol Murphy

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that residential customers in New Jersey provide specific identification when switching between electric or gas suppliers. To complete a switch, individuals must present a government-issued photo ID or a non-photo ID paired with a secondary document such as a utility bill or bank statement. The legislation also requires suppliers to confirm that this identification was provided and prohibits them from asking for account numbers if valid ID is shown. Additionally, customers must sign a written or electronic authorization to finalize any change in their energy provider.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers the administration of three specific nutrition programs - the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children - from the Department of Health to the Department of Agriculture. The change moves the responsibility for managing these programs, along with their associated grants and funding, to the state agency that oversees agriculture. Additionally, any employees currently working in the Department of Health who are essential to running these programs will be reassigned to the Department of Agriculture. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts Purple Heart recipients in New Jersey from paying fees for motor vehicle registration, driver's licenses, and identification cards. The change directly affects veterans who have received the Purple Heart medal for being wounded or killed in action. The bill amends existing state statutes to remove the requirement for these specific recipients to pay standard administrative fees. No other provisions or mechanisms are included in this legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes any member of the New Jersey Legislature to perform all functions of a notary public, including taking acknowledgments and proofs in addition to their existing authority to administer oaths. Under the new rules, legislators would validate documents using a raised seal provided by the State Treasurer, which features the State Seal and must be returned when the legislator leaves office. The law ensures that any validation performed by a legislator carries the same legal weight as one performed by a standard notary public.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey concurrent resolution urges the United States Congress to pass the "Universal School Meals Program Act of 2023." The proposed federal law would provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack to all school children regardless of their family's income. Additionally, the act aims to eliminate school food debt by reimbursing schools for all unpaid meal charges. This measure is intended to address child hunger and support families across the country.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently designates the first Friday in February as "Give Kids A Smile Day" throughout New Jersey to highlight the importance of oral health for children. The measure aims to connect underserved families with dental professionals for free screenings, education, and treatment while raising public awareness about access to dental care. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy, the resolution requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage community participation in the event. As a commemorative joint resolution, it does not alter existing laws or funding but establishes an official state observance date.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill creates a special parking placard program for immediate family members of individuals diagnosed with dementia. The legislation allows these caregivers to apply for a permit that grants access to parking spaces typically reserved for residents, municipal lots, and medical facilities, including overnight parking in restricted areas and extended metered time. To obtain the placard, applicants must provide proof that they are actively rendering health or personal care services to a family member with dementia, and the permit is valid for two years with a modest application and renewal fee. The bill also establishes penalties for misuse, such as using the placard for non-caregiving purposes or submitting false information, and requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to maintain a registry of issued permits.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner to conduct a feasibility study on creating a new regional facility in Southern New Jersey and expanding local medical examiner training programs. The study will assess the need for a combined morgue and administrative center, evaluate costs for advanced equipment like CT scanners, and explore partnerships with area universities to develop new forensic science courses and fellowship programs. To fund this initial research, the legislation appropriates $40,000 from the state's General Fund to hire an entity to perform the analysis. Once completed, the findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature for further consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to create an electronic system for processing used car sales documents within 24 months of a specific prior law taking effect. The legislation also allows the commission to extend this same digital platform to private individuals selling vehicles to one another, rather than just dealerships. A key provision requires the system to handle security interests and title transfers electronically, replacing the previous paper-based method for these tasks. Ultimately, the law mandates that these changes be implemented through official rules adopted by the commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the "Smart Planning Wireless and Water Public Utility Facilities Act," allows investor-owned water utilities in New Jersey to rent out space on their water towers to wireless service providers for installing communication equipment. The legislation mandates that these utilities grant non-discriminatory access to their towers unless there is insufficient space or safety concerns would be compromised. To financially benefit ratepayers and investors, the bill requires the state's Board of Public Utilities to classify half of the rental income from these leases as "above-the-line" income, which can be used to offset operating costs, while the remaining half is treated as "below-the-line" income.