Asm. Carol Murphy

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (ACR 115) urges the U.S. Congress to pass the "Universal School Meals Program Act of 2023." If enacted, that federal bill would provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to all public school students, regardless of family income, and eliminate school meal debt while reimbursing schools for past unpaid meals. It directly affects all school children in the U.S., particularly those from food-insecure households, by ensuring consistent access to meals without financial barriers. The resolution highlights that 12 million children faced food insecurity at the pandemic's peak and aims to make universal school meals a permanent federal policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey health care facilities to employ certified nurse aides (trained professionals who assist with patient care) as personal care assistants. It directly affects licensed health care facilities and certified nurse aides by removing a current restriction that prevented this dual role. The key provision amends licensing rules to permit facilities to hire these trained aides specifically for personal care assistant duties, without requiring additional certification. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits prosecutors from negotiating plea agreements that reduce the sentence for burglary when a firearm was used during the offense. Currently, burglary involving a firearm is a second-degree crime, but the bill ensures defendants cannot receive a lighter sentence through plea deals - requiring them to face the standard sentencing for second-degree burglary as defined by law. The law defines "firearm" broadly to include items like air guns, spring guns, and other devices capable of causing injury. This directly affects individuals charged with burglary who used a firearm, eliminating the option of plea bargains for reduced penalties in these specific cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state, county, and municipal authorities to designate "special event zones" around large automotive events (defined as events with 25+ attendees or approved by local government) for traffic regulation. Within these zones, authorities may temporarily reduce speed limits for safety and prohibit "exhibition driving" (reckless maneuvers like excessive skidding, engine noise, or roof riding). Violations of traffic rules - including speeding, careless driving, or exhibition driving - within these zones carry increased fines up to $1,000, or up to 60 days in jail for reckless driving. The zones remain active during the event and for a reasonable period before/after, with required signage informing the public of reduced speeds and penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to conduct a study on residential burglaries and issue annual reports to the governor and legislature. The reports must include detailed county-level data on burglary frequency, timing (day/night/weekend), weapon use, injuries, property value, and charges against adults or juveniles. The Attorney General must also summarize current law enforcement prevention efforts and provide recommendations for reducing burglaries. The initial report is due within six months of the bill's enactment, with annual updates thereafter.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Mass Violence Care Fund" to provide financial assistance for victims of mass violence events. It appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to cover uncovered medical, mental health, funeral, and lost wage expenses for eligible victims - defined as individuals injured, killed, or who witnessed such events - when insurance or other sources don't pay. The fund, managed by the Victims of Crime Compensation Office, will only pay for eligible expenses not covered elsewhere, with payments delayed up to three years after the event. A working group must develop eligibility rules within nine months, including defining "mass violence event" and covered costs. The fund's principal will be invested to generate sustainable annual returns for future use.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds the right to use assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), to New Jersey's constitutional protections for reproductive choice. It explicitly expands existing rights - previously covering contraception, sterilization, and pregnancy decisions - to include choosing whether to use ART. The law states that any state, county, or local law limiting this right is invalid and unenforceable. It directly affects all New Jersey residents seeking or providing ART services, reinforcing access amid legal challenges in other states like Alabama. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Military and Veterans Affairs Oversight Board within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The board oversees all state programs, benefits, and services for military members, veterans, and their families, requiring state agencies to appoint liaisons who submit biannual reports on these services and budgets. The board analyzes program effectiveness across key areas like healthcare, housing, and employment, then develops strategic recommendations for the Governor and Legislature to improve veteran support. Annual reports detailing findings and suggestions must be posted online and submitted to state leadership.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4621) requires New Jersey employers to provide written disclosure about an applicant's eligibility for state and federal leave programs - including family leave, medical leave, and disability benefits - at the time of a job offer. Employers must notify applicants if they will be ineligible for specific benefits and explain why, while also directing them to a state labor department webpage with more information. Employers who fail to provide this disclosure face civil penalties of up to $500 per violation. The law directly affects job applicants in New Jersey by ensuring transparency about leave rights before employment begins. It takes effect two months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires longer prison sentences for individuals convicted twice before of receiving stolen property. It applies specifically to people with two or more prior separate convictions for this crime, regardless of when they occurred. The prosecutor must request an extended sentence if the current offense happened within 10 years of either the defendant's last release from prison or their most recent prior conviction. The court must hold a hearing before imposing this sentence, allowing the defendant to challenge the evidence. This changes sentencing by mandating extended terms for repeat offenders of this specific property crime.