Asm. Roy Freiman

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Bill A1696 updates optometrists' scope of practice by expanding their ability to provide eye care services. The bill allows optometrists to prescribe pharmaceutical agents (including controlled substances under specific conditions), administer immunizations for coronaviruses, flu, and shingles (for patients 18+), and perform minor procedures like removing superficial foreign bodies or treating chalazions. It also permits certain non-invasive laser/ultrasound treatments (e.g., trabeculoplasty) using only topical anesthesia, while explicitly prohibiting invasive eye surgery, orbital procedures, or general anesthesia. These changes apply to all optometrists practicing in New Jersey and require adherence to CDC guidelines for immunizations and reporting to the state immunization registry.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's alcohol licensing law to allow breweries with limited brewery licenses to operate up to 15 off-premises retail salesrooms (previously restricted to on-premises sales only). It permits breweries and wineries to jointly operate salesrooms on shared premises, expanding retail access for both. The key provision requires a $250 fee per salesroom and specifies that salesrooms must sell products in original packaging or open containers for on- or off-premises consumption. This directly affects licensed breweries and wineries seeking expanded retail options under New Jersey's current licensing structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a certification process for nonprofits that help low- and moderate-income residents build or rehabilitate homes through sweat equity (where future occupants contribute labor instead of money). It waives certain regulatory requirements for these certified nonprofits, including adaptability rules for housing units and marketing mandates for municipalities to count sweat equity homes toward affordable housing obligations. The bill also allows certified nonprofits to use their own affordability controls instead of state-mandated standards and directs state offices to expedite assistance for these projects. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households seeking affordable housing and the nonprofits facilitating their home construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to cover transportation costs for eligible individuals attending support group meetings. It directly affects residents of New Jersey with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) who need transportation to access these meetings - defined as gatherings where individuals share information and support each other's well-being. The fund, currently financed by a $0.50 motor vehicle registration surcharge, will now include this transportation as a covered expense alongside existing medical and treatment-related travel. This change builds on the fund's existing role of providing financial assistance for post-acute care when other resources are unavailable.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to create a free website connecting eligible businesses and organizations with suppliers for their specific needs. It directly affects entities in tech and science sectors like biotechnology, renewable energy, and advanced computing - such as businesses, research facilities, and nonprofits - that can post needs (e.g., equipment, labor, space) and find matching suppliers. The website must also list public and private funding sources, including state/federal grants, to help these entities access resources. The EDA must develop and maintain this tool, prioritizing the needs of these eligible groups. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Farmland Assessment Act to clarify that farmland owners who stop farming activities (e.g., due to retirement or disability) will not face "roll-back taxes" unless they actively convert the land to non-farming use (like building homes). Roll-back taxes are additional fees calculated as the difference between taxes paid under agricultural assessment and standard property taxes for the current year and the two prior years. The change specifically responds to a 1981 court ruling that deemed it unfair to tax owners who ceased farming without changing land use. It directly affects New Jersey farmland owners who may discontinue agricultural activity but do not develop the property.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows high school students in grades 10-12 who participate in school sports to substitute study hall for physical education during their sport's athletic season, provided they meet specific academic criteria. Eligible students must either be enrolled in advanced courses (like AP or dual enrollment) or need academic support due to low performance, as determined by the school. The substitution requires written approval from parents, coach certification of sport participation, and counselor approval confirming eligibility. Students retain full physical education graduation credit for their athletic participation, but the change only applies during the sport's season and does not affect PE requirements for non-athletes or younger grades.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3585) makes it a crime to knowingly share manipulated videos or audio that falsely depict a candidate or election issue within 90 days of an election, with penalties including up to a fourth-degree offense (or third-degree for repeat violations). It directly affects voters (by aiming to prevent deception), candidates (who can seek legal relief for false depictions), and content creators (who face criminal or civil liability). Key provisions require clear disclaimers for minor edits or news/satire content, and exempt social media platforms, traditional media, and news outlets under federal law. The law does not apply to accidental edits, news reporting, or content with prominent disclaimers identifying manipulation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for New Jersey veterinarians using telemedicine and telehealth services. It requires vets to confirm that remote care meets the same standard as in-person care before use, verify client and patient identities, obtain consent, and maintain records. Generally, consultations must use real-time video communication, though audio-only may be permitted if reviewed records show it meets care standards. The bill directly affects licensed veterinarians by defining their telehealth practice requirements under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2066) establishes the "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" to provide competitive grants to public school districts, renaissance schools, and charter schools. The program funds three specific STEM education approaches: project-based learning, after-school STEM activities, and out-of-school STEM experiences. Schools applying must detail how funds will enhance existing programs or create new ones, recruit students, support educators, and ensure long-term sustainability. Grants must supplement, not replace, existing STEM funding and are subject to annual state appropriations. The program runs for four years, with funding sourced from state appropriations and private donations.