Asm. Roy Freiman

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies requirements for New Jersey veterinarians using telemedicine or telehealth services. It requires veterinarians to first confirm that telehealth care meets the same standard of care as in-person visits, establish a proper client-patient relationship (including verifying identities and obtaining consent), and use real-time video communication during consultations - unless exceptions apply (like emergencies or specialist referrals). Veterinarians must also provide clear notice about telehealth risks/benefits, maintain records, and cannot prescribe Schedule II controlled substances without initial in-person exams. The bill directly affects licensed veterinarians and their animal patients by setting formal standards for remote care delivery.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority to help emerging science and technology businesses cover advertising and marketing costs. It defines eligible businesses as those with fewer than 225 employees (75% based in New Jersey) operating in specific sectors like biotechnology, renewable energy, or information technology. Grants can only be used for advertising/marketing expenses, require annual financial reporting to verify proper use, and convert to loans if funds are misused. The program directly supports small tech businesses aiming to grow within New Jersey's economy.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Jersey Vines Program" within New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to promote wine produced in the state using locally grown ingredients. It directly affects wineries and farm wineries licensed in New Jersey that cultivate grapes, fruits, or other ingredients within the state. The program will increase consumer awareness through advertising campaigns, share information about local wine varieties and producers, and create a "Jersey Vines" labeling system similar to the existing "Jersey Fresh" program. The Department of Agriculture must develop rules to implement these provisions, with the program taking effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey municipalities to follow existing state laws governing sick leave, vacation leave, and extra payments beyond regular wages to employees. It mandates that municipalities publicly post their supplemental payment policies online, approve individual extra payments at public meetings with advance notice, and provide supporting documentation for review. Municipalities that violate these rules face penalties, including annual withholding of state aid or restrictions on property tax increases until compliance is verified. The bill directly affects all New Jersey towns, cities, and boroughs that pay employees additional compensation beyond standard wages.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2419) prohibits New Jersey-based commercial mobile service providers (like phone companies) and mobile app developers from sharing customers' GPS location data with third parties without explicit consent. It requires app developers to display a clear, bold notice asking users to actively agree ("I agree to allow my location data to be disclosed to a third party") before sharing location data. Exceptions apply for disclosures required by law, law enforcement, or court orders. Violations would be treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, with fines up to $20,000 per offense. The bill directly affects all mobile app users in New Jersey whose location data is collected by apps or phone services.

Maddy summaryAJR 86 designates the fourth Wednesday in May each year as "Crisis Professionals Day" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation recognizing this day to honor crisis professionals who assist individuals during mental health crises. These professionals, trained to de-escalate crises using empathy and support, provide critical services to vulnerable New Jersey residents. The bill has no fiscal impact and serves solely as a ceremonial recognition of their work.

Maddy summaryS 2082 creates a 12-member New Jersey Educator Evaluation Review Task Force to examine the state's current teacher and administrator evaluation system established under the 2012 TEACHNJ Act. The task force will specifically study the use of student growth objectives in evaluations, assess administrative burdens on educators, review current research on effective evaluation practices, and recommend potential updates to the law. It will hold public hearings and submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature by September 30, 2024. This bill does not change evaluation rules directly but sets up a process to review them; the current system affects all public school teachers, principals, and administrators in New Jersey. The task force includes representatives from teachers' unions, school administrators, and education associations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force" within the Department of State to research anti-Semitism, develop recommendations, and issue annual reports. The permanent 18-member task force - including legislative leaders, law enforcement, Jewish community representatives, and public members - will identify evidence on anti-Semitism history, stereotypes, and systemic issues affecting Jewish communities in New Jersey. It must hold at least four public meetings yearly (including one in-person) and submit its first annual report within 12 months of its first meeting. The task force directly affects Jewish communities in New Jersey and requires state resources for its operations, without creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $44.7 million Stabilized School Budget Aid Grant Program to help eligible New Jersey school districts affected by state aid cuts in the 2024-2025 school year. It provides grants covering two-thirds of each district's state aid reduction (capped at 9.9% of their prior year's tax levy) and allows eligible districts to temporarily exceed normal tax increase limits to offset these cuts. Districts receiving aid must maintain staff levels from the previous year unless enrollment declines, requiring commissioner approval for reductions. The program specifically excludes SDA districts (special needs districts) from the tax levy exception but does not affect their existing tax authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain New Jersey school districts that will lose state aid to submit their budgets after the state's FY2025 budget is finalized. It specifically applies to districts where the state aid reduction exceeds their unused tax authority (known as "banked cap" under current law). The Commissioner of Education must permit these districts to submit budgets within five days after the FY2025 appropriations act is enacted, and may adjust the budget calendar to create a compressed timeline for approval. The change applies only to the 2024-2025 school year.