Asm. Claire Swift

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the scope of practice for optometrists in New Jersey by allowing them to prescribe more pharmaceutical agents (including some controlled substances), administer certain immunizations (for coronaviruses, influenza, and varicella-zoster virus), and perform simple ophthalmologic procedures like non-invasive laser treatments. It clarifies that optometrists must complete specific training and credentialing to provide these expanded services, including evidence of competence through accredited education programs. The bill directly affects licensed optometrists in New Jersey and their patients, who will have access to a broader range of eye care services from optometrists. The legislation updates the legal definition of optometry practice to better align with optometrists' doctoral education and clinical training.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "The Voter Convenience Act," allows New Jersey voters to cast ballots at any polling place within their municipality on election day, rather than being restricted to their assigned polling location. It requires the Secretary of State and county election officials to develop uniform guidelines enabling electronic poll books to verify voter eligibility and provide the correct ballot for their election district at any municipal polling site. The law amends election statutes to update sample ballots with all available polling place locations and adjusts district board staffing rules to support this system. It directly affects all registered voters in New Jersey municipalities that choose to implement the policy, streamlining the voting process without changing voter eligibility or ballot content.

Maddy summaryThis bill caps the interest rate for New Jersey's state student loan program (NJCLASS) at 3% for all new loans disbursed after enactment, reducing current rates (5.69%-7.47%). It also establishes key protections for private student loan borrowers in New Jersey, including: prohibiting lenders from collecting against a borrower’s or cosigner’s estate (except for payment default), requiring lenders to release cosigners upon the borrower’s death, and mandating lenders to release borrowers and cosigners from obligations upon proof of total and permanent disability. Additionally, lenders cannot change loan terms during a borrower’s disability application or loan modification request, and must provide borrowers with the option to designate a representative for disability-related matters. These provisions directly affect New Jersey residents with NJCLASS loans or private student loans.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3823) requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create a model ordinance restricting where certain convicted sex offenders can live near schools or child-focused areas. Municipalities adopting this exact model ordinance would receive free legal defense from the Attorney General if challenged in court. The model must not violate constitutional travel rights or force offenders to relocate from their current homes. The bill aims to help cash-strapped towns defend existing residency rules without burdening them financially.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to automatically stop collecting tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway east of the Garden State Parkway whenever U.S. Route 40 is closed at any point east of that parkway. It directly affects drivers traveling between Atlantic City and areas like Pleasantville who would otherwise face tolls if U.S. Route 40 closures force them onto the expressway. The key mechanism is an automatic toll suspension triggered solely by the closure of U.S. Route 40 east of the Garden State Parkway. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey county boards of commissioners to create a "Sharing Resources" grant and loan program. It directly helps municipalities (towns and cities) that want to study shared services (like joint police or waste management) or municipal consolidation (merging governments). The program funds study costs, consultant fees, and one-time startup expenses - but excludes debt financing or capital leases. Counties must ensure proposed shared services are cost-effective, and the state’s Community Affairs Commissioner sets application guidelines. Funding can come from state/federal sources, private donations, or local taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts specific baby products from New Jersey's sales and use tax, directly affecting parents and caregivers purchasing these items. It removes tax from cribs (infant beds), child restraint systems (car seats meeting federal safety standards), nursing bottles/nipples/funnels, and strollers (all non-motorized transport devices). The law amends the Sales and Use Tax Act to add these products to the tax-exempt list, effective immediately upon enactment. This change reduces out-of-pocket costs for essential infant care items without altering existing tax rates for other goods.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for human trafficking involving children under 18 in New Jersey. It changes the punishment for any trafficking of a child (for sexual activity or forced labor) from a minimum 20-year sentence to life imprisonment without parole. Convicted individuals must also pay fines of at least $25,000, which fund a survivor assistance program. The law applies to all forms of child trafficking, regardless of whether the perpetrator mistakenly believed the child was 18 or older.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Bill A3373 establishes a state-funded campaign to recruit more lifeguards, aiming to reduce drowning deaths. The Department of Health must develop a public awareness effort using social media, radio, TV, and printed materials - including an informational pamphlet about lifeguard requirements, training, and benefits - to be distributed at beaches, schools, sports facilities, and other public venues. The bill appropriates $1 million from the state general fund to cover campaign costs. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A3405 eliminates three property transfer fees: the general purpose fee (applied to non-exempt sales over $350,000), the supplemental fee (added to most sales), and the "mansion" fee (1% on homes over $1 million). This bill directly affects home buyers and sellers in New Jersey by removing these costs from property transactions. The fees, which were calculated as percentages of property value, added significant expenses - such as $6,775 for a $750,000 home - compared to pre-2003 costs. The legislation repeals specific sections of New Jersey law that established these fees, reducing transaction costs for property transfers.