Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey optometrists' scope of practice to include prescribing pharmaceutical agents (including controlled substances for eye conditions), administering immunizations for coronavirus, flu, and shingles (for patients 18+), and performing minor procedures like removing superficial foreign bodies, treating chalazions, and simple ophthalmologic treatments (e.g., trabeculoplasty) using topical anesthesia. It explicitly prohibits invasive eye surgery, orbital procedures, or general anesthesia. The law requires optometrists to report administered immunizations to the state's immunization registry and mandates they follow CDC guidelines for vaccine administration. This directly affects optometrists by broadening their clinical capabilities and patients by increasing access to certain eye care services within defined limits.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded in a sexual context does not automatically allow sharing or disclosing that image. It requires separate, explicit consent for both taking the image and sharing it, preventing situations where someone might assume consent for sharing was given when only consent for taking the photo was provided. The law directly affects anyone who takes or shares intimate images without clear, separate permission for disclosure. It also specifies that consent for disclosure must be limited to the exact purpose it was given, such as sharing within a specific context.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 286 allows counties and municipalities to create reduced water, sewer, and stormwater fees for low-income households. It permits local sewerage authorities and municipal water systems to lower charges for residents whose household income is at or below a threshold based on federal poverty guidelines, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria like residing in the dwelling unit and not receiving similar assistance elsewhere. Authorities must establish clear application processes requiring income documentation and advertise the program to residents. The bill requires that local governments have sufficient budget flexibility to cover revenue losses from these reductions without raising rates for other customers.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Medicaid program to cover community violence prevention services for eligible residents. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries who would gain access to evidence-based violence prevention programs, such as counseling and neighborhood safety initiatives. The bill establishes a state training and certification program to ensure violence prevention professionals meet specific standards. These services would be added to Medicaid's covered benefits under existing state law, expanding access without altering current Medicaid eligibility rules. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Maddy summaryS 1797 prohibits transportation network companies (like Uber or Lyft) from charging fares above the standard rate during a state of emergency declared by the Governor or President. The ban takes effect immediately upon declaration and lasts 72 hours, with the Governor able to extend it in 72-hour increments. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $20,000 per offense. This directly affects riders and companies in New Jersey during emergencies, preventing fare spikes when transportation demand rises.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) to conduct background checks on all current and prospective officials (like referees) for high school sports events it sanctions. Officials must submit fingerprints and consent, with checks run through state and federal databases to identify convictions for specific disqualifying crimes listed in the law. Officials with such convictions are barred from officiating, and the NJSIAA must take action if pending charges later result in conviction. Existing officials have 60 days after the law takes effect to comply with this requirement.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey school districts from denying students entry to school due to tardiness or violations of dress code or uniform policies. It directly affects students who might otherwise face exclusion for minor infractions like being late or not wearing a required uniform. The law adds a clear prohibition against denying entry for these reasons, while allowing schools to enforce dress codes through existing disciplinary procedures. Exceptions apply only for violations specifically addressed under the current dress code enforcement process outlined in existing law.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Children and Families (DCF) to create online systems for schools and child care centers to report lead testing results in drinking water. Schools (required to test since 2016) and child care centers (required since 2017) must submit their test results electronically within 90 days of the systems launching, with results made publicly searchable on department websites. The bill also mandates that DOE and DCF jointly produce a report within two years detailing lead contamination levels, remediation needs, and state assistance recommendations. This aims to create a centralized public database to better track lead issues and inform future funding or support for affected facilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases the portion of rental payments that New Jersey renters can count toward property tax deductions from 18% to 30% of rent paid for a unit used as their primary residence. It also raises the maximum property tax credit amount from $50 to $250 for eligible seniors (65+), blind, or disabled taxpayers who pay property taxes or qualifying rent. The change applies to residential rental properties, including manufactured homes in mobile home parks, and affects renters who use their housing as their principal residence. The bill amends existing tax code provisions to adjust these specific deduction and credit thresholds.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2354) requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide in-person walk-in services at all agency locations for at least two full days each week. It mandates that all walk-in customers be served on a first-come, first-served basis for every MVC service, including those typically handled online. The bill directly affects MVC customers who lack reliable internet access or digital literacy needed for online scheduling, ensuring they have consistent physical access to services. It aims to improve accessibility for all residents by removing barriers to in-person assistance at MVC locations. The law will take effect three months after enactment, allowing time for implementation.