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 (S 3937) requires public utilities in New Jersey to charge volunteer emergency service organizations (VESOs) a residential electricity or gas rate - rather than a higher commercial rate - for service at their primary operating location, if the residential rate is lower. VESOs include volunteer fire departments, ambulance services, and rescue squads that rely on unpaid members. Utilities must work with the Board of Public Utilities to create a simple process for VESOs to certify their status for this lower rate. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryS 3904, the "S2 Appropriations Rescue Act," provides $106.5 million in emergency aid to New Jersey school districts negatively impacted by P.L.2018, c.67 (the "S2" funding formula). It targets districts receiving less than their calculated adequacy budget or $19,000 per resident student in 2024-2025, and either less than or no more than $200,000 above their 2023-2024 State school aid. Eligible districts receive $250 per resident student (based on enrollment as of October 16, 2023) to offset budget shortfalls. This aid aims to stabilize school budgets strained by years of S2-related funding reductions, helping districts avoid staff layoffs, program cuts, and facility closures.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to create "250th Anniversary Revolutionary War" license plates for motor vehicles registered in the state. Vehicle owners who apply will pay a $50 one-time fee and a $10 annual renewal fee, with the additional funds (after covering administrative costs) deposited into a dedicated fund to support Revolutionary War site preservation across New Jersey. The program requires the New Jersey Historical Commission to cover initial costs (up to $25,000) and provide 500 completed applications before implementation. The license plate design will be selected by the Motor Vehicle Commission in consultation with the Historical Commission, and the program may end if annual costs exceed the $50 fee for two consecutive years.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor to provide funding and training to county prosecutors for investigating and prosecuting wage theft cases. It mandates each county prosecutor's office to assign a dedicated assistant prosecutor to handle violations of state wage laws and the specific provision about unpaid wages (P.L.1999, c.90). The bill appropriates up to $2 million from the General Fund to cover these enforcement costs. It directly affects county prosecutors' offices and workers who face unpaid wages or wage law violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to create and issue special license plates for disabled veterans, allowing them to park in spaces reserved for people with disabilities without needing additional permits. To qualify, veterans must be New Jersey residents certified by the federal VA as having a service-connected disability, and the plates - displaying "Disabled Veteran" and a wheelchair symbol - will be free of charge. The plates are non-transferable and must be visibly displayed on the vehicle to use reserved parking, replacing the need for separate disability placards. Misuse of the plates can result in revocation and forfeiture of the license plate.
Maddy summaryThis bill would allow restaurants and licensed alcoholic beverage retailers (including bars, wineries, breweries, and distilleries) to operate in designated outdoor spaces adjacent to their business premises, including on public sidewalks. It creates a "premises expansion permit" process requiring applications to either the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (for licensed businesses) or municipal zoning officers (for restaurants without alcohol licenses), with requirements for security plans and property descriptions. Municipalities may regulate hours of operation but must allow outdoor service outside specific hours (10pm-11am on Sundays-Wednesdays, and 12am-11am on Thurs-Sat), and cannot prohibit outdoor service for businesses already operating under legal or disciplinary restrictions. The bill specifies that State-owned rights-of-way require separate approval from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, with setback requirements for roads intersecting state highways.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill creates a 90-day tax amnesty period ending January 15, 2026, for taxpayers who owe state taxes on returns due between September 1, 2017, and January 1, 2025. During this period, eligible taxpayers can pay overdue taxes plus half the accrued interest without additional penalties, fees, or late charges, but must still cover fraud-related penalties. All revenues collected from the amnesty program (minus a 5% penalty for non-participants) will fund Stabilization Aid for school districts that experienced a reduction in state aid compared to the previous year. The bill also appropriates up to $15 million from these revenues to cover the program’s administrative costs.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's State Police hiring rules to extend the maximum age for appointment. Currently, applicants must be under 35. The bill allows the maximum age to increase by one year for each year of active military service (up to a six-year extension, making the maximum age 41). It directly affects veterans seeking to join the New Jersey State Police who are over 35 but have military service. The change aims to leverage veterans' skills by expanding recruitment opportunities under existing hiring standards.