Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1117) modifies New Jersey's property tax rules to provide relief during specific emergencies. It allows municipalities to waive interest on overdue property taxes for affected taxpayers during declared natural disasters (like floods or hurricanes), public health emergencies, or federal government shutdowns. Key mechanisms include requiring municipal resolutions to waive interest (with specific deadlines for notifying state officials), defining proof needed for federal shutdown cases (e.g., pay stubs showing federal employment disruption), and setting grace periods up to 30 days for health emergencies. It directly affects property owners in municipalities that declare these emergencies, ensuring they aren't charged interest if they pay by specified deadlines. The bill does not change tax rates but adjusts enforcement during crisis periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill reschedules New Jersey's 2025 primary election from June 3 to June 10, 2025, to avoid conflict with a religious observance. It establishes a permanent rule requiring the Secretary of State to move primary election dates to the first Tuesday after a religious observance that significantly burdens in-person voting. The law mandates that election officials and the public be notified within seven days for the 2025 change and by January 1st for future years. It applies to all primary elections for delegates to national conventions and general elections statewide, ensuring adjustments to all related deadlines. The bill defines "religious observance" as days when religious practices substantially prevent voting in person.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a ranking system for nonpoint source pollution control grants under the Water Pollution Control Act. The system must prioritize projects in specific areas: those served by stormwater utilities, municipalities banning lawn fertilizers, regions suffering economic harm from polluted waterbodies, or municipalities with strict septic system maintenance rules. Grants funded by state Corporation Business Tax revenues or federal Clean Water Act funds will be allocated based on these criteria. The law directly affects municipalities and project applicants seeking DEP pollution control grants. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Blue Acres Buyout Fund within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), appropriating $25 million from the General Fund. The fund will provide relocation assistance to homeowners and tenants displaced by Blue Acres property acquisitions, cover the state's costs for purchasing flood-prone lands under the Blue Acres program, and pay for program administration (limited to 5% of annual funds). It directly affects residents in flood-prone areas who may be relocated due to these acquisitions. The fund operates as a nonlapsing, revolving account managed by the DEP.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits New Jersey gas and electric utilities to use alternative rate-setting methods - such as multi-year plans, formula-based adjustments, or performance-based pricing - instead of traditional base rate cases. Utilities would propose these plans to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, which must establish rules for their implementation, including requirements for customer rate stability and utility performance. The changes aim to reduce the frequency of lengthy rate case proceedings while maintaining affordable, predictable rates for customers. This directly affects utilities' billing processes and customers' energy costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education to create and maintain a searchable website listing all educational programs and resources for students with disabilities eligible for special education. The site must include details on approved schools (in-state, out-of-state, and specialized programs), assistive technologies, and support organizations, searchable by disability type, location, and keyword. The Department must consult with the State Special Education Advisory Council and update the site annually to ensure accuracy. This directly affects students with disabilities, their families, and educators seeking accessible information about available services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3932) requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority to install at least one hydrogen refueling station at every service area along their toll roads within two years. It directly affects these transportation authorities (mandating the installations) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle drivers (who gain refueling access). The bill specifies that authorities must recover installation and operational costs from users proportionally based on their station usage. It does not alter vehicle technology or emissions standards but ensures infrastructure support for hydrogen-powered vehicles on state toll routes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education to create a public online portal displaying how state school funding is calculated for all school districts. The portal will show historical aid amounts, allow users to adjust variables like enrollment or property values to estimate impacts, and explain complex funding formulas in plain language. It will cover all state aid types - including special education, transportation, and categorical programs - and include district-specific data like local shares and enrollment. The portal must link to relevant laws, district budgets, and the annual Educational Adequacy Report. This transparency tool directly affects school districts and the public by making funding mechanisms accessible and understandable.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program allowing construction project owners in New Jersey to opt for expedited plan reviews under the state's construction code. Owners may choose to use a licensed private plan review agency (instead of their local municipality's agency) for a $500 premium fee per review subcode, with reviews required to be completed within 10 days if plans meet code standards. Municipalities retain final authority over permits and must oversee projects using private reviewers. The bill directly affects construction project owners, local enforcing agencies, and private plan review companies seeking licensure to provide this service.

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.