Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to promote state-produced aquaculture products (farmed fish and shellfish raised in New Jersey waters) through the existing Jersey Fresh Program. It mandates the department to create a specific quality grading system for these products - distinct from wild-caught seafood - and allocate $25,000 annually from the General Fund to fund advertising and promotion. The program will apply only to aquaculture products meeting state quality standards, expanding Jersey Fresh's current focus on locally grown produce. This change directly affects New Jersey aquaculture producers seeking to market their products under the state's agricultural branding initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3962) allows New Jersey municipalities to impose daily fines on property owners for ongoing violations of housing or zoning codes, rather than a single flat fine. It requires municipalities to provide owners a 30-day period to fix violations before imposing fines exceeding $1,250, and mandates a court hearing if the violation persists after this period. The bill specifically responds to a court ruling that invalidated prior daily-fine provisions, validating past fines and ensuring municipalities can enforce ongoing violations through daily penalties until the issue is resolved. It directly affects property owners who violate housing/zoning codes and municipalities that enforce these codes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 14-member "Home Security Systems Anti-Burglary Task Force" within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety. The task force will study home security systems (including keyless entry, cameras, and alarms) and make recommendations to manufacturers and installers to prevent residential burglaries. It includes representatives from law enforcement, industry groups (like the Electronic Security Association and Insurance Council), and public members with security business experience. The task force must submit a report with specific recommendations for improving security systems and any needed legislative changes within six months, after which it will expire.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain transportation providers - including ferry operators, New Jersey Transit, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the Delaware River Port Authority - to develop and publish route schedules. Providers must post schedules at transportation facilities and on their websites, updating them within 30 days of any changes. The law directly affects passengers using these services by improving access to real-time schedule information. It amends existing statutes to mandate these transparency measures, with penalties for noncompliance (e.g., $1 per day for ferry operators failing to post schedules). Note: The bill was withdrawn after being superseded by P.L.2025, c.260.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to require that all new buildings be "solar ready" through local ordinances. It mandates that construction permit applications for new structures must include plans demonstrating solar-ready design elements, such as roof space and structural support for rooftop solar panels and, if applicable, solar water heating systems. The law defines "solar ready" as incorporating features that enable future installation of solar equipment without major modifications. It does not require immediate solar panel installation but ensures new buildings are prepared for solar adoption as needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to maintain a supply of naloxone nasal spray (for opioid overdose emergencies) in secure, accessible campus locations and develop a campus policy for its emergency use. It directly affects institutions of higher education, licensed campus medical staff, and designated campus personnel like resident assistants who may administer naloxone after required training. Key provisions include mandating hospital transport for overdose victims after naloxone use, permitting trained non-medical staff to administer the drug in good faith, and providing liability protection for those acting in compliance with the law. The policy must be developed with guidance from the state’s higher education and human services departments.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "New Jersey Motorcycle Awareness and Safety Act" (A-2476), requires the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) to create and annually update a public awareness campaign focused on motorcycle safety. The campaign must include educational materials on motorcycle safety, information about distracted driving risks, and variable message signs promoting safe road sharing between motorists and motorcyclists. It directly affects all drivers and motorcyclists in New Jersey by aiming to reduce motorcycle-related accidents through improved road awareness. The bill mandates these specific provisions to encourage vigilant driving and safer interactions on New Jersey roads.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2116) requires all health insurance plans sold in the state - covering hospital, medical, and group policies - to include coverage for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia screening for people aged 65 or older. It mandates that this coverage be provided "to the same extent as for any other condition" under the plan, meaning no extra costs or restrictions beyond standard medical coverage. The law applies to all insurance types (including HMOs and health benefits plans) delivered, issued, or renewed in New Jersey after the bill's effective date. It defines "Alzheimer's disease and related disorders" as dementia causing significant impairment in daily functioning. The bill does not create new costs for insurers but ensures existing coverage must include these screenings for seniors.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the minimum age to obtain a firearms purchaser identification card in New Jersey from 18 to 21 years. It directly affects individuals under 21 who wish to purchase rifles or shotguns (excluding antique models), as they would no longer be eligible for the required card. The key provision amends New Jersey Statute 2C:58-3(c)(4) to increase the age threshold for this specific permit. The change applies only to rifles and shotguns, not handguns (which already require a 21+ age for permits). The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3953) requires contractors to be allowed to pay construction code fees electronically through card or electronic funds transfer systems when entering contracts under New Jersey's Local Public Contracts Law. It directly affects contractors who pay these fees and local government units that collect them. Key provisions mandate that local units establish such payment systems via a governing body resolution, specifying eligible fees (excluding delinquent payments or lien redemptions). The bill updates existing laws to modernize fee collection for construction code enforcement.