Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryAJR 23 adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism for New Jersey. The bill defines antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews" and includes examples like targeting Jewish individuals, property, or community institutions. It is intended solely as an educational tool for state employees, law enforcement, and educators to recognize and address antisemitism, not as a legal standard. The resolution explicitly states it does not infringe on free speech, including criticism of Israel. New Jersey joins 38 countries and several U.S. states that have endorsed this definition.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3909) removes a restriction that previously required crematories to operate only on cemetery or funeral home property. It allows cremation companies to establish stand-alone facilities anywhere, as long as they meet regulatory standards. The key change amends the definition of "cremation company" to specify it must be a separate facility not located on cemetery or funeral home grounds. This directly affects cremation service providers seeking to operate independently of traditional cemetery or funeral home operations. The bill updates regulatory language to permit this expanded location flexibility while maintaining oversight by the New Jersey Cemetery and Crematory Board.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey voters to apply for mail-in ballots electronically through the Secretary of State's website up to seven days before an election, using an electronic signature in the Statewide Voter Registration System. The electronic application requires the same information as a paper form, including voter address and contact details (which will not be publicly disclosed or considered government records). Voters must still apply at least seven days before an election, and the bill maintains existing in-person application options until 3 p.m. the day before the election. This change provides a new, accessible method for requesting mail-in ballots without altering current deadlines or requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $5 million grant program to help New Jersey municipalities improve disaster relief services for residents. Municipalities can apply for grants of up to $30,000 to fund staff training, stockpiles of supplies, and technology for processing disaster relief applications and related paperwork. The Office of Emergency Management will prioritize funding based on each municipality's risk assessment, and grantees must report after one year on how funds improved emergency preparedness. The program is funded through a state appropriation and administered by the Division of Disaster Recovery and Mitigation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A475) expands eligibility for accidental disability retirement benefits and survivor benefits under New Jersey's Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS), State Police Retirement System (SPRS), and Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). It extends the filing deadline for accidental disability claims from 5 years to allow for delayed disability manifestations (e.g., from 9/11 exposure), and adds new qualifying health conditions like PTSD, respiratory illnesses, and cancer linked to work exposure. Public safety workers who participated in World Trade Center rescue/cleanup operations (or sustained injuries during those efforts) can now have disabilities presumed work-related without proving negligence, using alternate medical documentation if standard proof isn’t available. This directly affects first responders and public employees with qualifying conditions tied to their duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-3950) amends New Jersey law to allow crematories to operate at locations not situated on cemetery grounds or funeral home properties. It removes the current restriction requiring cremation facilities to be physically attached to a cemetery or funeral home, enabling standalone cremation companies to operate on their own leased or owned property. The key change modifies definitions in existing law (P.L.2003, c.261) to permit this new location flexibility while maintaining oversight by the New Jersey Cemetery and Crematory Board. This directly affects cremation businesses seeking to establish independent facilities outside traditional cemetery or funeral home settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2546) required New Jersey’s Commissioner of Education to develop guidelines for public school policies on student use of internet-enabled devices (like smartphones and tablets) during school hours, on buses, or at school events. The guidelines must prohibit non-academic use during class, allow exceptions for emergencies or health needs, and include age-appropriate rules for device storage and social media restrictions. School boards were then required to adopt policies based on these guidelines, ensuring consistency with federal disability laws and student health plans. Note: This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as P.L.2025, c.195.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1204) requires New Jersey building inspectors to complete construction inspections within three business days of a property owner's written request. It directly affects property owners, contractors, and building inspectors by mandating a specific 3-day timeline for inspections and restricting inspections to 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on business days unless an immediate safety hazard exists. Key provisions include requiring inspectors to notify owners in writing if they cannot meet the 3-day window and allowing owners to hire authorized private inspectors if delays persist. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into an existing law (P.L.2025, c.173).

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3921) appears to be primarily defining terms related to New Jersey's energy infrastructure and utility regulations, rather than directly revising renewable energy portfolio standards. The provided text includes definitions for terms like "assignee," "base load electric power generation facility," "basic generation service," and "bondable stranded costs" but does not specify any new renewable energy targets, timelines, or requirements. Without the actual revisions to the portfolio standards themselves in the provided text, a substantive summary of what the bill changes cannot be created. The bill was introduced in 2026 and referred to the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands paid leave for New Jersey public employees who serve in military reserves or National Guard. Currently, state/local government workers in federal reserve units get up to 30 paid work days per year for active duty training, while National Guard members get up to 90 days for active duty. The bill adds required inactive duty training (like routine drills) to these qualifying activities under the same annual limits. Public employers, including school districts, will be reimbursed by the state for any increased costs from this change.