Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3889) allows New Jersey's four-year colleges to award associate degrees to students who complete 60 or more academic credits at that institution, including transfer students who earned at least 30 credits there. It requires institutions to align offered degrees with their mission, meet Middle States accreditation standards, provide targeted academic advising, and notify students about associate degree eligibility upon reaching 60 credits or if withdrawing before a bachelor's degree. The Secretary of Higher Education must annually report the number of associate degrees conferred by four-year schools to the Governor and Legislature. The policy directly affects students seeking credentials at four-year institutions and the institutions themselves, which must establish specific programs and reporting mechanisms.

Maddy summaryBill A 3492 sets requirements for New Jersey state and local governments when awarding contracts or grants to nonprofit organizations. It establishes a 15% maximum rate for covering overhead costs (like administrative expenses) on state or federal-funded contracts and creates a central database where nonprofits can submit required documents, such as tax-exempt status, financial statements, and organizational bylaws. The bill also mandates annual adjustments to contract amounts based on the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation and automatically extends contracts for three months if renewal isn't completed within 10 days of expiration.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all subscription service providers in New Jersey (like streaming services, gym memberships, or software subscriptions) to give consumers a clear, easy way to cancel their subscriptions using the same method they signed up with - such as online, by phone, or in person. It specifically bans "negative option features" where silence or inaction is treated as agreement, mandating providers to get explicit consent before charging and to clearly disclose terms upfront. Providers must also place a prominent cancellation link on websites or in emails, making it simple for consumers to stop automatic renewals. The law expands existing rules (previously limited to health clubs) to cover all subscription services and prohibits misleading marketing or hidden cancellation processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $15 fee for special license plates designated for firefighters and first aid/rescue squad members in New Jersey. Currently, these emergency service members pay an additional $15 fee on top of standard vehicle registration costs to obtain the plates. The bill would allow eligible volunteer, part-time, and paid members of fire departments or first aid/rescue squads to receive these plates at no extra cost (only standard registration fees would apply). It requires annual renewal with proof of continued membership and was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.354.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires colleges and universities in New Jersey to report any allegations of sexual misconduct committed by health care professionals employed at their institutions to the relevant state licensing board. The licensing board must then investigate the allegation to determine if disciplinary action, license suspension, or restrictions are needed. Institutions making these reports in good faith are protected from civil liability. The law directly affects higher education institutions, health care professionals (like nurses or therapists), and the state licensing boards that oversee their credentials. It does not replace campus investigations or law enforcement reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New Jersey's annual property tax deduction for eligible seniors (65+), persons with disabilities, and veterans from $250 to $500. It directly affects qualifying residents who own or occupy their primary residence, allowing them to reduce their property tax bill by the new higher amount each year. The deduction would take effect starting in 2024, but only after voters approve a constitutional amendment to formalize the change. The bill amends existing laws (P.L.1963, c.171 and c.172) to update the deduction amounts and includes specific provisions for veterans living in continuing care retirement communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a pilot program that would allow New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide loan guarantees to qualifying non-profit organizations. The program would specifically support non-profits that are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, have existed for 10+ years, received prior state assistance, and plan to build new facilities creating at least 10 full-time jobs. Loan guarantees would cover up to $15 million per organization for new physical spaces, with repayment terms limited to 20 years. The program would be funded using moneys from the Economic Recovery Fund and repayments from guaranteed loans, but remains pending before the Assembly Commerce Committee as of its January 2026 introduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual payments from New Jersey's Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund to municipalities by $15 million (from $740 million to $755 million) over two years. It directly affects most municipalities (excluding those with a municipal purposes tax rate of $0.10 or less per $100) by requiring them to subtract this additional aid from their property tax levies. The bill also prohibits municipalities from anticipating certain revenue when creating annual budgets. These changes aim to provide more direct property tax relief to local governments through the existing fund, which receives energy-related tax revenues.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 1399 (now law as P.L.2025, c.255) creates a new criminal offense for possessing digital instructions that enable illegal firearm manufacturing. The law specifically targets digital files, guides, or plans that could be used to make firearms or components without authorization. It directly affects individuals who access or share such digital materials, making it a crime separate from actually manufacturing firearms. This provision adds to New Jersey's existing firearm laws by addressing the digital means of circumventing manufacturing restrictions. The law became effective upon enactment and does not change penalties for actual illegal firearm production.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows veterans living in New Jersey State veterans' residential facilities to have service dogs and emotional support dogs on-site. It requires facilities to permit these animals under federal guidelines but adds that emotional support animals (not covered by federal law) are now explicitly allowed. Facilities may deny access if animals aren't controlled, aren't trained to eliminate waste outdoors, or pose health/safety risks, and veterans must provide documentation confirming the animal's certification and current vaccinations. The bill directly affects veterans with disabilities who rely on these animals for support.