Rep. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces New Jersey into the Athletic Trainer Compact, a national agreement designed to allow licensed athletic trainers to practice across multiple member states without needing separate licenses in each location. The legislation establishes a commission to oversee the program and creates a streamlined process where qualified professionals can work in other states while still adhering to the specific rules and scope of practice of the state where the patient is located. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, support for military families relocating, and the use of telehealth to expand access to care. By adopting this compact, New Jersey aims to increase workforce mobility and public access to athletic training services while maintaining state authority over public health and safety.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill exempts small, portable solar generators from standard utility rules like interconnection agreements and net metering programs. It specifically affects homeowners who want to use these devices, which are defined as having a maximum output of 1,200 watts and plugging into standard 120-volt outlets. Under the new law, utility companies cannot require approval, fees, or extra equipment for these devices, and they are also shielded from liability for any damage caused by their use. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Community Affairs update building codes to provide clear guidelines for safely wiring homes to accommodate these portable power systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies protections for patients and providers accessing or offering legally permitted reproductive and gender-affirming health care in New Jersey. It prohibits obstructing or intimidating individuals at facilities providing these services - including blocking entrances, causing reasonable fear of harm, or threatening violence. The law defines "legally protected health care activity" to cover all such services lawful in New Jersey, regardless of a patient’s location, and applies to both in-state residents and out-of-state patients seeking care here. It expands existing safeguards by explicitly banning physical obstructions and threats at facilities offering these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's community solar program to allow "dual-use" solar facilities - those combining solar panels with ongoing agricultural production on farmland - to participate. It sets a 5-megawatt maximum per project, requires at least two participating customers, and mandates access for low- and moderate-income residents. The law also establishes phased registration goals (225 MW by 2024, then 3,000 MW total by 2029) and requires monthly reporting on energy generation and bill credits. This directly affects electric utility customers in New Jersey who can now access community solar projects on farmland, with specific protections for low-income participants.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory licensing system for general contractors in New Jersey, requiring all individuals or businesses classified under trades 006, 007, 008, or 009 (as defined by the state Treasury Department) to obtain a license. It creates the New Jersey State Board of General Contractors to set licensure standards, review applications, administer exams, and manage renewals, with six board members required to have at least 10 years of contracting experience. To qualify, applicants must meet one of three pathways: complete a construction degree with field experience, complete a state-approved apprenticeship with four years of supervised work, or demonstrate five years of field experience under a licensed contractor. The law prohibits unlicensed practice, mandates license display at job sites, and includes grandfathering for contractors with 10+ years of experience prior to the law's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a standardized "pollinator-friendly" label for plants sold in New Jersey, requiring the Environmental Protection Commissioner (with Agriculture Secretary) to establish specific standards. These standards must prohibit or limit pesticides harmful to pollinators and define "pollinator-friendly" plants as native, non-invasive species. Retailers and distributors could only use the label on plants meeting these standards, which cover bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. The bill does not ban pesticides but sets requirements for labeling to help consumers identify pollinator-safe plants. (Note: The bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet been enacted.)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and electric utilities to establish a program developing 500 megawatts of distributed battery storage capacity statewide by 2030. It mandates the BPU to set minimum program requirements, including specific storage targets per utility, size standards, and enhanced incentives for projects in overburdened communities and redevelopment areas. Electric utilities must submit implementation plans to the BPU for approval, with annual reporting to ensure compliance and cost savings for ratepayers. The program aims to improve grid stability, reduce interconnection times, and lower system costs by leveraging federal funding and avoiding distribution upgrades.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides educational support professionals (non-teaching school staff) with up to four years of seniority credit for active military service they completed, including service before starting their school job. To qualify, a professional must be declared eligible for federal veterans' benefits by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The credit counts as if the professional were employed full-time during their military service, directly affecting their seniority calculations for school district benefits and job protections. The bill aligns seniority treatment for these staff with existing provisions for teaching staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3974) modifies New Jersey's renewable energy incentive programs to support solar development on specific land types. It allows multiple solar projects to co-locate on the same or adjacent properties without size restrictions, removes power output limits for projects on landfills, brownfields, contaminated sites, or mining sites, and requires projects on these sites to achieve commercial operation within 33 months (with automatic extensions for utility delays). Electric utilities must process interconnection applications for community solar and remote net metering projects within 90 days and complete interconnection within 30 days, facing $5,000 daily penalties for delays. These changes directly affect solar developers, utilities, and participants in New Jersey's community solar and remote net metering programs.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2962) gives educational support professionals (like cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and administrative staff) who served in the U.S. military and qualify for VA benefits up to four years of seniority credit. The credit counts military service completed before or during their school district employment, treating it as equivalent to actual work time for seniority purposes. It expands an existing benefit currently only available to teaching staff. The policy takes effect immediately upon enactment.