Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryAJR 44 designates March 9 each year as "U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day" in New Jersey to honor Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, including past cases like Robert Levinson (abducted March 9, 2007) and recent incidents. The bill requests the Governor to annually display the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag at the State Capitol and encourages other state and local government buildings to do the same. It aligns with federal recognition of the day and references the flag’s design (featuring three profiles, prison-wall tally marks, and "Bring Them Home"). The resolution focuses on symbolic recognition, not policy changes, and was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, JR-22.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A1551 requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study advanced transmission technologies (ATT) that can improve existing power grid infrastructure without building new lines. These technologies include smart grid software, high-performance conductors, and systems that reduce congestion, increase capacity, and boost efficiency - potentially cutting costs and speeding up project timelines compared to traditional transmission builds. The BPU must evaluate ATT's benefits for safely meeting rising energy demand (driven by data centers, manufacturing, and population growth), assess state policies that have successfully adopted similar technologies, and hold public meetings to gather input. The study must be completed within one year, with findings reported to the Governor and Legislature to inform future grid planning.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3516) clarifies and updates requirements for two key elements in New Jersey municipalities' master plans: the land use plan and housing plan. It mandates that land use plans include a climate change hazard vulnerability assessment analyzing threats like flooding and sea-level rise, plus strategies for storm resiliency and environmental sustainability. The housing plan element must now evaluate existing housing stock (including affordable units), project future housing needs over 10 years, and analyze demographic trends. These requirements directly affect all New Jersey municipalities required to maintain master plans, ensuring they address climate risks and housing affordability in their planning processes.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits public and private entities from collecting, storing, or sharing biometric data (like facial recognition, fingerprints, or voice patterns) without clear notice. It requires entities to post plain-language signs at all entry points if they use biometric systems, directly affecting businesses, schools, and government agencies that currently use such technology. Violations carry $5,000 fines for first offenses, $10,000 for repeat violations, and repeated offenses (five or more in 30 days) may become criminal charges punishable by fines up to $15,000 or imprisonment. The bill defines "biometric identifier information" as data from systems identifying people via unique physical traits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and Department of Environmental Protection to conduct a study on wave and tidal energy potential within 12 months of a pilot project. The study must evaluate environmental impacts, economic benefits, grid reliability, and potential incentive programs (like renewable energy credits) to support ocean energy development. It directs the BPU to establish goals for wave and tidal energy as part of the state's clean energy strategy, aiming to position New Jersey as a national leader. The findings will be reported to the Governor and Legislature within 15 months, with recommendations for future policy actions. This affects state energy planning and future development of ocean-based renewable energy infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey registrars to issue certified electronic copies of vital records - including birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership, and civil union certificates - alongside traditional paper copies. It specifies that authorized requesters (such as the record subject, family members, government agencies, or legal representatives) can receive these electronic copies upon request. The Commissioner of Health must establish security standards for electronic copies, including encryption, identity verification, data privacy protocols, and authentication features to prevent forgery. Registrars may charge fees for electronic copies but must ensure they meet the same legal standards as paper certified copies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program allowing solar energy systems connected to "critical renewable microgrids" to qualify as community solar projects. These systems would receive special incentives, including solar energy credits at low-income rates and the ability to exceed the standard 5-megawatt capacity limit. To qualify, systems must supply at least 75% of their energy to low- or moderate-income customers at 20% below standard rates. Additionally, the Office of Homeland Security must designate qualifying microgrids as "assets of importance," exempting their solar incentives from certain cost caps. The program is limited to 100 megawatts annually and requires systems to begin operations within 3-4 years of approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey resident taxpayers to deduct 50% of their E-ZPass toll payments for New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) tolls - covering the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway - from their state gross income. It excludes fines, penalties, administrative fees, and reimbursed amounts from the deduction calculation. The deduction applies to taxable years starting January 1 after the bill takes effect. It directly affects NJ residents who pay tolls via E-ZPass for NJTA roads, providing a tax benefit for those expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 1995 law (P.L.1995, c.63) that prohibited public colleges from adding funds for legislative agents or organizations to student tuition bills. It directly affects students at New Jersey public colleges, removing a restriction that previously barred mandatory assessments for groups seeking to influence legislation. The repealed law had allowed optional student fees for nonpartisan legislative organizations only if approved by a student referendum, with specific disclosure requirements. This bill eliminates that requirement, allowing institutions to assess funds for legislative activities without those restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill lowers the minimum uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage required for transportation network company drivers (like Uber or Lyft drivers) and their companies when drivers are actively providing rides. It reduces the required coverage from $1.5 million to $25,000 per person (rising to $35,000 after 2026) for bodily injury, $50,000 (to $70,000 after 2026) for multiple people, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. The change applies to insurance policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2023, with gradual increases in the minimums after 2026. This directly affects ride-share drivers and companies by lowering their insurance cost requirements during active rides.