Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes establishing New Jersey's "Gold Star Family Annuity Program" within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. It would provide eligible surviving family members of service members who died on active duty with an annual $600 payment starting January 1 each year, with future increases tied to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefit adjustments (minimum 1%, maximum 4% annually). The program specifically supports New Jersey residents who are spouses, domestic partners, parents, siblings, children, or legal guardians of fallen service members. Residency is required for eligibility, and remarriage does not disqualify recipients. The bill defines "Gold Star family member" and outlines application requirements, including proof of relationship and New Jersey residency.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies licensing requirements for businesses that transport, broker, or process solid waste or soil/fill recyclable materials in New Jersey. It directly affects waste management companies seeking or holding licenses by requiring more detailed disclosure of ownership, business connections, and past violations. Key provisions mandate applicants to submit comprehensive "disclosure statements" to the Attorney General and Environmental Department, including full ownership details, employee information, business affiliations, and records of past regulatory violations or legal judgments related to waste handling. These changes aim to increase transparency and accountability in the waste management industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary exemption to New Jersey's ban on importing woodchucks (groundhogs) specifically for Groundhog Day celebrations. It allows counties or municipalities to replace a deceased local Groundhog Day mascot by importing a woodchuck from another state, provided they first try to use a woodchuck found within New Jersey or imported from a state without certain rabies variants. The Division of Fish and Wildlife must provide guidelines for safe handling, housing, and prioritize local sources before approving out-of-state imports, with the goal of minimizing public health risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey school districts that have moved their annual school election to November to submit separate proposals for additional funding for either the current budget year, the following year, or both. Currently, districts that move elections to November must implement funding increases during the school year when the election occurs, creating budgeting challenges. The bill provides these districts with greater flexibility by enabling them to delay implementing tax levy increases for approved proposals until the subsequent school year. It specifically prevents districts from using "banked" tax levy amounts for the subsequent year if they approve a separate proposal for that year. This change helps districts better plan for initiatives like expanding educational programs, as they can time funding implementation to align with their budget cycles.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to develop a mobile application providing veterans and their families with access to key resources. The app must include information on veterans' legal rights, medical and insurance issues, education, housing, and transition support from military to civilian life - mirroring content already available on the DMVA website. It directly affects all New Jersey veterans and their families who use DMVA services. The bill amends state law (N.J.S.38A:3-6) to mandate this mobile resource, aiming to improve accessibility and user experience compared to web-based resources.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates the Saturday before Thanksgiving as "National Adoption Day" and November as "National Adoption Month" in New Jersey. It does not create new policies or funding but requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to raise public awareness about adoption services and celebrate finalized adoptions. The resolution aims to highlight the foster care system and encourage adoption, referencing existing annual events where counties finalize adoptions during this period.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to develop a mobile application that provides veterans and their families with guidance on available state and federal resources. The app would consolidate information about benefits, healthcare, housing, education, and other support services into a single accessible tool. It specifically mandates the DMVA to create this mobile resource as a new method for delivering the existing public information requirement currently covered by subsection (y) of N.J.S.38A:3-6. The bill directly affects all New Jersey veterans and their families who rely on state and federal veteran support programs.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2946) makes it a crime to keep money received by mistake through digital payment apps like Venmo or Zelle after being notified of the error. Specifically, if someone receives an incorrect electronic payment from another person and fails to return the funds within 30 days of proper notification, they commit theft under state law. The law directly affects individuals using peer-to-peer payment services who accidentally receive more money than intended. It adds a clear 30-day deadline for returning erroneous payments and defines "payment processor" to cover these digital transactions. This is a specific amendment to existing theft statutes, not a broad policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5018) gives juveniles aged 14 or older (or younger for murder charges) the right to request being tried as adults in criminal court, subject to court approval. Before approving such a request, the court must hold a hearing to ensure the juvenile understands the differences in sentencing between juvenile and adult systems and that their decision is made knowingly and voluntarily. If approved, the case proceeds as an adult case, but the juvenile is presumed to serve any prison time in a juvenile facility until age 21, with limited exceptions for safety or age. The court may also allow the case to return to juvenile court later if it serves the juvenile's best interests and public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1457, "General Contractor Licensing Act") requires all general contractors in New Jersey to obtain a license from the newly created New Jersey State Board of General Contractors. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18, of good moral character, hold a bachelor's degree in project management with 60+ construction credits, and pass a board-administered exam. The bill exempts contractors with 10+ years of pre-act experience (without bankruptcy or business name changes) and those licensed in allied professions like architecture. Licenses are issued for two years and require renewal, including continuing education, with the board setting fees and standards for examinations and licensing.