Rep. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's renewable energy incentive programs to support solar development on specific sites. It allows multiple solar projects to co-locate on the same or adjacent properties (without size limits) for community solar and remote net metering programs, and removes size restrictions for solar projects on landfills, brownfields, contaminated sites, or mining sites. Electric utilities must process interconnection applications for community solar or remote net metering projects on 34.5kV or lower voltage lines. Projects on designated sites must achieve commercial operation within 33 months (automatically extended for utility-caused delays), with the timeline starting from program registration.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts small portable solar devices (under 1,200 watts) from standard utility requirements. It directly affects homeowners using these devices, which connect via standard 120V outlets and meet electrical safety standards. Key provisions remove the need for interconnection agreements, net metering program rules, utility approval, or fees. Utilities cannot charge for these devices or require additional equipment beyond what’s built-in. The bill also shields utilities from liability for customer use of these devices.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the state calculates financial aid for preschool programs in school districts that are newly receiving this funding for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. Currently, these districts must split the cost of preschool programs between state aid and local taxes, but the legislation exempts them from this requirement. Instead, the state will provide a larger share of funding based on the total number of enrolled students and program costs. This change allows affected districts to receive more state money without needing separate voter approval to raise local taxes to cover the remaining expenses. The bill is estimated to increase state spending by approximately $7.5 million in the 2027 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows retired municipal code officials in New Jersey to return to part-time work without losing their retirement benefits or needing to rejoin the pension system. Specifically, it permits these officials to resume employment as long as they wait at least 90 days after retiring, have reached the required service retirement age, and work no more than 20 hours per week. The legislation creates an exception to the usual rules that would otherwise cancel retirement allowances and require pension re-enrollment upon returning to work. This change directly affects retired code officials who wish to take on limited part-time roles while maintaining their existing pension status.

Maddy summaryThe Climate Superfund Act (A 3735) holds fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments into a state fund. Companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels during 1995-2026 and emitted over one billion metric tons of greenhouse gases must pay based on their proportional liability, with joint liability for companies in a "controlled group." Funds collected will be distributed to implement climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs in overburdened communities. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to manage payments and fund these projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's existing requirement for health insurance plans to cover prostate cancer screenings without any out-of-pocket costs. It specifically requires coverage for annual screenings - including digital rectal exams and PSA tests - for men aged 50 and older (asymptomatic) and men aged 40 and older with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors. The law applies to most health insurance plans, including high-deductible plans where permitted by federal law, and mandates coverage "to the same extent as for any other medical condition." It does not alter existing coverage for other preventive services but ensures no cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays) applies to these specific screenings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public schools to prominently display a direct link to the subsidized school meals application on their official websites. It directly affects public schools by adding this website posting requirement to existing rules about meal applications. The key provision mandates that schools place the link in a visible location on their internet sites, making it easier for families to access the application. This change aims to improve accessibility to school meal programs without altering eligibility rules or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits certain large investment entities from buying single-family homes during the first 60 days they are listed for sale. The law defines these restricted entities as those that pool capital to invest in real estate, such as private equity firms and venture capital investors, while excluding individual buyers and employees. By imposing this waiting period, the legislation aims to prevent institutional investors from quickly removing homes from the market and competing with regular buyers. The measure directly affects real estate investors and the individuals trying to purchase homes in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows candidates and officeholders in New Jersey to use campaign funds to pay for security expenses for themselves, their immediate family members living in the same household, and their staff. It specifically permits spending on items like security cameras, alarms, gates, fencing, professional security personnel, and cybersecurity services, provided these measures address threats unique to holding public office. The legislation explicitly prohibits using these funds to buy firearms, pay family members directly, or make general home improvements that do not serve a security purpose. Additionally, candidates must keep detailed records of such expenditures, though the specific plans and locations of security installations must remain confidential.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new trust fund to provide health benefits, including medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision coverage, to eligible public school employees and their dependents in New Jersey. It defines who qualifies as an employee and dependent, specifying that full-time workers must work at least 25 hours per week and that dependents include spouses, domestic partners, and unmarried children up to age 31. The legislation creates a board of trustees to manage the fund and ensure its assets are used solely for the benefit of the covered individuals. Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation to fund the initial operations of this new trust.