Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A3540 establishes criminal penalties for creating or sharing deceptive audio or visual media (commonly called "deepfakes") that falsely depict someone doing something they didn't actually do. It makes it a crime to produce such media for unlawful purposes (like harassment, theft, or privacy violations) or to share it without clearly labeling it as fake. Individuals harmed by these deepfakes can sue for $1,000 per violation plus damages, attorney fees, and other remedies. The law exempts news media from penalties unless they knowingly share unmarked fake content created in violation of the bill.

Maddy summaryS 3587 upgrades retail theft offenses in New Jersey, including elevating "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime punishable by 10-20 years in prison. The bill creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales), which is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail. It establishes a retail theft unit within the Department of Law and Public Safety to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, appropriating $1 million for this purpose. The bill also includes new requirements for gift card sales to prevent fraud, such as mandatory notices for retailers and packaging restrictions for both open- and closed-loop gift cards.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey's Department of Human Services to directly hire American Sign Language interpreters without using the standard civil service eligible list under specific time-sensitive situations. If the Civil Service Commission doesn't provide a certified list within 60 days for interpreter positions, or if no qualified candidates from the list accept the role, the department may appoint an otherwise qualified candidate. The department must obtain written authorization from the Commissioner and use a waiver approved by the Civil Service Commission to bypass the usual hiring process. The hired candidate must complete a working test period to gain full civil service status, and the department won't need to replace them later if a certified list eventually becomes available.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a fee refund program for New Jersey businesses applying for state permits, licenses, or certifications. State agencies must submit detailed catalogs of their permit types, fees, and processing times to the Governor, who will then set recommended processing deadlines. If an agency exceeds these deadlines after receiving a complete application, it must refund the application fee (to the extent allowed by law), without affecting the application's outcome. The program applies to all state departments, boards, commissions, and authorities issuing such permits.

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide property tax rebates to New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities. Eligible veterans would receive a rebate equal to their disability percentage of the property taxes paid on their primary residence, with the rebate capped at $5,000 annually. The program is limited to veterans with gross income under $200,000 and does not apply to veterans already exempt from property taxes due to 100% disability ratings. Veterans would need to apply annually for the rebate, and funding would depend on annual legislative appropriations. The bill specifically targets veterans with less than 100% service-connected disability ratings who currently pay property taxes on their primary residence.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2423, now P.L.2025, c.35) formally renames New Jersey's "Juvenile Justice Commission" to "Youth Justice Commission" throughout state law. It updates all statutory references, definitions, and provisions (such as in Sections 1, 3, and 1 of related laws) to replace "Juvenile" with "Youth" while preserving all existing legal procedures and policies unchanged. The bill has no policy impact - it solely adjusts terminology to reflect the commission's focus on youth services rather than juvenile justice. The name change is now law, effective March 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey school district lease rules by extending the required approval threshold for long-term agreements. School boards must now get approval from the Commissioner of Education and Local Finance Board only for leases exceeding 20 years (previously 5 years) and for lease-purchase agreements for building improvements or additions (also extended from 5 to 20 years). The bill maintains existing requirements that lease payments must fit within tax levy limits without needing additional voter or board approval. It directly affects all New Jersey public school districts seeking long-term building leases or lease-purchase agreements for school facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5379) updates New Jersey's process for reporting lost or stolen vehicle registration plates. It requires owners to file a report with law enforcement (not just notify) within their jurisdiction, and mandates that police provide a trackable case number within 24 hours. Owners must then notify the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) with the case number and a completed status form, which the MVC will update to include the case number and mark plates as lost/stolen. The changes aim to streamline plate replacement and improve tracking to prevent misuse.

Maddy summaryThe "Climate Superfund Act" would hold fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions. It targets companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels and are responsible for over one billion metric tons of emissions between 1995 and the bill's effective date. The bill establishes a program through New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to collect these payments and distribute funds for climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs. Companies would pay their proportional share of damages over nine years, with options for installment payments, and the collected funds would specifically support projects that help communities prepare for climate impacts.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1445 requires public colleges and universities to readmit undergraduate students who withdrew due to military service (including active duty, National Guard, or Reserve service). Schools must reinstate students with their exact academic standing from before their service interruption. Students must submit a written request for the next available semester, and institutions cannot charge application or processing fees for these requests. The law applies starting the first full academic year after its effective date.