Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program to include disabled residents who receive disability payments under the federal Railroad Retirement Act (45 U.S.C. § 231 et seq.). Currently, only disabled individuals receiving payments under the federal Social Security Act (Title II) qualify for this reimbursement. The bill expands eligibility by adding Railroad Retirement disability payments as a qualifying source, without altering existing income thresholds or residency requirements. This change would allow more disabled New Jersey residents to claim property tax reimbursement on their primary residence if they meet all other program criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5303) requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update the statewide policy for investigating human trafficking. It directs the AG to specifically consider: (1) using audio/video recordings in undercover operations to protect investigations and victims, (2) strict rules for sharing such recordings, (3) involving county prosecutors early in investigations, and (4) other relevant areas. The review responds to a 2024 Commission report on human trafficking in the massage industry. This policy update will affect law enforcement agencies conducting human trafficking investigations statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires human trafficking awareness signs to be displayed in four languages - English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean - instead of the current two (English and Spanish). It applies to businesses and facilities already mandated to display such signs, including strip clubs, massage businesses, airports, bars, hotels, and emergency rooms. The signs must meet specific size and font requirements (8.5x11 inches, 16-point font) and include the national human trafficking hotline information. The change follows a 2024 State Commission of Investigation report recommending expanded language accessibility for vulnerable communities. The law takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the period allowing police and fire chiefs to remain in their roles beyond age 65. It specifically applies to chiefs serving as of April 12, 2022, who would turn 65 during the original 24-month window (ending in 2024). The extension changes the deadline from 24 to 48 calendar months after the effective date, permitting continued service until the end of the calendar year they turn 67 if approved in writing by their appointing authority. The bill also requires the retirement system board to report on the impact of this extension to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends a provision allowing police and fire chiefs to delay mandatory retirement beyond age 65. It applies specifically to chiefs serving as of April 12, 2022, who will turn 65 during the period ending April 2026 (previously ending April 2024). Under the extension, these chiefs may continue serving until the end of the calendar year they turn 67, with written approval from their appointing authority. The bill also requires the retirement system board to report on the number of retained chiefs, their extended service duration, and the policy's impact on the retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill reappropriates unspent funds from New Jersey's 1989 Bridge Rehabilitation Bond Act to the Department of Transportation. It directs these funds toward emergency repairs for bridges on state highways and county/municipal roads, with the Commissioner of Transportation deciding where and when to allocate them. Any unspent funds must be used within two years or redistributed to counties based on a formula for bridge maintenance. The bill does not create new funding but redirects existing leftover money from a decades-old bond program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (AR 178) condemns the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a budget resolution that would cut $1.5 trillion from the federal budget over ten years, specifically targeting healthcare (Medicaid/Medicare), education, and SNAP benefits. It urges the U.S. Senate to reject the House resolution, citing potential severe impacts on New Jersey residents who rely on these programs: approximately 1.8 million low- and moderate-income people use NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid/CHIP), and 830,000 receive SNAP food assistance. The resolution states that funding cuts could reduce federal Medicaid support by up to $5.2 billion and threaten SNAP benefits through eligibility restrictions or benefit limits. As a procedural resolution, it does not change laws but expresses New Jersey's opposition to the proposed cuts.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for retail theft offenses based on the value of stolen goods, with shoplifting over $500 becoming a third-degree crime. It creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales) and upgrades penalties for "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime. The bill establishes a retail theft unit within the Attorney General's office to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, and includes new requirements for gift card retailers to prevent fraud through packaging standards and third-party reseller record-keeping. It also creates extended prison terms for repeat retail theft offenders and increases penalties for tax evasion related to retail theft.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A5341 (introduced February 2025) requires all health insurance plans sold in the state - including hospital service corporations, HMOs, individual/group policies, and state/school employee health plans - to cover screening for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia disorders for members aged 65 or older. The bill mandates that this coverage must be provided "to the same extent as for any other condition" under the plan, without additional cost to the patient. It defines "Alzheimer's disease and related disorders" as dementia causing significant impairment in social or occupational functioning. The requirement applies to all contracts delivered, issued, or renewed 180 days after enactment.