Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new burglary offenses in New Jersey: "home invasion burglary" (a second-degree crime) and "residential burglary" (a third-degree crime). Home invasion burglary occurs when someone enters a residence without permission and either inflicts bodily injury, threatens injury, or is armed with a weapon or explosives, while residential burglary simply involves entering or remaining in a residence without permission. Offenders convicted of home invasion burglary would face mandatory 85% sentence terms without parole (subject to the No Early Release Act), while residential burglary carries a lesser penalty of 3-5 years imprisonment. The bill also allows juveniles to be waived to adult court for burglary offenses involving firearms and clarifies definitions related to residential dwellings and burglary. These changes would directly affect individuals committing burglaries in residential properties and the criminal justice system's handling of such cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local government business administrators (such as municipal managers, township managers, and county administrators) to join the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) instead of remaining in the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP). Current business administrators enrolled in the DCRP will transfer to PERS within 90 days of the bill's effective date, retaining credit for their prior service. The transfer will occur as a tax-compliant trustee-to-trustee move, with PERS covering any resulting financial obligations over a 20-year amortization period. The change applies immediately to all eligible business administrators in New Jersey local government positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4827) requires New Jersey hospitals and medical offices to create written plans for managing medical waste, based on best practices developed by the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The plans must include guidelines for personal protective equipment use, clear waste-sorting methods with visual signage, and instructions for correctly identifying waste at its source. Hospitals and medical offices must also train relevant employees on implementing these plans. The requirements take effect 180 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture, working with the Department of Education, to create a single online application system for students to apply for the National School Lunch Program and school breakfast programs. School districts and participating nonprofit nonpublic schools must make this online application available to families, while still offering paper applications. Schools already using their own online systems have one year after the bill's passage to switch to the state-developed system. The policy aims to streamline enrollment for eligible students in these federally funded meal programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New Jersey Transit (NJT) Office of Customer Advocate and a Rider Advocacy Commission to independently represent NJT riders. The Commission, with three appointed members (Governor, Senate President, Assembly Speaker), establishes the Office and appoints a Rider Advocate who reports directly to it. The Office must review and analyze NJT proposals for fare increases, service cuts, or expansions before implementation, then report findings to NJT's board, the Governor, and Legislature. It also conducts monthly public meetings with riders, accepts online/voicemail feedback, and provides customer input on NJT decisions. The Office operates with separate funding, independent of NJT's budget, and replaces a prior requirement for NJT to employ a customer advocate.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Home Security Systems Anti-Burglary Task Force" within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety. The task force will study home security systems - including keyless entry, cameras, and alarms - to make recommendations for manufacturers and installers aimed at preventing residential burglaries. Composed of 14 members (including state officials, industry representatives from groups like the Security Industry Association, and public members with locksmith/alarm experience), it must submit a report within six months detailing improvements to security system design and product availability, along with any needed legislative or regulatory changes. The task force expires upon report submission.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A2402 authorizes special license plates for active and honorably separated U.S. Coast Guard members, their spouses, parents, and business owners they control. Applicants pay a $50 one-time fee and $10 annual renewal fee, with proceeds funding a dedicated "Coast Guard License Plate Fund" that annually allocates money to the U.S. Coast Guard. The plates must display the Coast Guard seal and design approved by the Motor Vehicle Commission in consultation with the Coast Guard. Implementation requires 500 pre-paid applications and $25,000 in initial funding from the Coast Guard or private donors before plates can be issued.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $250 annual gross income tax deduction for eligible New Jersey educators and paraprofessionals for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. It directly affects K-12 teachers, counselors, principals, and school aides (working at least 900 hours yearly) employed by public or private NJ schools. The deduction covers expenses like books, computers, software, and classroom materials, excluding nonathletic health/PE supplies. The policy applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new separate criminal offense for burglary of a residential dwelling (a home or place for overnight stays), distinct from general burglary. It defines "residential dwelling" as any building primarily used as a home or adapted for overnight accommodation. The crime is classified as a third-degree offense unless the burglar causes bodily injury, uses a weapon, or enters while someone is present, in which case it becomes a second-degree offense. Penalties remain unchanged: third-degree burglary carries up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine, while second-degree carries up to ten years and a $150,000 fine. The bill aims to improve tracking of residential burglaries by establishing this specific category.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits prosecutors from negotiating plea agreements that reduce the sentence for burglary when a firearm was used during the offense. Currently, burglary involving a firearm is a second-degree crime, but the bill ensures defendants cannot receive a lighter sentence through plea deals - requiring them to face the standard sentencing for second-degree burglary as defined by law. The law defines "firearm" broadly to include items like air guns, spring guns, and other devices capable of causing injury. This directly affects individuals charged with burglary who used a firearm, eliminating the option of plea bargains for reduced penalties in these specific cases.