Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 138) symbolically designates June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New Jersey. It urges public officials and citizens to commemorate the month with appropriate activities, recognizing the contributions and struggles of LGBTQIA+ individuals (including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and non-binary people). The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the community's achievements and ongoing advocacy. It follows similar designations by federal and state governments, emphasizing visibility and equality.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the New Jersey State Treasurer to sell and transfer ownership of the Holland Tunnel Service Garage (located at Block 7203, Lot 2 in Jersey City, Hudson County) to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). The property has been declared surplus to state needs and has been under PANYNJ's control since 1931, despite unclear title history. The sale price and terms will be determined by the State House Commission. The transfer legally formalizes the Port Authority's long-standing operational control over the property.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the interchange between State Highway Route 42 and Interstate Highway Route 295 in New Jersey as the "Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange" to honor a U.S. Naval Academy graduate killed in a 2000 traffic accident. It requires the state transportation commissioner to install signs bearing this name but explicitly prohibits using public funds for the signage. Instead, the state must secure private donations or grants from nonprofits, charities, or other private entities to cover all costs related to the signs. The bill takes immediate effect and affects only the specific highway junction, with no broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the membership requirements for the State Police Retirement System (SPRS) board of trustees. It removes the requirement that two members appointed by the Governor must be private citizens who are neither active nor retired members of the system. Currently, the board consists of two active or retired SPRS members (appointed by the Superintendent), two private citizens appointed by the Governor, and the State Treasurer ex officio. The bill would allow the Governor to appoint active or retired SPRS members to those two positions. This change alters who can serve on the board but does not affect the board's responsibilities for operating the retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises eligibility for reimbursement from New Jersey's Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training Fund. It allows training agencies (like private organizations or schools) to receive reimbursement for volunteer EMTs' certification costs regardless of whether the ambulance or rescue squad they serve charges for services. To maintain eligibility, volunteer EMTs must complete at least one service call per month during their initial three-year certification period. If they stop meeting this requirement, the squad can seek repayment from the EMT for fund costs related to their training. The bill prioritizes reimbursement for initial EMT certification and refresher courses.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey school districts without a board of school estimate to submit proposals for additional funding at special school elections, rather than only at annual elections. Special elections for this purpose could occur in January, March, September, or December, with districts limited to one such proposal per school year. The proposal must specifically identify program purposes for the funds and indicate whether approval would create a permanent tax increase. Districts could still submit capital project requests on the same election date. This change provides more flexibility for school districts to seek voter approval for additional funding when needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public water systems to maintain a minimum free chlorine residual of 0.3 milligrams per liter at all times and conduct regular testing to prevent Legionella bacteria growth. It mandates water system operators to provide written notice to customers about disruptions that could increase Legionella risk and report such disruptions to the Department of Environmental Protection within 24 hours. Certain buildings - including hospitals, facilities treating immunocompromised individuals, buildings with spas or cooling towers, and structures over 10 stories - must implement water management programs following ASHRAE standards to minimize Legionella transmission. Building owners who fail to comply face penalties up to $2,000 for first violations and $10,000 for violations causing serious injury or death. The Department of Health must investigate Legionnaires' disease cases, develop public awareness campaigns, and publish annual reports on cases and prevention efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum contingency fee cap for attorneys representing injured workers in New Jersey workers' compensation cases from 20% to 25% of the judgment amount. It directly affects injured workers' attorneys who typically work on a contingency basis (paid only if they win the case) and the injured workers themselves. The key change amends Section 34:15-64 of New Jersey's workers' compensation law to adjust this fee cap, which has remained at 20% since its establishment. The bill does not alter other fee structures, such as fixed fees for medical witnesses or the $400 witness fee limit. This adjustment aims to align attorney compensation with current practice demands in workers' compensation cases.

Maddy summaryThe Next New Jersey Program Act establishes a tax credit program administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to attract artificial intelligence (AI) investments to the state. Eligible businesses must make a minimum $100 million capital investment and create at least 100 new full-time jobs in AI-related activities, where at least 50% of employees or revenue comes from AI operations. The tax credit amount equals the lesser of 0.1% of capital investment multiplied by new jobs, 25% of capital investment, or $250 million. This program allocates up to $500 million in tax credits originally designated for the New Jersey Aspire Program and Emerge Program specifically for qualifying AI businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a requirement that limited local governments in New Jersey to providing broadband telecommunications service only through wireless community networks. It allows counties, municipalities, and other local units to choose any method for delivering broadband service, rather than being restricted to wireless community networks. The change maintains existing requirements for financial accountability, public review processes, and labor standards for broadband projects. This amendment gives local governments more flexibility to select the most appropriate technology and infrastructure solutions for their communities.