Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use funds from the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to provide grants or financial assistance to commercial, institutional, and industrial entities. The funds specifically support projects that refurbish or upgrade existing electricity generation facilities to modernize, expand, or extend their lifespan. To qualify, projects must demonstrate measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions or energy demand, though combined heat and power projects are exempt from this requirement. The fund, sourced from New Jersey's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), is allocated 60% to the EDA for these purposes under the bill's amendments to P.L.2007, c.340.

Maddy summaryCJ's Law (A3797) would criminalize the manufacture, sale, and possession of substances containing kratom in New Jersey. It sets different penalties based on quantity: possessing or distributing one ounce or more of kratom would be a second-degree crime (5-10 years in prison or up to $150,000 fine), while smaller amounts would be third-degree crimes (3-5 years or up to $15,000 fine). Kratom, a botanical substance from Southeast Asia marketed as a pain supplement but not approved for medical use, is associated with health risks including addiction and respiratory issues. The bill is named after Christopher James Holowach, who died from cardiac arrest related to kratom use. Currently, kratom is not banned by New Jersey law but is restricted under federal FDA guidelines.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Works Act provides tax credits to businesses that fund pre-employment training programs with educational institutions or nonprofits. Businesses can receive a tax credit equal to 100% of the financial assistance they provide for approved programs that offer at least 12 weeks of paid training at minimum wage to low- and moderate-income individuals. These programs must include training in basic skills, communication, critical thinking, and job readiness. The bill appropriates $3 million from the General Fund to implement the program and requires a two-year evaluation of its effectiveness, excluding construction businesses from participation.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A4588 requires websites that primarily distribute third-party music or audiovisual content online to clearly display their legal name, physical address, phone number, and email address in easily accessible locations like "About" or "Contact" pages. This applies to any website owner or operator sharing such content with New Jersey consumers. If a website fails to comply, rights holders (like copyright owners or licensees) can first send a 14-day notice demanding correction before filing a lawsuit seeking court orders to stop violations and recover legal fees. Violations are treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, potentially leading to fines of up to $20,000 per offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4012) establishes a minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries with brain injuries. It requires that these services be reimbursed at the average rate currently paid for Day Habilitation Services Tiers D and E under the Division of Developmental Disabilities program - approximately $9.38 per 15 minutes, compared to the current $3.65 rate for brain injury day programs. The policy directly affects licensed brain injury service providers and Medicaid beneficiaries requiring brain injury treatment. The change applies to services provided on or after the bill's effective date, aligning brain injury service reimbursement with rates for comparable developmental disability services.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a tax credit program allowing New Jersey taxpayers to receive a 75% credit against their state income tax for donations to approved scholarship organizations. It directly affects nonpublic school students who meet income criteria (household income ≤2.6x the federal reduced-price lunch threshold) attending schools complying with anti-discrimination and anti-bullying laws. The key mechanism requires scholarship organizations to spend 95% of donations on student aid, limit administrative costs to 5%, and adhere to strict eligibility rules. The program would have been capped at $37.5 million annually (adjusted for inflation), but the bill was withdrawn from consideration on June 13, 2024, and never became law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Eagleton Science and Politics Fellowship Program at Rutgers' Eagleton Institute of Politics, authorizing state funding for six annual fellowships. It targets scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals with doctoral degrees (PhD or equivalent) in natural sciences, engineering, or healthcare, placing three fellows with New Jersey's Legislature and three with the Executive Branch for one-year, full-time terms. Each fellow receives a $60,000 stipend plus health benefits, administered by Rutgers' Eagleton Institute. The bill appropriates $338,000 annually for stipends and program administration, codifying an existing program that has operated for several years.

Maddy summaryThe "Cancer Patient Care and Compassion Act" (A4483) requires health insurance plans, Medicaid, and the State Health Benefits Program to cover cancer treatments administered through IV or other non-digestive system methods, along with survivorship care plans for patients with Stage III, IV, or terminal cancer, with no cost-sharing required. The bill prohibits mortgage lenders from initiating foreclosure actions and creditors from starting collection proceedings against cancer patients undergoing treatment, requiring dismissal of such actions upon physician certification. Additionally, it provides up to 45 days' eviction protection for tenants with cancer who submit physician certification, and extends employment protections for cancer patients taking disability leave. This legislation directly affects cancer patients in New Jersey who are receiving treatment for advanced stages of cancer, ensuring they face fewer financial barriers during their treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program (NJ Gross Income Tax EasyFile) allowing New Jersey's Division of Taxation to pre-fill income tax return forms for eligible taxpayers using data from their W-2s. It directly affects New Jersey residents earning under $75,000 annually who are wage-only earners (not self-employed), have no dependents, and filed simple returns in prior years. The program provides a pre-filled return via mail or secure website by March 15, including wage information and calculated tax liability, but taxpayers may choose to file a traditional return instead. Participation is entirely optional, and taxpayers must verify all information before submitting. The Division must evaluate the pilot's impact on filing burden and processing efficiency within two years.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1494 prohibits businesses from using facial recognition or biometric surveillance systems on consumers at physical locations (like stores or restaurants) without meeting specific requirements. Businesses must provide clear notice (e.g., visible signage) and use the technology only for lawful purposes. If a business denies access or removes a consumer based on this technology, it must give a detailed explanation of its decision. The bill also bans businesses from selling or profiting from biometric data collected this way, with violations punishable by fines up to $20,000 per offense.