Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (ACR 80) commemorates the 126th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV), founded in 1896 by 63 Jewish Civil War veterans. It honors the JWV’s historical role as the nation’s oldest continuously active veterans organization, including its advocacy for Jewish service members’ rights (like Yom Kippur leave in 1913) and support during major conflicts. The resolution formally recognizes the JWV’s legacy and directs that copies be sent to its national commander. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is purely symbolic, acknowledging the organization’s 126 years of service and its 20 posts across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 77) is a symbolic statement of support for Ukraine and its citizens amid Russia's ongoing conflict. It condemns Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, 2022 invasion, and violations of international law, while expressing solidarity with Ukraine's sovereignty and democratic aspirations. The resolution requires sending copies to Ukraine's U.S. and U.N. ambassadors but does not create new laws or affect any specific group. It is a non-binding declaration reflecting New Jersey's position, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires property owners to submit an affidavit of title when recording deeds, enhancing fraud prevention. It mandates specific disclosures for property transfers (including new construction details with "NEW CONSTRUCTION" labeling) and requires county recording offices to notify the property owner whenever a deed is recorded. To cover notification costs, the bill allows an additional $2 fee per deed recording and lets owners provide preferred contact information (mail/email) for these notifications. The law directly affects anyone recording or receiving a deed for real property in New Jersey, aiming to prevent unauthorized property transfers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to establish an electronic system for salvage processors to submit applications for salvage certificates of title. Salvage processors, which are businesses that handle totaled vehicles on behalf of insurance companies, would be able to electronically submit applications, supporting documents, and fees through this system. The MVC would also need to allow these processors to print salvage certificates of title at their facilities. This change replaces the current paper-based process for obtaining salvage certificates of title. The bill aims to streamline the process for salvage processors while ensuring proper documentation.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates rules for public utilities (such as electricity, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunications companies) when installing, repairing, or removing poles or underground facilities in public streets. It requires utilities to obtain municipal consent before placing poles in gas-lit areas and to notify local officials 24 hours in advance of work, removing the prior requirement for municipalities to adopt specific ordinances. Utilities must restore streets to their original condition after work (including repaving and hot patching) and pay workers at prevailing wage rates. Failure to meet these restoration requirements incurs daily fines up to $1,000 (increased from $100), which cannot be passed on to utility customers.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public high school students in New Jersey who observe Ramadan to opt out of required physical education classes and school sports programs during the holy month. Students must submit written notice to their principal before schedules are finalized, and can substitute physical education with an instructional course or study hall that provides equivalent graduation credits. Student-athletes may also be excused from sports, cheerleading, or intramural programs with written notice to their coach, and coaches cannot penalize them for this absence. The policy specifically accommodates Muslim students fasting during Ramadan, without exempting them from other required health education courses.

Maddy summaryThis bill caps the interest rate for redeeming property subject to a tax lien at 9% per year, reducing the current legal limit of 18%. It directly affects New Jersey property owners who have tax liens placed on their property and wish to redeem it before foreclosure. The key provision amends state law (R.S.54:5-32) to set the maximum redemption interest rate at 9%, ensuring property owners pay no more than this rate to regain their property. The change applies immediately upon enactment and applies to all tax lien redemptions under the current statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year "Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Pilot Program" within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety to reduce thefts and improve recovery of stolen parts. It requires the State Police Superintendent to develop a system marking catalytic converters with unique identifiers on vehicles most at risk, prioritizing high-theft areas. Vehicle owners, dealers, and mechanics can obtain free marking materials and apply identifiers, with a registry tracking all marked converters to aid in tracing stolen property. The program is funded with $500,000 and mandates a post-pilot report evaluating participation, recovery rates, and recommendations for future action.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Bill A2241 prohibits courts from making custody or visitation decisions based solely on a parent's disability, age, health status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. If a court considers any of these factors for an otherwise fit parent, it must provide detailed written findings explaining why the factor was relevant to the child's best interests. The bill does not prevent courts from considering these factors alongside other relevant issues but explicitly bars them from being the sole basis for rulings. This applies to all child custody cases in New Jersey courts, directly affecting parents and judicial decisions involving custody arrangements.

Maddy summaryThis bill would increase the number of paid work days public employees can take for federal active duty service in the U.S. Reserves from 30 to 90 days per calendar year. It applies to state, county, school district, and municipal employees who are members of the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, or affiliated reserve units (including the National Guard of other states). Under current law, any leave beyond 30 days is unpaid; this bill extends the paid period to 90 days, with unpaid leave after that still without loss of time. The change would take effect immediately upon enactment.