Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis bill allows religious corporations in New Jersey to hold member meetings remotely during a state of emergency declared by the Governor. It amends existing law to permit such meetings if the corporation’s board adopts guidelines for remote participation, including verifying member identity, enabling voting, and recording actions. Remote participants are treated as physically present and can vote, ensuring their participation counts equally. The change directly affects religious organizations that currently require in-person member meetings under state law. It applies only during declared emergencies and does not alter regular meeting requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a New Jersey state program requiring contracting agencies (like state departments and authorities) to set annual procurement goals for awarding contracts to certified socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises (SEDBEs). It defines SEDBEs as businesses owned by individuals who meet specific criteria for both social disadvantage (e.g., racial minority status, disability, gender identity, or location in high-poverty areas) and economic disadvantage (e.g., limited capital/credit access and net worth below a set threshold). The program mandates agencies to develop annual plans to meet these goals, use certified SEDBEs for prime contracts or subcontracts where feasible, and submit reports tracking contract awards and outreach efforts. The goal is to increase SEDBE participation in state procurement for construction, professional services, goods, and IT, without altering existing set-aside programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study the feasibility, costs, and marketability of implementing large-scale geothermal heat pump systems statewide. The study requires the BPU to assess installation challenges, compare geothermal energy costs with natural gas/propane/fuel oil in buildings, evaluate potential financial incentives, and consult with experts, other states (like Massachusetts and New York), and utilities. It mandates the BPU to report findings and recommend a pilot program within one year. The study directly affects the BPU and will inform future decisions about incentives for builders, ratepayers, and government entities considering geothermal systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2597) prohibits the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) from charging separate fees for online services that are free when completed in person at MVC offices or regional centers. It directly affects New Jersey residents who use MVC's website for tasks like license renewals, registration, or other vehicle-related services. The law requires that online services must carry the same fee structure as in-person services - eliminating the $1.50 online transaction fee reinstated by the MVC in 2019. This permanent change applies immediately and aligns online and in-person service costs, reversing a policy that had charged extra for digital transactions since April 2019.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey telecommunications service providers to offer free call-blocking technology to all subscribers in the state. The technology identifies and blocks unwanted robocalls (autodialed calls) while allowing calls from law enforcement or from numbers the subscriber has previously consented to receive. It applies to all providers offering service to New Jersey residents and makes the blocking tool available at no additional cost to subscribers. The bill defines "robocalls" as pre-recorded messages or automated calls sent in bulk, and specifies the blocking technology must not interfere with consent-based or emergency calls.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2871) increases the annual property tax deduction for senior citizens (65+), persons with disabilities, and veterans in New Jersey from $250 to $500. It directly affects eligible homeowners in these categories by reducing their taxable property tax burden by an additional $250 per year. The change would take effect starting in 2024, but the bill requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment before implementation. The deduction amount remains capped at the actual tax bill amount if it falls below $500.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2601) requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to prioritize "green stormwater infrastructure" in highway projects funded by the Special Transportation Fund. It defines green infrastructure as natural methods like pervious pavement, bio-retention basins, and grass swales that reduce runoff by treating stormwater through vegetation or soil. The DOT must establish a program to use these methods whenever practicable during highway design, construction, reconstruction, or repair. The bill directly affects all public highway projects funded by the Special Transportation Fund, aiming to integrate sustainable water management into transportation infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to create a two-year "NJ Whole Food" pilot program in school cafeterias, appropriating $1 million to increase consumption of minimally processed foods (defined as free from added sugar, additives, or artificial substances). The program requires the department to select at least three school districts, partner with vendors, hire staff, purchase equipment, and measure health, learning, and cost benefits for students and schools. The department must submit a legislative report within three years detailing outcomes and recommendations, after which the program expires. It directly affects participating school districts and students through revised meal options.

Maddy summary# New Jersey Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience Financing Program - Summary This bill establishes the Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience Financing Program within the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) to provide low-interest loans and financial assistance for climate-related projects. ## Key Elements: **Program Purpose:** - To finance climate change mitigation and resilience projects through the NJIB - Projects must eliminate, reduce, or sequester greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) or protect against climate impacts (resilience) **Project Definitions:** - *Mitigation projects* include renewable energy (Class I/II), community solar, energy efficiency, zero-emission transportation, carbon capture, reforestation, and wetlands restoration - *Resilience projects* include flood protection, water storage systems, infrastructure redesign, and harmful algal bloom mitigation **Funding Mechanism:** - A non-bypassable, irrevocable charge on electric utility customers: - $0.0003 per kilowatt-hour initially - Decreases to $0.0002 when 50% of electricity comes from renewable sources - Decreases to $0.0001 when 75% of electricity comes from renewable sources - Phases out completely when 100% of electricity comes from renewable sources **Administration:** - NJIB will create a "State Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience Bank Fund" - NJIB will issue "New Jersey Climate Bonds" to finance the program - Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Board of Public Utilities (BPU) will develop: - Priority systems and ranking criteria - Annual project priority list - Project eligibility criteria **Project Prioritization:** DEP will prioritize projects that: 1. Protect human health, safety, environment, and critical infrastructure from climate impacts 2. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 3. Meet New Jersey's clean energy goals **Program Requirements:** - Annual submission of project priority lists to the Legislature - Legislative approval of annual appropriations - Reporting on financed projects, benefits, and economic impacts The bill creates a dedicated funding stream that directly links electricity consumers' payments to progress toward renewable energy targets, while financing projects to combat climate change impacts in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires data brokers (businesses that collect and sell personal details like names, addresses, or health information without a direct relationship with customers) to register annually with New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs for a $100 fee. Brokers must submit detailed information about their data practices, including opt-out options, data breach history, and policies for minors' data. Crucially, the bill prohibits brokers from selling, sharing, or transmitting any physical health records (e.g., doctor visits, treatments) or behavioral health records (e.g., mental health or substance use treatment details) to third parties. Violations carry penalties of $50 per day for registration failures or $1,000 per health record disclosed.