Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1440) prohibits pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from forcing people with prescription drug coverage to use mail-order pharmacies. It directly affects individuals enrolled in health plans managed by PBMs, including those covered under private insurance, state health programs, or school employee plans. The key provision requires PBMs to offer a choice between mail-order and traditional pharmacies, and obtain written consent before enrolling someone in mail-order service. PBMs may still provide mail-order options but cannot automatically enroll members or deny access to in-person pharmacies without permission. The law aims to prevent mandatory mail-order enrollment without patient consent.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the requirement for students to provide a sales tax exemption form when purchasing textbooks, making the exemption automatic. It directly affects students buying textbooks (both new and used, in any format, including electronic) from any seller, not just school bookstores. The key change removes the need for schools to be officially approved by education authorities or for students to submit forms verifying textbook requirements. It also explicitly includes textbook rentals in the exemption, simplifying the process for online and off-campus purchases.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's renewable energy portfolio standards, requiring electric power suppliers and basic generation service providers to gradually increase their use of renewable energy. Starting in 2020, they must provide 21% of electricity from Class I renewable sources (solar, wind, geothermal), increasing to 35% by 2025, 50% by 2030, and 100% by 2045. The bill also specifies that beginning in 2030, at least 50% of the renewable energy certificates (RECs) used to meet these requirements must represent energy generated within New Jersey. Providers can meet these targets by purchasing and retiring RECs from eligible renewable sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2830) allows New Jersey municipalities and the Attorney General to file common law public nuisance lawsuits against lead paint manufacturers for harm caused by lead paint in homes. It specifically exempts the Attorney General from needing to prove a defendant physically controls lead paint or property, or demonstrate "special injury," when seeking damages. The bill amends existing laws to align with a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that previously blocked such claims, permitting the Attorney General to pursue monetary damages (not just injunctions) for lead paint distribution. It also extends an existing exemption for environmental torts to lead paint cases brought by the Attorney General. The law applies to cases filed after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (AJR 49) is a symbolic gesture by the New Jersey legislature recognizing the 75th anniversary of Israel's establishment, observed on April 25, 2023. It commends Israel's achievements in building a democratic society and reaffirms New Jersey's longstanding partnership with Israel, including economic, educational, and cultural ties. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses legislative support through words. It does not directly affect any individuals or create new obligations. The resolution took effect immediately upon introduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 27th of every year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" in New Jersey. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the day through appropriate activities. The designation commemorates the 2018 mass shooting at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, which resulted in 11 deaths and 6 injuries, honoring the victims' memories. The bill has no funding requirements or regulatory changes - it is purely a symbolic observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurers from misleading consumers about provider networks or offering financial incentives to enroll or switch plans. Specifically, it bans insurers from falsely claiming a healthcare provider is part of their network or providing monetary inducements (like medical devices) to get people to buy or switch insurance. The law directly affects health insurers and consumers by requiring transparency about network access and preventing deceptive sales tactics. It becomes effective 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Law and Public Safety (DLPS) to establish a weigh-in-motion monitoring program. The program would install automated systems on roads near bridges to detect vehicles exceeding weight limits without requiring drivers to stop. These systems would automatically send structural monitoring notifications to DOT for potential bridge inspections and enforcement notifications to DLPS for weight limit violations. Both agencies must publish annual reports on system usage, violations, and costs, with the program funded from the Transportation Trust Fund.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires electric utilities to charge residential electricity rates for service used at electric vehicle (EV) charging stations located in designated parking spaces reserved for a resident's exclusive use. It directly affects residential customers living in single-family homes, apartments, or planned developments (like condos) who use EV charging in their own garage, driveway, or a designated spot within their development. The bill mandates that utilities cannot charge commercial rates for such service, ensuring lower costs for homeowners using EVs at their residence. It also clarifies that planned developments can set their own prices for electricity sold through their charging stations, while the utility must still bill at the residential rate for the electricity delivered.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a temporary 25% credit against New Jersey gross income tax for eligible first-time homebuyers (who purchased a home in 2019, 2020, or 2021) and seniors aged 65+ who are state residents. The credit covers up to $2,500 per year of property taxes paid on their primary home. If the credit exceeds the taxpayer’s income tax liability, the remaining amount is refunded. The credit applies only for tax years 2019 through 2021.