Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1133 bill standardizes rules for deploying small wireless facilities (like cell towers on street poles) across the state. It requires local authorities to allow wireless providers to install these facilities on existing poles without special zoning approval, with specific height limits (50 feet or 10% taller than surrounding structures), and sets maximum fees for deployment. The bill prevents local governments from creating exclusive contracts with wireless companies for pole space and establishes clear timelines for permit approvals (60 days for existing structures, 90 days for new poles). It also requires wireless providers to repair any damage to public rights-of-way and to notify authorities before removing facilities.

Maddy summaryAJR 64 designates November 22 of each year as "Kimchi Day" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the day with cultural activities. It directly recognizes New Jersey's Korean-American community, which includes approximately 105,000 residents - especially in Bergen County - and celebrates kimchi's cultural significance. The bill has no regulatory effect; it is purely a symbolic observance honoring kimchi's heritage and health benefits as recognized by South Korea and the UN.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses receiving New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) incentives - such as grants, tax credits, or loans - to pay a penalty if they fail to meet program requirements. The penalty equals the recipient’s applicable tax rate multiplied by the total value of the incentive received. The EDA must annually verify performance, notify the Division of Taxation about noncompliance, and collect penalties for deposit into the state General Fund. This applies only to new incentives approved after the bill’s effective date, with existing contracts protected from changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year Animal Advocate Program within New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). It allows courts to appoint an advocate in specific criminal cases involving animal welfare - such as animal cruelty (R.S.4:22-17) or dog fighting (P.L.2015, c.85) - to represent the animal's best interests. The advocate monitors the case, reviews records from animal control and veterinarians, shares information with attorneys, and recommends placement or care to the court. The program expires after two years, requiring the AOC to submit a report on implementation and recommendations for continuation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1434) allows pharmacists in New Jersey to dispense a 90-day supply of medication instead of a 30-day supply for certain prescriptions. Specifically, it applies when a prescription originally authorizes a 30-day supply with two or more refills permitted, as long as the total quantity dispensed does not exceed what was initially prescribed. Pharmacists must also notify the prescriber within 48 hours if they change the dosage form (e.g., from liquid to tablet) to ensure appropriate drug release. The bill directly affects pharmacists and patients by reducing the need for frequent prescription renewals for eligible medications. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to establish an Electric School Bus Financing Program that provides loans and financial assistance to school districts for purchasing electric school buses and related charging infrastructure. It allocates $20 million annually from societal benefits charge revenues to fund the program, with priority given to school districts located in overburdened communities. School districts seeking funding must perform an energy assessment comparing the costs, environmental benefits, and long-term savings of electric versus diesel buses before applying. The program requires annual reports tracking environmental benefits and effectiveness, with funds available to help schools transition from diesel to electric buses.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1488) prohibits most public and private entities from collecting, storing, or sharing biometric data (like facial scans, fingerprints, or voice recordings) without specific conditions. It allows collection only if entities post clear, plain-language notice at all entry points about using biometric surveillance systems. Violations carry a $5,000 fine for first offenses and $10,000 for repeat violations, with repeated violations (five in 30 days) becoming a criminal offense punishable by fines up to $15,000 or up to 5 years in prison. The bill directly affects businesses, government agencies, and any organization using biometric technology in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows secondary school classroom experiences to count as credit toward the classroom training requirement for registered apprenticeships. It directly affects students in New Jersey programs that link high school to apprenticeships, such as those under the Youth Transitions to Work Partnership Act. The key mechanism requires program partners to consult and obtain approval from the U.S. Department of Labor before implementing such credit agreements. This applies to all school-to-apprenticeship linkage programs and apprenticeship programs established under the referenced law. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1460) prohibits New Jersey homeowners insurance companies from including "anti-concurrent causation" clauses in policies. These clauses currently allow insurers to deny coverage when a covered peril (like fire) occurs alongside an uncovered peril (like flood), even if the covered cause contributed to the damage. The bill makes such clauses void and unenforceable, ensuring homeowners receive coverage for losses caused by insured perils even if other causes were also involved. It applies to all homeowners insurance policies delivered, renewed, or approved in New Jersey 90 days after enactment, directly affecting policyholders and insurers in the state.

Maddy summaryAJR 55 designates March 16 each year as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize service dogs that assist veterans with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. The resolution directly affects veterans, service dog organizations (such as Paws Healing Heroes in Glassboro), and the public by raising awareness of these animals' role in veteran support. Its key mechanism is an annual designation requiring the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public observance. This is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with funding or regulatory changes, and it takes effect immediately upon passage.