Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires food service businesses to clearly inform customers about major food allergens present in each menu item. Covered establishments, such as restaurants, cafés, and grocery stores, must display this information directly on menus, via digital codes linking to websites, or through separate written materials like charts and booklets. The law mandates that allergen notices use common names or approved standardized symbols and applies to both permanent and temporary menu items, while exempting prepackaged foods already regulated by federal labeling rules. Enforcement is handled by the Department of Health or local health boards, which can issue written notices and order corrective action if violations occur.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows owners of preserved farmland in New Jersey to install biomass, solar, and wind energy systems on rooftops, unpreserved farmland, or designated exception areas without being subject to certain size restrictions that normally apply to preserved farmland. The legislation permits these energy facilities as long as they do not significantly interfere with agricultural production, are owned by the landowner, and are used to power the farm or reduce its energy costs through net metering. Landowners must still obtain approval from a committee before construction, and the committee must consider input from development easement holders before making a decision. The bill also requires that energy generated from these facilities be sold only through net metering or similar agreements, and it mandates that projects in the Pinelands area comply with existing Pinelands Protection Act standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the cure period for small businesses facing certain non-criminal violations by 30 days, adding to the existing 60-day period. It applies to businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees for first-time violations that don’t threaten public safety, employee income, or the environment. State agencies may grant this additional 30-day extension only if they determine denying it would conflict with equity and good conscience. The bill does not apply to labor law violations, criminal matters, or cases where federal rules require penalties. It also requires agencies to publicly report waived violations annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's child abuse reporting hotline (maintained by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency) to provide callers with information about available resources for victims and their families. The hotline must now include details about community services such as counseling, parenting classes, substance abuse treatment, in-home support, foster care, and residential care. It directly affects families reporting or experiencing child abuse by connecting them to immediate support options. The policy change amends existing law to ensure victims and families are informed about these resources during hotline interactions.

Maddy summaryBill A 3571 allows counties, municipalities, and local agencies (like economic development organizations) to form regional partnerships for joint economic planning. These partnerships can include businesses, schools, nonprofits, and other local entities to develop strategies for attracting new businesses, retaining existing ones, redeveloping areas, and sharing project costs. Partnerships may access loans or matching grants for marketing, advertising, and business support programs. The bill also permits local governments to create alternative agreements for economic development, requiring approval from the Local Finance Board. (Bill A 3571, introduced January 13, 2026)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Education (DOE) to create and distribute annual guidelines for school districts and colleges. The guidelines must include research-backed materials on vaping's health risks (lung effects, mental health, comparison to smoking, dangers to pregnant people and children), age-appropriate anti-vaping campaigns, decision-making tools to resist peer pressure, and promotional materials for students from middle school through college. Schools and colleges must use these guidelines to implement campus anti-vaping programs. The DOH and DOE will update the guidelines yearly and post them online with additional resources.

Maddy summaryBill A 2205 requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Health (working with the Attorney General) to create clear, easily understandable signs for emergency rooms. These signs must display VCCO services/benefits, contact details, and how to file a compensation claim. The bill mandates posting these signs in all general hospital emergency departments and satellite emergency departments, with electronic displays permitted. It aims to make VCCO information more accessible to individuals who may qualify for victim compensation after crimes. The bill takes effect four months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2188) requires birthing centers, federally qualified health centers, and healthcare providers offering prenatal or postpartum care (within 12 weeks of birth) to screen patients showing symptoms of high blood pressure during or after pregnancy for preeclampsia. Providers must use evidence-based tools from recognized medical groups, inform patients about symptoms and evaluation benefits, and discuss results - developing treatment plans if preeclampsia is confirmed. The law applies to people who haven’t been previously diagnosed with the condition in the current or recent pregnancy. It aims to standardize early detection and care for a serious postpartum health risk.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to prioritize funding for two types of projects: (1) land acquisition for recreation and conservation, and (2) environmental infrastructure projects that include or enable flood mitigation. It directly affects local governments, nonprofits, and communities seeking DEP grants under the Green Acres program, which uses constitutionally dedicated funds. Key provisions mandate that DEP establish criteria prioritizing projects that protect floodplains, reduce flood risk, conserve natural resources, and support recreational access. The bill amends existing laws to ensure these factors are explicitly considered when ranking eligible projects for funding.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3929) prohibits businesses from using facial recognition or biometric surveillance systems on customers at their physical locations, except when providing clear notice (like a visible sign) and using the system for a lawful purpose. Businesses must explain decisions to deny access or remove customers based on biometric data, and cannot sell or profit from collected biometric information. Violations carry fines up to $20,000 per offense, with a 30-day window to correct first violations without penalty. The law directly affects businesses operating physical premises and their customers in New Jersey.