Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to study whether the state's public highways can safely support the heavier weight of electric vehicles (including plug-in hybrids). Within six months, the DOT must examine each highway's current capacity, recommend improvements, and create a ranked list of highways from least-to-most capable of handling EV weight. The DOT must then report findings to the Governor and Legislature, and prioritize highway projects addressing the weakest highways in the Annual Transportation Capital Program. As a condition for funding, project sponsors must certify that their work will enable highways to accommodate EV weight.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to implement a "complete streets" policy for all new or rebuilt public highways and transportation projects. The policy must specifically include design elements that help people with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual or developmental disabilities travel independently. The DOT must also develop universal design concepts and guidance to integrate these accessibility features into planning, construction, and maintenance. Additionally, the DOT must encourage local governments receiving state transportation funding to adopt similar inclusive policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a public database managed by the NJ Business Action Center (Department of State) listing vacant commercial spaces available for lease or purchase by small businesses. It requires commercial property owners to report vacancies or occupancy changes monthly, with the database including details like square footage, capital equipment, and building systems (e.g., HVAC, security). The database will be updated monthly using data from property owners, realtors, and municipalities, and made accessible online with targeted outreach to business associations and chambers of commerce. The goal is to reduce the time and cost for small businesses to find suitable commercial space by centralizing vacancy information.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires counties and municipalities in New Jersey to build and maintain sidewalks along hazardous walking routes near public schools. Specifically, sidewalks must be constructed within a two-mile radius of elementary schools and a two-and-a-half-mile radius of secondary schools, using existing criteria to identify hazardous routes. Local governments can fund these sidewalks using permit fees, donations, grants, or other available funds, but the requirement applies to public school routes deemed hazardous under current law. The law directly affects school districts and local governments responsible for street infrastructure, aiming to improve pedestrian safety for students walking to school.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows veterans residing in New Jersey's state-run veterans' residential facilities (including memorial homes and Veterans Haven facilities) to have dogs certified as either service animals or emotional support animals. It permits these animals without requiring federal-level service animal training standards for emotional support animals, which federal VA policy does not cover. Facilities must verify documentation confirming the animal's training, task description, and current rabies/core vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus-2). Other animals are prohibited unless for law enforcement or specific VA research purposes, and facilities may restrict or remove animals only for safety reasons like aggression or health risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1781) requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to study how artificial intelligence (AI) affects the state's economy, specifically focusing on high-skilled professions like doctors, lawyers, and data analysts. The Commissioner must consult with the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology and submit a report within one year detailing AI's predicted impact on labor markets, affected industries, education needs, emerging jobs, and economic productivity. The report will inform future policy decisions but does not create new laws or directly change current regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey, allowing them to practice to the full extent of their training without requiring physician supervision or joint protocols. APNs with more than 24 months or 2,400 hours of experience can practice independently, while those with less experience must maintain a joint protocol with a physician for prescribing medications. The bill updates requirements for prescribing medications (including pharmacology continuing education), authorizing medical cannabis, and practicing anesthesia, and repeals sections of law requiring physician collaboration. These changes aim to improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas, by expanding the scope of practice for APNs who are already trained to provide primary and specialty care. The bill also modifies documentation requirements so that APNs can use their own signatures instead of requiring physician endorsements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey domestic violence protection orders (TROs) and related victim notices to be available in multiple languages, not just English. Specifically, it mandates that court notices and temporary restraining order templates be prepared in English, Spanish, and up to 10 additional high-demand languages spoken in the state. The Administrative Office of the Courts must create these multilingual materials to ensure victims with limited English proficiency can understand their rights and legal options. This directly affects domestic violence victims who speak languages other than English, improving access to critical legal protections.