Asm. Robert Karabinchak

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies permit review requirements under New Jersey's Coastal Area Facility Review Act to address nuclear energy facilities. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner to evaluate whether a nuclear facility's radioactive waste storage and disposal methods are safe, comply with Nuclear Regulatory Commission standards, and do not endanger life or the environment. Currently, the commissioner only assesses waste disposal, but this change expands the review to include storage methods as well. The bill applies specifically to nuclear energy generation facilities operating in the state. No fiscal impact is expected from this legislative change.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill updates rules governing the sale of hemp products and intoxicating hemp beverages, taking effect on April 13, 2026, and remaining in force until November 2026. It prohibits the sale of certain hemp-derived items, including viable seeds from high-THC plants, synthetic cannabinoids, and products containing more than 0.3 percent THC or 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, while allowing licensed producers to temporarily hold intermediate products during processing. The legislation also bans online sales of intoxicating hemp beverages and vending machine sales of such beverages, with civil penalties ranging from $100 for first violations to $10,000 for subsequent violations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes the "Privacy Protection Act" to limit how government agencies and healthcare facilities collect and share certain personal information. It prohibits them from requesting details like immigration status, citizenship, social security numbers, or tax IDs unless necessary for specific public services, benefits, or healthcare delivery (with healthcare exceptions for patient safety). The bill requires written consent in the person's preferred language for sharing any collected data, detailing exactly what will be shared, why, and confirming consent is voluntary without retaliation. It also bans selling or sharing vehicle license plate data except under court orders, subpoenas, or with explicit written consent, and mandates government entities to update privacy policies within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities procures and incentivizes large-scale energy storage systems, primarily affecting developers and utilities seeking to build transmission-scale storage facilities. It establishes a two-phase program requiring projects to meet specific readiness milestones, such as completing interconnection studies with PJM or securing capacity rights, while setting a goal of awarding incentives for at least 1,000 MW of storage capacity by December 2026. The legislation also outlines application requirements, including proof of site control, permit acquisition plans, financial capability, and safety assurances, with a requirement that at least 350 MW be approved in the first phase by December 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies permit review requirements under New Jersey's Coastal Area Facility Review Act to allow the Department of Environmental Protection commissioner to approve nuclear facility permits even without a permanent federal high-level radioactive waste repository. The legislation removes a statutory barrier that currently prevents permit approval for new nuclear facilities pending federal waste storage solutions, arguing that on-site dry cask storage is proven to be secure and effective. Key provisions require the commissioner to ensure that proposed nuclear facilities use safe radioactive waste storage methods that conform to Nuclear Regulatory Commission standards and effectively protect public health and the environment. The bill aims to facilitate the construction and operation of advanced nuclear reactors to provide reliable, zero-emission baseload energy for New Jersey's growing electricity demand.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's regulations on hemp products and intoxicating hemp beverages, extending certain restrictions through November 2026. It prohibits the sale of viable cannabis seeds with THC levels above 0.3 percent, bans the sale of synthetic or manufactured cannabinoids, and limits THC content in final products to 0.4 milligrams per container. The legislation also forbids online retail sales and vending machine distribution of intoxicating hemp beverages, while allowing licensed producers to temporarily hold intermediate products exceeding 0.3 percent THC during processing. Violations carry criminal penalties similar to those for marijuana, plus civil fines ranging from $100 for first offenses to $10,000 for subsequent violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new flooring installations in schools, community centers, and licensed child care centers to be certified mercury-free by the manufacturer. It applies to all facilities using identified mercury-risk flooring materials, including existing buildings where such flooring was installed before current occupancy. Key provisions mandate certification for permits, require air quality testing if mercury is detected, and obligate owners to implement mitigation or remove unsafe flooring within six months if tests exceed safety thresholds. Violations by manufacturers issuing false certifications carry civil penalties of $10,000 for first offenses.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Thomas Mundy Peterson as the first African American to vote in the United States following the ratification of the 15th Amendment. It commemorates his historic March 31, 1870, vote in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, after the amendment guaranteed voting rights regardless of race. The resolution recognizes his civic contributions, including serving on a city charter committee and becoming Perth Amboy's first African American jury member. It is a commemorative measure with no legislative provisions or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Medicaid to cover ovulation-enhancing drugs and related medical services for certain beneficiaries experiencing infertility. The legislation amends existing Medicaid statutes to explicitly include these fertility treatments under covered medical assistance, subject to federal law and state regulations. It directly affects Medicaid recipients in New Jersey who are seeking fertility treatments through medication administration. The bill does not specify which infertility diagnoses qualify or set limits on the number of treatments covered, leaving those details to be determined by the state Department of Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Automotive Anti-Theft Systems Task Force within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety to study ways to prevent car and vehicle part theft. The task force will be made up of 16 members, including government officials, representatives from law enforcement and various automotive and insurance organizations, and four public members with manufacturing experience. Its main job is to examine vehicle design features and products that could reduce theft, then submit a report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. The task force will operate without pay but can receive expense reimbursements, and it will dissolve once it completes its report.