Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey fire districts to issue bond anticipation notes for up to 10 years to finance capital projects, extending the current three-year limit. Under the new rules, fire district boards can issue one-year notes that may be renewed multiple times, as long as payments are made from funds other than bond proceeds by specific anniversary dates. The legislation also clarifies that the period during which these notes are outstanding counts toward the useful life of the projects they fund. This change provides fire districts with greater flexibility to finance long-term infrastructure needs without relying on long-term bonds or lease-purchase agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to deduct the cost of functional improvements and repairs to their primary residence from their gross income. It applies to homeowners and renters, covering expenses that materially improve a home's operating condition or prolong its useful life, as well as costs to keep the home in efficient working order. The deduction excludes aesthetic remodels or changes that adapt a home for new uses, and married couples filing separately can each claim half of the shared expense. The measure takes effect for taxable years beginning after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $4.8 million in state funding to Jefferson Township Public Schools to help cover operational expenses. The money comes from the state's General Fund and is designated specifically for direct educational services and assistance within the district. By providing this supplemental appropriation, the legislation aims to address a funding shortfall that the school district has experienced. The funds take effect immediately and are intended to support the school system's day-to-day operations during the 2026 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority to create a toll exemption program for disabled veterans using the E-ZPass electronic toll collection system. To qualify, a disabled veteran must first obtain a special "Disabled Vet" license plate issued by the state, after which the toll authorities must automatically approve their application for toll waivers on vehicles registered in New Jersey. The exemption applies specifically to tolls collected through the electronic tolling system for vehicles owned or leased by disabled veterans who meet the license plate requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $100 million in federal funds to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to distribute grants to local governments for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects. The Department must establish a transparent grant application process with eligibility criteria published online within six months and set a maximum grant amount to ensure statewide distribution. At least 10 percent of the funds must be reserved for projects addressing harmful algal blooms in Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake, while up to 3 percent may be used for program administration. The bill expires three years after enactment or upon submission of a final report detailing all funded projects, whichever occurs first.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to keep nasal rescue medications and oxygen supplies available for seizure emergencies. It mandates that these supplies be stored in accessible locations throughout each school building and that designated staff members receive training to administer them when a school nurse is not present. The legislation also establishes a reimbursement system for districts to cover implementation costs and requires parental consent and liability waivers before designees can administer emergency treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state parks, forests, and local parks to install Type IV personal flotation devices at lakes, ponds, and rivers where swimming, boating, or ice-skating is allowed. The devices must be permanently placed near the water and accompanied by a sign indicating their presence. Counties and municipalities may use existing open space and recreation trust funds to cover the cost of purchasing and installing these flotation devices. The legislation also clarifies that neither state agencies nor local governments will face liability for the installation or use of these devices.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes safety standards for bleachers in public venues across New Jersey, including stadiums, arenas, and community centers. It requires the state Commissioner of Community Affairs to create inspection and certification rules based on national safety guidelines, mandating that all bleachers be upgraded within one year for government facilities and two years for private and nonprofit venues. Venues that fail to meet these safety standards by the deadlines must stop using their bleachers and display prominent warning notices until compliance is achieved.

Maddy summaryThis bill expresses the Legislature's intent to revise the School Funding Reform Act of 2008 to prevent significant reductions in state aid to school districts, particularly those in the Highlands Region. The resolution highlights that previous changes eliminated adjustment aid, a mechanism designed to protect districts from sudden funding losses, and notes that development restrictions in the Highlands make it harder for local districts to offset aid cuts through tax increases. It calls for legislative action to stabilize state aid levels and ensure districts in areas with limited development capacity are not disproportionately affected by funding reductions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state fund to reimburse New Jersey municipalities for police costs incurred while managing crowds and traffic at Motor Vehicles Commission locations during the COVID-19 emergency period. The legislation appropriates $500,000 from federal relief funds to the Division of Local Government Services, which will administer reimbursement applications submitted by municipalities. The fund allows up to five percent of its balance to cover administrative costs, and the act applies retroactively from March 9, 2020, until the conclusion of the declared public health emergency.