Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey to automatically apply a taxpayer's gross income tax refund (including homestead rebates and credits) to pay off delinquent local property taxes. It directly affects taxpayers who owe unpaid property taxes and are due a state income tax refund, such as those receiving earned income tax credits or homestead benefits. The Department of the Treasury will use the refund to cover the property tax debt, with child support obligations taking priority over all other debts. Taxpayers will be notified if their refund is applied to reduce their property tax delinquency.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey corporations to claim a 1% tax credit against their corporation business tax for payments made to NJ small businesses that perform subcontracted work within the state. It directly affects corporations doing business in New Jersey that subcontract work they were contracted to perform. To qualify, the subcontractor must be a New Jersey business with fewer than 50 employees and not affiliated with the paying corporation, and the work must be performed in New Jersey. The credit is limited to 50% of the tax liability and cannot reduce taxes below the statutory minimum.

Maddy summaryThis bill lowers the minimum age requirement for becoming a licensed radiologic technologist in New Jersey from 18 to 16 years old. It also modifies education requirements, allowing applicants to qualify by being enrolled in a four-year secondary school program (approved by the State Board of Education) or an alternative education program that leads to a high school diploma, rather than requiring completion of such a program. The change applies to all specialty licenses for technologists (e.g., diagnostic x-ray, radiation therapy, dental x-ray). The bill aims to address workforce shortages in the radiologic technology field by expanding eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires county election boards to include representatives from both major political parties when processing mail-in ballots and conducting ballot canvassing. It mandates secure storage for all mail-in ballots and increases penalties for crimes involving unauthorized access to ballot storage areas or tampering with ballots. The law applies directly to county election boards and election officials handling mail-in voting, ensuring bipartisan oversight during key ballot processing steps. These provisions aim to strengthen election integrity through transparent handling procedures and clearer consequences for election-related offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires pet groomers in New Jersey who face three or more verified complaints about negligent service (such as pet injuries, illness, escape, or death) within a year to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs. It mandates that groomers notify clients about their registration status and display this information at their facilities. The Division will investigate complaints filed within 90 days of an incident, maintain a public online list of registered groomers with details about their complaints, and remove names after registration expires. Violating the registration requirement carries a daily penalty of $1,000. The law directly affects pet groomers (businesses or individuals) and provides pet owners with a formal complaint process and public information.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 10% credit (capped at $100 per month) against sales and use tax remittances for New Jersey small businesses that collect and remit these taxes. It directly affects independently owned businesses employing fewer than 20 full-time employees. The credit is applied automatically when businesses file their monthly tax returns, though the Division of Taxation may require documentation to verify eligibility. Businesses that falsify information to claim the credit face penalties of $100 for a first offense and $200 for subsequent offenses. The credit applies to tax collections remitted on or after the first day of the sixth month following the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits licensed organizations in New Jersey, such as charities, churches, and civic groups, to conduct a specific raffle game called "Queen of Hearts." It defines the game as one where participants draw cards from a board of 54 shuffled cards until they select the Queen of Hearts. If a non-Queen card is chosen, the participant wins a cash prize; if the Queen is selected, they receive 50% of the prize with the rest going to the organizer. The Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission must create regulations for this game, but the bill does not change existing licensing rules for eligible organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3516) adds medical alert devices and services to New Jersey’s list of items exempt from sales and use tax. It directly affects subscribers - primarily elderly or vulnerable individuals - who use these devices to contact emergency responders during medical emergencies. The key mechanism is amending tax law to explicitly exempt "medical alert devices" (electronic devices sending emergency signals) and "medical alert services" (including the device and access to an assistance operator who contacts responders) from taxation. This change makes these devices and services more affordable by removing the sales tax that previously applied. The exemption applies to both the devices themselves and associated services, aligning them with existing tax-exempt medical items like diabetic supplies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific timelines for the New Jersey Board of Nursing to review applications for certain nursing credentials, aiming to create a more predictable process for applicants. It directly affects nurses seeking licensure or credential renewal in New Jersey by setting deadlines for how long the board has to evaluate their applications. The key provision requires the board to complete its review process within defined timeframes, though the bill does not specify the exact number of days for each stage. This change is intended to improve transparency and efficiency in the credentialing process without altering the qualifications or duties of board members.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Office of the State Chief Efficiency Officer within the Department of the Treasury, appointed by the Governor with Senate approval. It requires each state executive department to establish an Efficiency Officer position and allows counties and municipalities to do the same. These officers must ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds (including utilities and supplies), identify cost savings, and submit annual reports detailing savings to the State Chief Efficiency Officer and the legislature. The bill mandates public reporting through an online webpage to increase transparency about government spending efficiency.