Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2404) amends New Jersey law to require life imprisonment without parole for anyone convicted of murdering an emergency responder (such as EMTs, firefighters, or paramedics) while they are performing official duties or due to their status as a responder. It expands an existing provision that already mandates this sentence for murders of law enforcement officers. The key change adds "emergency responder" to the list of protected individuals under the sentencing rule, replacing the previous 30-year parole eligibility period with a mandatory life sentence. This applies specifically to cases where the victim was engaged in their duties or targeted because of their role.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to check the employment history of job applicants who will have regular contact with students, including teaching assistants and staff in student-facing roles. Institutions must obtain a list of the applicant's past employers (especially in education or student contact roles over the last 20 years), written consent for background checks, and a statement about any past allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct. Employers must respond within 20 days to verify if applicants were investigated for such misconduct, disciplined, or had licenses revoked due to these allegations. Applicants who provide false information face penalties up to $500, and institutions must include these disclosure requirements in all relevant job applications.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 318) criminalizes three specific acts related to vacant dwellings: forcibly entering without permission to take residence ("housebreaking"), occupying without permission ("unlawful occupancy"), and reentering after a court-ordered eviction ("unlawful reentry"). All are classified as fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. The law presumes occupants know they lack permission unless they have a notarized written rental agreement with the owner's current contact details. It directly affects property owners seeking to evict unauthorized occupants and occupants in vacant properties without documented authorization.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the New Jersey Department of Children and Families' (DCF) FY2026 budget by $16.7 million to raise the monthly reimbursement rate for care management organizations (CMOs) serving youth with complex health needs. The rate will jump from $1,032 to $1,200 per client in 2026, with annual $100 increases until reaching $1,500 per client. CMOs - county-based agencies that coordinate care for youth with behavioral health, substance use, or developmental disabilities - will directly benefit from this funding change. The policy ensures CMOs receive higher payments for services provided through the NJ FamilyCare program.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill suspends school bus driving endorsements for one year if a driver accumulates four or more traffic violation points from convictions (including out-of-state violations). It directly affects school bus drivers and applicants who have four or more current points under the state's point system. The Motor Vehicle Commission must notify the Education Commissioner, who then informs the school district or contractor employing the driver. To regain an endorsement after suspension, drivers must pass both a knowledge test and skills test. The bill lowers the point threshold for suspension from the current 12 points to 4 points.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1959) prevents healthcare workers from being denied unemployment benefits if they leave or are terminated due to refusing to comply with New Jersey's 2022 vaccine mandate for healthcare settings (Executive Order 283). It ensures workers who are otherwise eligible for benefits cannot be disqualified solely because they left employment over vaccine non-compliance. The law applies retroactively to claims filed after January 19, 2022, and expires one year after enactment. It directly affects healthcare workers in facilities covered by the mandate who face termination or resignation over vaccination requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures pediatric NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries transitioning from the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program to the Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program automatically retain their previous weekly private duty nursing hours and can carry forward unused hours. It requires managed care organizations to justify any reduction in nursing hours solely based on changed medical need (not other factors) and mandates that benefits continue during appeals for 30 days after an adverse decision. The bill also directs the state to review past transitions (within 5 years) to identify beneficiaries eligible for increased nursing hours and expands appeal protections by extending the appeal window from 10 to 30 days. These changes aim to prevent coverage gaps and streamline access to necessary nursing services during program transitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey COVID-19 Long-Term Health Effects Task Force" to study and address ongoing health impacts from the pandemic. The task force will identify symptoms, treatments, and public education strategies for long-term COVID-19 effects, including potential vaccine-related health impacts, and develop guidance for healthcare providers. It consists of nine members appointed by legislative leaders, the Governor, and health officials, with a requirement to submit a final report within one year. The task force expires 30 days after submitting its report.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools in New Jersey from requiring students to wear face masks indoors or outdoors on school grounds, or while riding school buses. It directly affects all K-12 students attending these schools by eliminating mandatory mask policies. The law allows students to voluntarily wear masks if they choose, but does not require schools to enforce mask-wearing. The policy change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 2453, the "Welcome Home Veterans Act," requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide veteran benefit information packets to veterans when issuing or renewing a license or ID card that includes a veteran designation. The MVC must provide both hardcopy and digital versions of specific materials, including the state Veterans’ Benefits Guide and the federal VA booklet on available benefits. This applies directly to New Jersey veterans who have a veteran designation on their license or ID card, ensuring they receive standardized information about state and federal benefits at the point of service. The bill mandates these packets be available at all MVC locations and online, with no additional requirements beyond the specified guides and contact information.