Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 2.5% surtax (the "Corporate Transit Fee") that applied to certain corporations with over $10 million in New Jersey taxable income during specified periods. It directly affects large corporations paying the Corporation Business Tax (CBT) that met this income threshold, eliminating an additional fee they previously owed. The fee, which was imposed alongside regular CBT payments, funded New Jersey Transit operations and capital projects starting in fiscal year 2026. The repeal takes effect immediately upon enactment, removing this requirement for all future privilege periods.

Maddy summaryS 1167 creates a rebuttable presumption that defendants charged with carjacking, theft of a motor vehicle, or burglary committed in furtherance of theft of a motor vehicle must be held in pretrial detention if they have a prior conviction for theft of a motor vehicle within the last 12 months or prior pending charges for that crime. The court must order detention unless the defendant proves that bail or conditions would ensure their appearance in court and public safety. This presumption applies to any pretrial detention motion filed for a crime committed during the bill's one-year effective period, even if filed after the bill expires. The bill affects only these specific offenses and does not alter pretrial detention rules for other crimes.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1863) allows taxpayers to deduct up to $2,500 in nonreimbursed veterinary expenses for their pets from their gross income each year. It applies to costs for examinations and care of domesticated animals maintained in or near the taxpayer’s household, provided the veterinarian is licensed in New Jersey. The deduction is limited to expenses not covered by insurance or other reimbursement. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Manufacturing Workforce Development Grant Program" to connect New Jersey county college students with paid manufacturing internships. County colleges partner with approved local manufacturers to offer these internships, which provide students with real workplace experience, academic credit toward their associate's degree, and a stipend for their work. The program allocates 85% of funds to student stipends and 15% to administrative costs and career counseling, with priority given to colleges offering internships in high-demand manufacturing jobs. Colleges must submit detailed partnership agreements and annual reports tracking student participation, skills gained, and job placement outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill would automatically adjust New Jersey's income tax brackets for inflation each year, using the Consumer Price Index. It directly affects all New Jersey residents who pay state income tax, particularly middle-income earners who would otherwise face higher taxes due to inflation without these adjustments. The bill does not change current tax rates but ensures income thresholds (like $150,000) rise with inflation to prevent "bracket creep," where inflation alone pushes taxpayers into higher tax brackets. This mechanism maintains the tax structure's original intent over time without requiring annual legislative action.

Maddy summaryS 2515 creates a tax credit for New Jersey businesses that hire employees with developmental disabilities. Employers can claim a credit equal to 10% of wages paid to qualifying employees, capped at $3,000 per employee and $60,000 total per business annually. To qualify, employees must be certified by New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities as eligible for its services. Businesses cannot claim this credit for the same employee if they also claim a separate credit for employment at a sheltered workshop or occupational training center.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new licensing and operational standards for residential mental health treatment facilities in New Jersey. It requires these facilities to provide comprehensive 24/7 care consistent with medical guidelines, prohibits retrospective medical necessity reviews, and mandates licensing from the Commissioner of Health. The bill directly affects facilities offering residential mental health care (excluding hospital-based programs or substance use facilities) and the patients they serve. Key provisions include mandatory licensing, location restrictions (banning co-location with substance use facilities), and requiring the commissioner to adopt minimum care standards within 90 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2776) requires certain firms that place caregivers for non-medical home services to register as "Health Care Service Firms" with New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs. It directly affects employment agencies and similar businesses that arrange companion, health care, or personal care services for people with disabilities or those aged 60+ in their homes - excluding licensed home health or hospice agencies. Key provisions include mandating accreditation within 12 months of registration, requiring annual financial reports, and imposing tiered audit requirements based on firm revenue (e.g., firms earning over $5 million in Medicaid funds must submit audits every three years). The bill aims to increase oversight of these providers through standardized financial and operational reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state fund to provide lifetime health insurance coverage for live kidney donors in New Jersey. It requires the state to cover all premiums for a gold-level health plan (including prescription drugs) through the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage Program, with no cost to donors or their employers. The Kidney Donor Insurance Fund, created in the Department of Banking and Insurance, will pay for these premiums using state funds. The coverage applies to all live kidney donations occurring on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryS 2371 establishes a three-year "Responsible School Violence Prevention, Preparation, and Protection (RSVP-3) Pilot Program" in specific New Jersey counties (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Union) and first-class cities like Newark and Jersey City. The bill requires training for law enforcement, mental health professionals, teachers, and students to identify and report behaviors indicating potential school violence threats, using a standardized assessment tool and reporting system. Key provisions include developing a threat assessment curriculum, creating immediate reporting mechanisms, and establishing procedures to address identified threats. The program will be evaluated annually by the Attorney General, with a recommendation on whether to expand it statewide after the pilot period. Funding will come from the state general fund to implement these measures.