Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryS 1308, the "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act," bans most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy based on fertilization timing. It directly affects pregnant people seeking abortions beyond this point and healthcare providers performing them. Exceptions allow abortions if the pregnancy endangers the woman’s life, or if the pregnancy resulted from rape (with reporting requirements) or incest involving a minor. The bill requires physicians to determine the unborn child’s probable age before an abortion and mandates neonatal care if a child survives an abortion under an exception. This legislation would take effect if passed, altering abortion access in New Jersey after 20 weeks.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2044) requires the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to automatically stop collecting tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway east of the Garden State Parkway whenever U.S. Route 40 is closed east of that point. It directly affects motorists traveling to and from Atlantic City who would otherwise face tolls when U.S. Route 40 - the primary alternative route - is closed due to flooding or other disruptions. The key provision mandates an automatic toll suspension under these specific closure conditions, eliminating the need for manual action by the SJTA. The goal is to provide a cost-free travel option during Route 40 closures, avoiding toll payments for drivers without efficient alternatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's official definition of anti-Semitism based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 definition, including specific examples of anti-Semitic conduct. It requires state institutions - including schools and government agencies - to use this definition when reviewing, investigating, or deciding on violations of anti-discrimination policies or laws involving anti-Semitic intent. The bill explicitly states that criticism of Israel similar to criticism of any other country does not constitute anti-Semitism under this definition. It also clarifies that the definition does not infringe on First Amendment rights or conflict with existing state, federal, or local anti-discrimination laws.

Maddy summaryS 2414 extends the required public notice period for certain land use applications from 10 to 21 days before hearings. It affects developers and municipalities handling projects like long-term approvals (5+ years), major site plans, and modifications to development conditions - excluding minor subdivisions and conventional site plans. Notice must be published in local newspapers or delivered directly to property owners within 200 feet of the project site. The bill maintains existing exceptions but increases the notice window for qualifying applications under New Jersey’s Municipal Land Use Law (P.L.1975, c.291).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to clarify how municipalities calculate their affordable housing obligations under the Fair Housing Act. It specifies that certain land types - such as conservation areas, small private parcels, historic sites, agricultural lands with restrictions, recreation areas, and environmentally sensitive lands - cannot be counted as "vacant" for housing purposes. Municipalities using this adjusted calculation for their affordable housing obligation will rely on it for the full 10-year compliance period, without needing to recalculate if new land becomes available. This provides certainty for municipalities in planning housing development and meeting their obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to integrate age-appropriate lessons about the September 11, 2001 attacks into existing Social Studies curricula for all grade levels. It mandates coverage of specific topics, including the historical context, timeline of events, first responder heroism (including United Airlines Flight 93 passengers), and the global response to terrorism. Additionally, schools must hold annual commemorative events focused on conflict resolution, diversity, and tolerance for different religions and cultures. The law applies starting in the first full school year after enactment, with the state providing sample teaching resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Treasurer to publish specific state financial data on a public, searchable government transparency website. It mandates detailed information including quarterly expenditures, monthly revenue, employee compensation, debt details, pension liabilities, and spending breakdowns for offices like the Governor's travel, Attorney General's legal services, and state tourism advertising. The website must present financial analysis in plain language with visual aids, exclude private/confidential data, and be updated regularly. This directly affects taxpayers by increasing access to state spending details and financial operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities to ensure that the maximum hourly rate paid to self-directed employees (hired directly by eligible individuals or their representatives) matches the rate paid to contracted service providers for the same service, duration, and care level. It directly affects individuals receiving developmental disability services who choose self-directed care. The key mechanism sets the service provider rate (e.g., approximately $51/hour for high-acuity community support) as the new maximum cap for self-directed employees, replacing the current "reasonable and customary" range ($20-$25/hour). This aligns funding parity without changing the underlying service model.

Maddy summaryS 1353 makes it a crime to impersonate a first responder (including police, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel) to commit another crime. If someone falsely poses as a first responder to aid a criminal act, the offense is graded one level higher than the underlying crime (e.g., a disorderly persons offense becomes a fourth-degree crime). The bill specifically targets those using fake identities during emergencies to exploit public trust. It applies directly to individuals committing crimes while impersonating authorized emergency personnel. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded program to support nursing transition-to-practice initiatives for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered professional nurses (RNs) at healthcare facilities. It requires facilities to apply for NJCCN support to create structured 12-month programs with mentorship, full-time schedules, and data tracking, prioritizing veterans' homes, long-term care, and home care providers. The New Jersey Board of Nursing will allocate up to $2 million annually for financial, material, and technical assistance to approved facilities based on their applications. The bill also updates governance for the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN), including board composition and appointment processes.