Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryS 246 increases fines for smoking cannabis or marijuana on New Jersey public beaches. It raises penalties to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $1,500 for subsequent offenses - up from the current $250/$500/$1,000 for cannabis smoking on beaches. The bill also specifies that half of collected fines must fund state smoking cessation programs, while the other half goes to the local municipality. This bill targets individuals smoking cannabis on public beaches (not cigarettes, which retain existing penalties) and aims to address enforcement challenges following cannabis legalization. Note: The bill is pending (introduced January 2026) and not yet law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2842) increases oversight of New Jersey's three State veterans' memorial homes (Menlo Park, Vineland, and Paramus). It requires each home to create infection control plans, provide staff training on hand hygiene and protective equipment (like gloves and masks), undergo annual financial audits, and face unannounced inspections. Administrators must have clinical experience in long-term care. The bill directly affects residents and staff at these facilities by mandating specific safety and operational standards.

Maddy summaryS 1008 proposes creating an independent State Office of the Consumer within New Jersey's Legislative Branch, headed by a director appointed by Senate and Assembly leadership. The office would directly assess local governments, school districts, state offices, and health insurance companies by making random phone calls to evaluate responsiveness and conducting website usability reviews. It would require the director to submit monthly reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing findings on call accessibility and website user-friendliness. The bill establishes this office as a new oversight body focused on improving public access to government services and information.

Maddy summaryS 2429 expands New Jersey's definition of "victim of domestic violence" to include more individuals. It lowers the age threshold from 18 to 16 for victims in the first category (those abused by a spouse, former spouse, or someone they lived with, including past residence). The bill also adds a new category for adoptive parents who are victims of domestic violence by the person whose parental rights to their adopted child were terminated. These changes clarify that past household relationships qualify, ensuring broader legal protection for vulnerable individuals affected by domestic violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a crime to disclose someone's personal information without consent when it creates a risk of physical harm, stalking, or severe emotional distress. It specifically targets disclosures that cause a "close relation" (like family, household members, or close associates) to fear for their safety or experience mental anguish. Exceptions include reporting suspected crimes to police or sharing information about public officials' misconduct in good faith. Violations are punishable as a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine), with harsher penalties if injury or stalking occurs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 366) updates New Jersey's murder and assault laws to include death or serious injury occurring during car theft. It specifically adds "theft of a motor vehicle" to the list of crimes that can trigger felony murder charges under N.J.S.2C:11-3, meaning someone who causes death while stealing a car could now face murder charges instead of a lesser offense. The key change expands existing felony murder provisions - previously covering crimes like robbery or burglary - to explicitly include auto theft. This directly affects individuals committing car theft who cause death or serious injury during the act. The bill does not change sentencing but clarifies that such incidents will be prosecuted under the more severe murder statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to collect and coordinate data on the language skills and educational progress of children diagnosed as deaf or hard of hearing from birth through age 10. The data will be gathered using a centralized platform, shared with the Departments of Human Services and Education (with parental consent), and used to improve programs for these children. It mandates compliance with privacy laws and specifies that the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will manage data sharing only with a parent or guardian's written permission. The bill does not create new funding or programs but aims to better inform existing services through coordinated data.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2417) exempts volunteer fire companies in New Jersey from paying the annual charitable registration fee required under the state’s Charitable Registration and Investigation Act. Currently, such organizations must pay fees ranging from $30 to $250 yearly based on revenue, but this bill would remove that specific fee obligation. Volunteer fire companies would still need to register as nonprofits but would no longer pay the annual fee. The exemption applies to all volunteer fire companies registered under the existing law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a "safe haven" system allowing anyone to anonymously leave a pet at a shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, or police station during operating hours without disclosing their identity or providing animal details. It requires these facilities to accept all animals and provide necessary care, while prohibiting them from forcing reunions with original owners or charging fees. The law also mandates the Department of Health to develop a public education program, including school materials for grades 3-12, to inform the public about safe drop-off procedures. It directly affects pet owners unable to care for animals, animal facilities, and the public through educational outreach.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "Students with Communication Disabilities' Bill of Rights," requiring school districts to ensure students with communication disabilities (affecting speech, hearing, or vision) receive tailored support. It mandates schools provide early screening, trained assistants using a student's preferred communication method (like sign language or AAC devices), and communication plans in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Schools must also guarantee full access to all educational activities - from classrooms to extracurriculars - and ensure parents receive linguistic support. The law aligns with existing federal protections under the ADA and IDEA but codifies specific school district obligations.