Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryS 365 makes it a crime to cause property damage during auto theft or immediate flight from it, directly affecting individuals committing or involved in such thefts. Damage of $500 or more triggers a third-degree crime (up to 5 years in prison), while damage under $500 is a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months). The bill requires convicted individuals to pay restitution to property owners for repairs or replacement, regardless of whether the damage was caused by the defendant, police during a pursuit, or others. This law applies even if the defendant wasn’t the driver of the stolen vehicle.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey automobile insurers to reimburse ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) for certain services at 300% of the Medicare Part B payment rate - instead of current rates - if the service isn't already listed in the state's medical fee schedule. It also mandates that unlisted medical supplies used with these services be reimbursed at invoice cost plus 20%. The policy directly affects ASCs and insurers by establishing a standardized, higher reimbursement rate for uncovered ASC services, aligning with Medicare guidelines. This change aims to ensure ASCs receive fair compensation for services not previously covered under insurer fee schedules.

Maddy summaryS 2424 provides tuition-free education at New Jersey public colleges for dependent children of veterans who died or are totally disabled due to service-related injuries, as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It covers up to 60 credit hours for associate degrees and 120 credit hours for bachelor's degrees, subject to residency requirements, academic progress standards, and proof that the student has applied for all available federal and state financial aid. The bill requires students to have no other federal tuition benefits covering the same cost and to apply for VA benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The state will reimburse public colleges for waived tuition costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retirement benefits in New Jersey's state-administered retirement systems. It directly affects current and future retirees, including state employees and teachers, by requiring their benefits to increase each year to match inflation without needing separate legislative action. The key mechanism establishes a permanent automatic adjustment process tied to inflation data, eliminating the need for annual budget amendments. This change ensures retirees' purchasing power remains aligned with rising living costs over time.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for New Jersey's "Combat Infantryman Badge" license plates to include veterans who hold a Combat Action Ribbon (instead of the Combat Infantryman Badge). It directly affects veterans, particularly Marines, who previously could not qualify for these plates due to their award type. The key provision amends existing law to recognize the Combat Action Ribbon as equivalent, allowing qualifying veterans to obtain distinctive plates bearing the badge emblem for a $15 fee. The bill also permits surviving spouses to retain these plates on vehicles registered to them.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all basic life support ambulances and volunteer ambulance squad vehicles in New Jersey to have a securely locked container for storing firearms. It directly affects ambulance services and anyone being transported who possesses a firearm, mandating that firearms be stored in the locked container during transport. The key provision specifies that the locked container must be used whenever a person carrying a firearm is in the ambulance. The Commissioner of Health may create implementing rules to enforce these requirements.

Maddy summaryS 2543 prohibits New Jersey state, county, or municipal officials from requiring children to receive COVID-19 or HPV vaccinations as a condition for attending public primary or secondary schools. It also bans schools from asking about a child's vaccination status for these specific vaccines. The bill directly affects all children enrolled in New Jersey public schools and removes existing requirements tied to these two vaccines. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a whistleblower reward program for employees reporting tax law violations by construction industry employers in New Jersey. Whistleblowers who provide specific, credible information leading to an administrative or judicial action against an employer can receive 15% to 30% of recovered taxes, penalties, and interest (or up to 10% if the tip came from public sources like media or audits). The award amount is based on how much the information contributed to the case outcome. It excludes employees who obtained information through their official duties and includes protections against retaliation under existing law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's school bus stop laws to authorize the use of school bus monitoring systems for enforcement. It directly affects drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses (including those transporting children or individuals with developmental disabilities) and school districts/municipalities that install such systems. Key provisions establish that violations captured by these systems result in a $250 civil penalty (instead of criminal penalties), with collected funds directed to municipal and school safety programs. The bill also clarifies that registered vehicle owners are presumed responsible for violations recorded by the systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurers, pharmacy benefits managers, and state health programs from requiring pre-approval or precertification for cancer-related treatments, tests, procedures, or prescription drugs covered under health or prescription drug plans. It directly affects cancer patients and their licensed healthcare providers by ensuring these covered services are paid for without insurance company delays when prescribed for a diagnosed cancer patient. Key provisions ban pre-approval requirements for any covered cancer treatment, test, procedure, or drug under state health plans, state employee health programs, and private insurance. The law applies immediately to all health plans issued or purchased after enactment.