Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4007) prohibits operating drones in ways that interfere with airport operations or military activities in New Jersey. It makes it a fourth-degree crime (punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine) for anyone knowingly to operate a drone that disrupts airport functions or military operations. The law specifically defines "military" to include all U.S. armed forces, National Guard, and merchant marine under federal law. This directly affects drone operators near airports or military sites, adding clear criminal penalties for intentional interference beyond existing rules. The bill amends existing law (P.L.2017, c.315) to include these specific prohibitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $50 million in supplemental funding to create a grant program for New Jersey police departments. The funds will help state and local law enforcement purchase radar technology to detect and track unmanned aircraft systems (drones), specifically addressing unexplained drone sightings near critical infrastructure. The program is administered by the Department of Law and Public Safety and directly supports police agencies seeking equipment to monitor drone activity. This funding responds to increased drone usage in airspace, aiming to enhance safety compliance without specifying new regulations.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Senate Bill S 4005 establishes criminal liability for property damage occurring during auto theft or police pursuits related to auto theft. It makes it a crime (third degree for $500+ damage, fourth degree for less) for anyone involved in the theft, attempted theft, or immediate flight to cause property damage, regardless of whether the damage was caused by the thief, police during a pursuit, or others. Convicted individuals must pay restitution to property owners for repair or replacement costs, including reasonable fees. The law explicitly states that police-caused damage during a pursuit or not being the driver does not serve as a defense. This bill directly affects individuals committing auto theft and those fleeing after such crimes.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Senate Resolution SR 120 urges the President and Congress to enact two specific federal bills: S. 157 (The Drone Act of 2023), which would criminalize drone misuse, and S. 896 (The SHIELD U Act), which would expand law enforcement's authority to counter drones. This resolution follows recent drone sightings over sensitive New Jersey locations - including military bases, a major reservoir, and a residence of the President-elect - reportedly alarming residents and prompting federal investigations. The resolution does not create new laws but formally requests federal action to address gaps in drone regulation and enforcement. It directly targets the President and Congress as the intended recipients of this urging.

Maddy summaryThis bill reschedules New Jersey's June 2025 primary election from June 3 to June 10, 2025, to accommodate a religious observance. It adjusts most election-related deadlines to align with the new June 10 date, but keeps specific deadlines - such as those for nominating petitions, ballot position drawing, and mailing vote-by-mail ballots - tied to the original June 3 date. The Secretary of State must notify county clerks, election boards, and the public within seven days of the bill's effective date and publish a revised election calendar. This change directly affects all voters, candidates, and election officials participating in New Jersey's 2025 primary election cycle.

Maddy summaryThis bill reschedules New Jersey's June 2025 primary election from June 3 to June 10, 2025, to accommodate a religious observance. It requires the Secretary of State to notify all county clerks, election boards, municipal clerks, and the public within seven days of enactment, adjust all election-related deadlines under state law, and publish a revised election calendar. The change directly affects voters participating in the 2025 primary and election administrators responsible for organizing the vote.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the eligibility of newspapers for public notice requirements in New Jersey. It allows public bodies (like local governments and school districts) that used designated newspapers for official notices during 2024 to continue using those same newspapers - whether physical or digital - through March 1, 2025. The change applies only to newspapers already approved for this purpose in 2024, ensuring continuity without requiring new designations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's fire safety laws to update requirements for smoke alarms and fire inspector licensure. It removes the requirement for portable fire extinguishers in certain residential buildings while updating smoke alarm standards to be set by the Commissioner of Community Affairs. Fire inspectors must now complete an approved educational program, meet prerequisites, and pass exams to be licensed. The bill also changes how penalties for violations are assessed and how liability for unpaid fees transfers when property ownership changes. These changes aim to modernize fire safety standards and enforcement procedures.

Maddy summaryS 3962 requires New Jersey to annually pay eligible municipalities $75,000 per low- or moderate-income housing unit they commit to under the state's Fair Housing Act. This compensation, paid to a separate "Local Infrastructure and Planning Fund," covers costs municipalities face from building infrastructure like schools, roads, and water systems due to new affordable housing developments. Municipalities must have certified housing plans (via the Fair Housing Act) to qualify, and funds can be used for infrastructure upgrades, planning services, or legal costs related to housing compliance. The payments are spread equally over 10 years per housing obligation round, starting in the first full year of the round (e.g., 2026 for the upcoming round).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey law enforcement officers to receive regular cancer and cardiovascular screenings starting three years after employment and every three years thereafter, covering 11 specific cancer types including colon, lung, breast, and prostate cancers. It establishes a dedicated fund to cover these screening costs by appropriating $20 million from the State General Fund and adding a $10 surcharge to motor vehicle fines. Public employers not participating in the State Health Benefits Program can be reimbursed up to $2,500 per officer every three years for these screenings. The fund is designed to carry over unused funds year to year, ensuring consistent funding for these screenings. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.