Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1773) requires New Jersey school districts to include specific post-graduation data in annual school performance report cards. It mandates reporting the number and percentage of graduates placed in employment or further education, including apprenticeships, as part of the required school profile. The change applies to all high schools and districts, adding this metric to existing report card requirements like graduation rates and student test scores. The bill aims to provide families and communities with clearer insights into student outcomes after high school.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1583 requires free cancer screenings every three years for volunteer firefighters through the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) network. The screenings cover 11 specific cancers (including colon, lung, prostate, and breast) with no out-of-pocket costs for firefighters. Physicians providing these screenings can be reimbursed up to $1,250 per three-year period by the state, and fire districts must maintain records to facilitate payment. This extends an existing benefit for paid firefighters to volunteer firefighters, who previously did not have guaranteed access to such screenings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program for veterans' memorial homes in New Jersey to receive support from the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing in developing residency training programs for licensed practical and registered nurses. The legislation establishes specific requirements for these programs, including a 12-month timeline, full-time schedules, preceptor support, and data collection on nurse retention after training. A $500,000 appropriation is provided to fund the program, with applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis and annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow New Jersey municipalities to offer partial property tax exemptions on the homes of volunteer first responders. The measure directly affects active members of volunteer fire departments, first aid squads, or rescue teams who serve their local communities. Under this proposal, eligible volunteers could receive a property tax exemption of up to 10 percent of their home's assessed value, with the specific amount determined by each municipality through local ordinances. The bill clarifies that the state would not be required to reimburse towns for the lost tax revenue from these exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires ambulance vehicles operated by volunteer, nonvolunteer, and nonprofit organizations to carry a securely locked box for storing firearms. The law mandates that any firearm be placed in this locked container whenever a person possessing a gun is being transported in the ambulance. The New Jersey Commissioner of Health will have the authority to create specific rules to implement these storage requirements. This policy applies to all first aid, rescue, and emergency squad ambulances that provide services and may bill for or receive reimbursement for those services.

Maddy summaryS 1796 requires New Jersey health insurance plans to cover prostate cancer screening without cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays) for men aged 40-75 with specific risk factors, including family history of prostate cancer. The bill mandates that group health insurance policies (for groups over 49 people) cover annual screenings - such as digital rectal exams and PSA tests - as well as follow-up tests like imaging or lab work. This applies to all health service, hospital service, and medical service corporation contracts in New Jersey. The law affects insurance carriers by expanding existing coverage requirements and directly benefits men in the specified age group with risk factors.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the duties of New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking to specifically address prevention efforts for women and children of color. It amends existing state law to require the commission to evaluate current laws and victim assistance programs, with a focus on ensuring these services adequately reach marginalized communities. The commission, composed of 15 members including law enforcement, victim advocates, and survivors, will develop public awareness campaigns and coordinate resources to combat trafficking. The legislation does not create new enforcement powers but directs the commission to analyze gaps in current protections and make legislative recommendations to address them.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows volunteer members of Community Emergency Response Teams in New Jersey to be appointed as temporary traffic officers during emergencies or disasters. To qualify, appointed members must pass a physical exam, complete a training course approved by the New Jersey Police Training Commission, and take an oath of office. Once qualified, these volunteers can direct traffic on roadways until law enforcement arrives or at public events under police supervision, wearing specific safety gear and emblems. The bill also grants them immunity from civil lawsuits when acting in good faith within their training limits and clarifies that they cannot supersede regular law enforcement officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hotels in New Jersey to install a telecommunications system that connects callers directly to the state's Human Trafficking Hotline when they dial a specific code from their room phone. It also mandates that hotel employees receive alerts when this code is dialed and immediately report those alerts to law enforcement. The law applies to buildings meeting the state's definition of a hotel, though the Commissioner of Community Affairs may exempt smaller establishments based on factors like size and available phone infrastructure. Hotels must also ensure at least one working telephone is installed in every guest room to support this system.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's unemployment compensation tax law to adjust how the taxable wage base is calculated for certain employers. It directly affects private employers and specific nonprofit organizations that pay unemployment contributions in the state. The key provision changes the formula used to determine the maximum amount of wages subject to unemployment tax, updating the calculation method for years beginning on or after January 1, 2022. Under the new rules, the taxable wage base will be set at 14 times the statewide average weekly remuneration, with adjustments to ensure it meets or exceeds federal standards.