Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3596 increases penalties for denying access to service dogs and their handlers from civil fines to criminal charges. Businesses, public facilities, NJ Transit, and transportation network companies (like ride-sharing services) that block access now face a petty disorderly persons offense (up to 30 days jail or $500 fine) for a first violation, and a disorderly persons offense (up to one year jail or $1,000 fine) for repeat violations. Fines collected fund law enforcement training on service dog access rights under New Jersey's disability laws. The bill updates existing statutes to strengthen enforcement of access protections for people with disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3549) expands an existing exemption by allowing honorably discharged veterans to avoid paying municipal parking meter fees when driving or riding as a passenger in a vehicle displaying a veteran placard issued by New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). It adds honorably discharged veterans to the current list of exempt groups, which already includes disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients. The exemption applies only while the vehicle is parked for 24 hours or less at a single location. The bill amends P.L.2015, c.218, clarifying that the exemption requires the veteran to be in the vehicle (as driver or passenger) and does not apply to extended parking.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts sales of refined precious metal bullion (like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars) and high-value numismatic coins ($1,000 or more) from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It directly affects buyers purchasing these specific investment-grade items, not jewelry or art made from them. The law defines "investment bullion" as unprocessed metals where value depends on metal content, excluding fabricated items like jewelry. It also excludes commemorative medallions and coins used in artistic works from the exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the State of New Jersey to sell 10.01 acres of land and improvements at 5 Jean Street in Morris Township (known as the Morris Regional Day School) to the Morris County Educational Services Commission for $1. The property, deemed surplus by the state, will be transferred "as is" without state responsibility for repairs or upgrades, unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Attorney General must complete the sale within 90 days of the bill's effective date, and the transaction does not require additional approvals from state agencies or the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey volunteer firefighters to receive free, periodic cancer screenings every three years (starting after three years of service) for 11 specific cancers, including colon, lung, breast, and prostate. It mandates that State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) physicians and approved providers offer these screenings without any co-payments, deductibles, or out-of-pocket costs for the firefighter. The state will reimburse participating providers up to $1,250 per firefighter per three-year period, and fire districts must maintain records to facilitate payment. The bill extends existing benefits currently available to paid firefighters under state law to volunteer firefighters serving in fire districts, departments, or companies across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryS 3521 requires employers in New Jersey to provide one additional paid sick day per benefit year to employees who serve as volunteer first responders (such as firefighters or emergency medical personnel). This day is specifically for healthcare diagnostic testing related to potential exposure during volunteer duties, like responding to accidents or emergencies. The bill applies to employers with at least 25 employees that have operated for two years. The Commissioner of Labor will develop implementation rules, aiming to support volunteer recruitment and retention by helping responders balance paid work and community service.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 360) allows taxicabs, limousines, and ride-sharing services (like Uber or Lyft) to provide paratransit transportation for people with disabilities for a two-year period. It amends New Jersey law to remove the current exclusion of these services from the definition of "paratransit," which previously limited such services to government-run or contracted providers. This change directly affects residents with disabilities who rely on specialized transportation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The key mechanism is updating legal definitions in transportation statutes to include these providers as eligible for paratransit service.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the State of New Jersey to sell a 10.01-acre parcel of land and improvements known as the Morris Regional Day School (located at 5 Jean Street in Morris Township, Morris County) to the Morris County Educational Services Commission for $1. The property will be conveyed "as is" with no state repairs or upgrades required, unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Attorney General must complete the sale within 90 days of the bill's effective date, bypassing typical approvals from state departments or the Legislature. This transfer directly affects the Morris County Educational Services Commission, which will gain ownership of the property for potential educational use.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3520) requires employers to provide paid first responders with one additional sick day per year specifically for healthcare diagnostic testing related to their job duties. It directly affects paid law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and members of emergency rescue squads. The bill defines "healthcare diagnostic testing" as medical tests recommended by a provider to address conditions linked to first responder work, with rules for implementation to be created by the Labor Commissioner. The benefit applies after an employee’s first year of service with the employer.

Maddy summaryThe "Safer Students Act" (S 3485) requires school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, contracted service providers, and colleges to verify prospective employees' employment history for allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct. It mandates applicants to disclose any investigations, disciplinary actions, or license suspensions related to such allegations, and requires employers to contact prior employers to confirm this information using state-reported data. The law modifies existing hiring verification processes under New Jersey law to include specific checks for misconduct history during employment screening. This applies to all positions involving regular student contact, aiming to strengthen background checks for school staff.