Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryS 2535 establishes a new minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries with brain injuries. The bill requires that these services be reimbursed at the average rate of $9.09 per 15 minutes (currently $3.65), aligning with reimbursement rates for similar services under the Division of Developmental Disabilities. This change directly affects approved brain injury service providers who deliver structured day programs to Medicaid beneficiaries. The policy applies to services provided on or after the bill's effective date, ensuring consistent reimbursement for brain injury care.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2930) amends the state's Open Public Records Act to clarify who can access government records without paying commercial fees. It specifically defines "commercial purpose" to exclude journalists, non-profits (including 501(c)(3) groups), labor organizations, and researchers working for these entities. The bill also adds new definitions, including "data broker," and strengthens privacy protections for personal information in government records. It appropriates $10 million to support implementation, including training and technology updates for public agencies. The changes directly affect residents, media, researchers, and advocacy groups seeking government records for non-commercial purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students in grades 6-12 who attend charter schools, county vocational schools, nonpublic schools, or receive equivalent instruction elsewhere (homeschoolers) to participate in interscholastic athletics in their district of residence under the same criteria as public school students. To participate, students must provide proof of residency, meet the same physical, academic, and behavioral requirements as public school athletes, and demonstrate academic equivalence (for homeschoolers). The bill applies when the student's current school doesn't sponsor the sport they wish to play, and eligibility disputes will be handled by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. The bill does not require schools to provide transportation or modify schedules to accommodate these students.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $500 gross income tax credit for New Jersey volunteer firefighters who meet specific eligibility requirements. To qualify, a taxpayer must have been an active member of a volunteer fire company or part-paid fire department for the entire current tax year plus the prior two years. The credit reduces state income tax liability but cannot lower it below zero. It applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3316) allows veterans to earn New Jersey Firefighter 1 certification without completing the standard training course if they have at least 12 months of active military service and completed military firefighter training. It directly affects veterans who served in military firefighting roles, waiving the required recruit training course while maintaining other eligibility and examination standards set by the Division of Fire Safety. The key provision replaces the mandatory training requirement with verification of military service and training completion. This change applies only to Firefighter 1 certification and does not alter examination or other eligibility criteria. The bill aims to recognize veterans' existing firefighting qualifications for state certification.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to maintain nasal rescue medication (like diazepam or midazolam spray) and portable oxygen devices in accessible locations throughout school buildings for students with seizure conditions. It mandates that school nurses designate trained staff to administer these treatments during emergencies when the nurse is unavailable, following standardized training protocols. Parental written consent and a liability waiver are required for staff to administer medication, with school districts reimbursed for related costs. The policy applies to all schools during regular hours and school-sponsored events, focusing on immediate response to seizure emergencies.

Maddy summaryS 3298 requires New Jersey health insurers to collect and publicly report detailed data on health insurance claims, particularly those processed by automated systems, including denial rates, appeal outcomes, and frequently denied medical specialties. Insurers must submit annual reports to the state, and if they unjustly deny 20% or more of claims, they must refund the patient's cost for those denied services. The bill also mandates that all claims be reviewed by a medical director, requires insurers to disclose claim rejection rates and automated system usage on their websites, and allows state audits of insurer systems. This affects patients (covered individuals) and insurers operating in New Jersey by increasing transparency and accountability in claim decisions.

Maddy summaryS 2181 temporarily removes a residency requirement for new hires by New Jersey school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects. For three years after the bill takes effect, these employers may hire out-of-state residents without requiring them to live in New Jersey, provided the position was advertised to New Jersey residents for at least three months and the new employee was not a New Jersey resident employed by such a school in the past year or during the three-year period. This exemption applies only to new hires meeting these conditions and does not affect current employees or positions that do not qualify. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly after passing the Senate unanimously.

Maddy summaryS 3250 exempts the purchase of pet food and certain pet medications from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It applies to pet food (including feed, vitamins, and liquids for household pets) and medications recognized as drugs by state veterinary or pharmacy boards, intended to affect a pet's health, or prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. The exemption covers legally owned companion pets kept in or near a household, excluding pets used for research or business. The tax change takes effect in the first full calendar quarter after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" to provide ongoing funding for a 24-hour confidential hotline supporting New Jersey law enforcement officers. It appropriates $500,000 annually from the General Fund starting in 2025 to sustain the existing "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" program, which offers peer counseling and referrals for officers experiencing work-related stress, trauma, or mental health challenges. The hotline, operated by Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, maintains confidentiality for callers and connects officers to services like peer support and therapy. The fund supplements current funding from Body Armor Replacement Funds ($400,000 annually) to ensure program stability.