Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryS 2449 establishes the "New Jersey COVID-19 Long-Term Health Effects Task Force" to study ongoing health impacts from the pandemic. The task force will identify symptoms, treatments, and potential vaccine-related effects, while developing public education strategies and healthcare guidance for the Department of Health. It will consist of nine members, including health experts, public representatives appointed by legislative leaders, and government officials. The task force must submit a final report within one year of forming and dissolve 30 days after submission.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the COVID-19 Frontline Mental Health Claims Program to provide mental health services to New Jersey residents who worked as frontline workers (like healthcare staff, first responders, or essential public service providers) during the pandemic. It reimburses eligible individuals for mental health services not covered by private insurance or workers' compensation, covering services provided between March 9, 2020, and one year after the state’s pandemic emergencies ended. To qualify, services must be medically necessary, not covered elsewhere, and provided within the specified timeframe. The program requires the state to develop a claim system, pay providers directly, and notify claimants of payments or denials with clear reasons.

Maddy summaryS 2451 creates a confidential registry for individuals who received medical assistance due to misusing controlled substances (like opioids). Hospitals, emergency responders, and police would submit this data to the Commissioner of Human Services, who would make the registry accessible to healthcare providers. Providers would be required to check the registry before prescribing any controlled substance. The registry is protected by privacy laws, and the Commissioner must report annually to the Governor and Legislature. This directly affects healthcare practitioners prescribing controlled substances and individuals with substance misuse medical incidents.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2461) protects property owners and managers of swimming pools in planned real estate developments from lawsuits related to COVID-19 exposure or transmission at those pools. It applies to pools, hot tubs, spas, and adjacent areas like restrooms and playgrounds within the development's common spaces. The immunity covers most claims but does not apply if the property owner acted with gross negligence, recklessness, willful misconduct, fraud, or criminal behavior. It directly affects developers, homeowners' associations, and residents of planned communities with shared pool facilities.

Maddy summaryS 2450 establishes a temporary New Jersey task force to study pandemic-related PTSD affecting first responders, healthcare workers, and other frontline workers who provided essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic or future pandemics. The 21-member task force, including experts and affected workers, will identify causes and effects of pandemic PTSD, estimate its prevalence, develop treatment best practices, and recommend solutions for better care and support. It must submit a report within 12 months to the Governor and Legislature, detailing findings and actionable recommendations on improving diagnosis, treatment accessibility, stigma reduction, and employer support. The task force will dissolve 30 days after submitting its report, with no new funding or mandates created - only a study and recommendation process.

Maddy summaryS 2447 allocates $30 million from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund (established under the CARES Act) to New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide grants to live entertainment venues. These grants cover costs from business interruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, such as those from pandemic-related restrictions. The bill excludes venues regularly featuring performances involving specified anatomical exposure or sexual activity, as defined by state law. The EDA must develop rules to administer the program under state administrative procedures, and the bill takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $100 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for grants to local governments. The grants will fund drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects, with at least 10% specifically directed toward projects reducing harmful algal blooms in Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake. The DEP must establish a transparent grant application process within six months and report all funded projects to the Governor and Legislature within three years, after which the program expires. Up to 3% of the funds may cover administrative costs for the grant program.

Maddy summarySCR 84 is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to prioritize transitional housing for homeless individuals and families, specifically including survivors of domestic violence. It proposes that HUD allocate resources toward programs offering up to 24 months of temporary housing with support services like financial education, counseling, and job assistance. These programs address gaps where emergency shelters typically limit stays to 90 days and over half of domestic violence survivors seeking housing services do not receive them. The resolution emphasizes that transitional housing provides critical time and support to achieve permanent, stable housing - especially important amid pandemic-related economic challenges.

Maddy summaryS 2500 establishes an independent Office of the Ombudsman for Children within New Jersey's Attorney General's office, directly affecting children in state care, foster families, and child welfare agencies. The ombudsman investigates agency responses to child abuse/neglect cases, inspects facilities like group homes and shelters, reviews policies, and maintains a 24-hour hotline for public concerns. The bill requires the ombudsman to report annually to the Governor and Legislature on service gaps and make recommendations for improvement. Agencies must develop corrective action plans for systemic issues identified by the ombudsman and provide quarterly updates for one year. The office operates with authority to access records, issue subpoenas, and intervene in proceedings to protect children's welfare, while safeguarding confidential information.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes an existing exception allowing smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities under New Jersey's smoke-free law. It eliminates the specific exemption that previously permitted smoking in casinos with at least 150 slot machines or 10 table games, and in simulcasting facilities with dedicated seating for 50+ patrons. As a result, smoking will now be banned in these venues, aligning them with the general smoking restrictions in public places. The change directly affects all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities operating under the state's regulations.