Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 856) automatically adjusts New Jersey's income tax thresholds and qualification limits for inflation each year. It affects taxpayers who qualify for income-based tax benefits, such as lower tax rates or deductions for education savings, student loans, or tuition. The key mechanism uses the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) to increase these thresholds annually - starting in 2022 - based on cost-of-living changes, rounded to the nearest $5. For example, the $200,000 income limit for certain education deductions will adjust yearly instead of remaining fixed. This ensures thresholds keep pace with inflation without requiring new legislation each year.

Maddy summaryS 811 requires New Jersey electric utilities to prioritize restoring power to age-restricted communities (developments for residents 55+ years old) after major power outages caused by events like storms or disasters. Utilities must annually ask residential customers if they live in such communities; those who confirm get designated for priority restoration. The bill mandates the Board of Public Utilities to create rules for this process but specifies that priority efforts cannot delay restoring power to areas critical for public safety, such as hospitals or emergency services. This policy directly affects residents in age-restricted communities and utilities managing power restoration after widespread outages.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the requirement for unvaccinated New Jersey state employees to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. State employers can no longer mandate periodic testing or proof of negative tests for unvaccinated staff, though employees may still choose to test voluntarily. The law does not affect testing requirements for employees showing symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate resolution (SR 19) expresses symbolic support for preserving Columbus Day as both a federal and state holiday. It does not change current law but affirms the historical significance of Columbus's 1492 arrival and recognizes Italian-American heritage. The resolution specifically supports ongoing traditions like the New York City parade and sends copies to relevant organizations, the President, and New Jersey's congressional delegation. It has no legal effect but aligns with efforts by groups like Unico National to maintain the holiday.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey public schools from requiring students to receive COVID-19 or HPV vaccinations as a condition for attendance. It also bans state or local government entities from forcing schools to ask about a child's vaccination status for these specific vaccines. The law directly affects public primary and secondary school students and their families by removing these vaccination mandates for school enrollment. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 860) protects law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel from being sued for damages when they break into a car to rescue an animal. It applies only if they reasonably believe the animal is in immediate danger of serious injury or death due to hot/cold conditions or lack of water, and breaking the car is the last possible option to save the animal. The law makes it clear these personnel cannot be held liable for the damage caused during such rescues. It directly affects emergency responders performing life-saving actions and animal owners whose vehicles might be accessed during these situations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 879) expands New Jersey's definition of "victim of domestic violence" to include two key groups: (1) people aged 16 or older (previously 18+) who experience domestic violence from a spouse, former spouse, household member, or dating partner, and (2) parents of adopted children subjected to domestic violence by someone whose parental rights were terminated. It also clarifies that "household member" includes anyone the victim has ever lived with, not just current cohabitants. These changes, recommended by the Law Revision Commission, aim to protect additional vulnerable individuals, such as younger residents in group homes or adoptive parents. The bill directly affects domestic violence victims and their access to legal protections under New Jersey's Prevention of Domestic Violence Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey insurers and health plans to cover ovarian cancer screening for women with symptoms or at higher risk, including annual pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and blood marker tests. It applies to most individual and group health insurance policies, health maintenance organizations, and health benefits plans sold in the state. Coverage must be provided at the same level as other medical conditions under the policy, without additional cost-sharing. The law applies to policies where insurers retain the right to adjust premiums.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 15-member "Task Force on Supportive Technology for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities" in New Jersey. The task force will study how supportive technology (like devices or tools that help with daily living, work, or education) can better serve people with developmental disabilities, identify barriers to its use, and recommend policy changes. It includes government officials, disability advocates, service providers, and individuals with lived experience. The task force must submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months. The bill does not enact immediate changes but sets up a process to study and improve access to supportive technology for this population.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases fines for smoking cannabis or marijuana on New Jersey public beaches. It raises penalties to $500 for a first offense (up from $250), $1,000 for a second offense (up from $500), and $1,500 for each subsequent offense. The bill also directs 50% of collected fines to state smoking cessation programs and 50% to the municipality where the violation occurred. It specifically targets cannabis/marijuana smoking on beaches, leaving cigarette smoking penalties unchanged.