Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 975) requires New Jersey's Superintendent of State Police to collect and publish annual statistics on cannabis-related fatal motor vehicle crashes. It mandates adding this data to the existing annual Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Report, which currently includes alcohol-related crash statistics. The law defines "cannabis" per existing state law (P.L.2021, c.16) and applies directly to state police data collection practices. This is a reporting requirement, not a change to cannabis use or traffic laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill delays New Jersey's fourth round of affordable housing obligations - including determining current and future housing needs and related lawsuits - from its original 2025 start date to July 1, 2028. It directly affects municipalities required to meet state-mandated affordable housing quotas under the Mount Laurel doctrine, which have faced financial strain from pandemic impacts, construction costs, and litigation. The delay allows municipalities to use data from the completed third round to better assess regional needs before setting new obligations. The bill does not affect existing housing-related court cases or settlements finalized before July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 824) amends New Jersey law to grant civil immunity for individuals using bear spray to repel aggressive bears. It specifically allows people possessing bear spray for bear defense to avoid civil lawsuits if they reasonably believe its use was necessary for self-defense, provided they did not act willfully, wantonly, or with gross negligence. The law updates existing self-defense protections under N.J.S.2C:39-6 to explicitly include bear spray as a defensive tool in bear encounters. It directly affects residents and visitors in bear-populated areas who may need to use bear spray for safety. The bill does not change possession laws but clarifies legal protections when bear spray is used appropriately.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to authorize licensed drivers' schools to conduct road tests required for obtaining a driver's license. It requires examiners from these schools to provide applicants with written documentation of test results (pass/fail), and mandates a 14-day waiting period for applicants who fail. Successful applicants must submit this documentation, along with other required materials, to receive a probationary license. The MVC must establish specific standards for these tests within 30 days, with temporary rules lasting up to one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new independent State Office of the Consumer within New Jersey's Legislative Branch. The office will directly assess the accessibility and responsiveness of local government offices, school districts, state agencies, and regulated health insurance companies by conducting random phone calls and website evaluations. It requires the director to submit monthly reports to the governor and legislature detailing findings on call wait times, website usability, and ease of finding information. The director, appointed by legislative leaders, serves a six-year term and oversees these assessments to ensure public offices remain user-friendly and accessible.

Maddy summaryS 1556 creates the "New Jersey Alternate Route Opportunity Fund" to provide financial assistance to economically disadvantaged New Jersey residents seeking police officer training through the state's alternate route program. This program targets individuals without existing police department appointments who must pay for training themselves, covering costs like tuition at approved schools. The fund will be administered by a board of nine members (including a Police Training Commission representative and eight Governor-appointed public members) who will establish eligibility criteria based on financial need and develop recruitment strategies. Grants will be paid directly to the Police Training Commission or approved schools to cover training expenses for qualifying applicants.

Maddy summarySCR 24 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's annual property tax deduction for veterans from $250 to $1,250, effective 2024. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses who reside in New Jersey. The key mechanism adjusts the deduction amount annually (cancelling taxes if below $1,250) and extends eligibility to surviving spouses after a veteran's death. This amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades burglary of an occupied residence to a second-degree crime in New Jersey, changing it from the current third-degree classification. It directly affects individuals convicted of entering or remaining in a dwelling (like a home) where someone was present during the offense. The key provision requires offenders to serve 85% of their prison sentence before becoming parole-eligible, as mandated by the "No Early Release Act" (NERA). This applies specifically when a person was present in the residence at the time of the burglary, increasing penalties compared to burglary of unoccupied dwellings or other burglary scenarios.

Maddy summaryS 1666 removes criminal liability for New Jersey law enforcement officers who interact with underage individuals (under 21) regarding alcohol or cannabis possession, unless the officer intentionally discriminates based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. The bill amends existing law to require that officers only face criminal charges for civil rights violations if they acted with discriminatory intent - previously, criminal liability could apply without proving such intent. This specifically affects officers during investigative encounters (like stops or searches) related to underage possession, while preserving protections against discriminatory enforcement. The change clarifies that routine enforcement actions without discriminatory motive won't trigger criminal penalties.

Maddy summarySCR 13 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit most emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor to a 14-day period during a state of emergency. After 14 days, such measures would automatically expire unless the Legislature passes a concurrent resolution extending them. The amendment does not apply to orders rescinding prior emergency actions, federal compliance measures, executive branch rules, National Guard actions, or orders issued under existing laws with longer timeframes. This change would shift authority from the Governor to require legislative approval for extended emergency powers, while maintaining current flexibility for specific exceptions.