Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care providers in New Jersey to obtain written parental or guardian consent before sharing a child's medical information with state agencies like the Department of Health. It directly affects hospitals, clinics, doctors, and health professionals who currently report data on newborn hearing screenings, lead tests, autism diagnoses, cardiac events, and immunizations. Key provisions amend existing laws to add consent requirements for these reporting systems, while allowing exceptions for suspected child abuse. The bill ensures parents must explicitly agree to share their child's health data, with clear procedures for providers to explain this requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an independent Office of Inspector General specifically for New Jersey's veterans' facilities, directly affecting veterans' care facilities, their residents, and staff. The office will investigate complaints about facility safety and care quality, conduct inspections, and refer criminal cases to prosecutors, operating without oversight from the Department of Law and Public Safety. Key provisions include the Governor appointing a qualified inspector general for a five-year term, the power to subpoena witnesses and documents, and requiring state agencies to cooperate with investigations. The office aims to ensure safety and quality in facilities serving veterans, defined as state-run nursing homes and long-term care facilities licensed for veterans' care.

Maddy summaryS 865 requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide in-person vehicle and licensing services at every MVC agency location for two groups: individuals aged 65 or older and people with disabilities. The bill mandates that all covered services - such as license renewals, address changes, disability placards, and vehicle registrations - must be available in person, overriding any current online-only restrictions. This directly affects seniors and individuals with disabilities who face barriers with remote services. The law takes effect four months after enactment, ensuring all MVC locations offer these services without requiring appointments or digital access.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 692) allows New Jersey school districts to use existing "security categorical aid" funds - provided under the School Funding Reform Act - to hire school security personnel for both public and nonpublic schools within their districts. It amends the Secure Schools for All Children Act to explicitly state that security services may include hiring security staff, aligning with current Department of Education guidance. The change clarifies that districts can directly allocate this specific security funding for personnel, rather than only for equipment or technology. It does not create new funding or requirements, but formalizes a practice already permitted under existing rules. The bill applies statewide to all school districts serving students in nonpublic schools.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 827 allows individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or communication disabilities to voluntarily add a notation to their driver's license, non-driver ID card, or MVC registry. This notation helps law enforcement officers communicate more effectively during interactions, such as traffic stops. The bill establishes a secure statewide registry where users can provide emergency contact information and vehicle details, accessible only to law enforcement during motor vehicle stops. Participation is entirely voluntary, and users can add, update, or remove their information at any time. The bill also requires law enforcement to receive training on interacting with people who have these conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits to New Jersey small businesses that pay higher unemployment insurance premiums than standard rates. Specifically, it allows eligible small businesses (meeting federal SBA size criteria) to claim a credit against their state income tax equal to the difference between their actual unemployment insurance payments and what they would have paid at standard "column C" rates. The credit applies for 2023, 2024, and subsequent years until unemployment insurance rates drop to or below standard levels. Businesses cannot claim credits if other subsidies already cover the same cost increase.

Maddy summaryS 948 amends New Jersey law to classify motor vehicle theft as a second-degree crime when the stolen vehicle is operated in a way that creates a risk of injury to people or damage to property. This directly affects individuals who steal vehicles and drive them recklessly, such as during high-speed chases or careless operation. The bill changes the offense from a lower-degree crime to a second-degree offense, carrying penalties of 5 to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $150,000, or both. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 873 requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to ensure at least 12 percent of funds distributed through the state's existing small business loan program each year go to businesses owned or controlled by veterans, with priority for veterans declared to have service-connected disabilities by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The EDA must administer the program to meet this target while maintaining loans for capital purchases, employee training, and operational needs for all eligible small businesses. The bill defines a "veteran" as a New Jersey resident honorably discharged from the U.S. military, applying to all businesses qualifying under the program’s current rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 437) increases penalties for adults who leave loaded firearms accessible to minors under 16 at premises they control, resulting in injury or death. Currently a disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine), the violation becomes a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months jail, $10,000 fine) for bodily injury, or a third-degree crime (3-5 years jail, $15,000 fine) for death or serious bodily injury. It does not apply if minors use firearms for authorized activities (e.g., hunting) or self-protection, as defined under existing law. The bill targets adults responsible for firearm storage safety in homes or other controlled premises where minors reside or visit.

Maddy summaryS 837 establishes a 11-member task force within New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs to study technology and methods for reducing telemarketing harassment and intimidation targeting consumers. The task force includes telecom experts from AT&T and Verizon, AARP, utility representatives, and three senior citizens who have experienced such harassment. It must issue a report within 180 days containing a cost-benefit analysis, financing options, and draft legislation recommendations for implementing solutions. This bill directly affects New Jersey consumers targeted by unwanted telemarketing calls, focusing on evaluating feasible solutions rather than enacting immediate changes.