Sen. Tony Bucco

Maddy summaryS 819 redirects 1% of the Workforce Development Partnership Fund's annual revenues to the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research, creating a dedicated and permanent funding source. This replaces the previous funding mechanism (cigarette tax revenues) that had been diverted to other budget needs in recent years. The Commission, established in 1983, uses such funding to support cancer research projects and has historically helped launch over 500 research initiatives and careers in New Jersey. The bill repeals an outdated section of law (P.L.1983, c.6, section 8) that previously directed cigarette tax funds to the Commission.

Maddy summaryS 903 requires New Jersey's Secretary of State to establish a statewide voter list maintenance and crosscheck program to verify voter registration accuracy. It mandates cross-checking voter data with state agencies (like the Motor Vehicle Commission, Department of Health, and Corrections) to identify ineligible voters or duplicate registrations. The bill also requires the Secretary of State to submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature by March 1st, detailing the program's status, system security, and effectiveness of data-sharing agreements. This directly affects election officials, county registrars, and voters by updating how voter data is maintained and verified statewide. The law amends existing voter registration statutes to centralize voter records under one system and strengthen data accuracy checks.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a temporary pause on new lawsuits challenging municipalities' legal duty to provide affordable housing under the "Fourth Round" obligations starting in 2025. It blocks such litigation from commencing before January 1, 2029, and remains in effect until December 31, 2028. Existing cases filed prior to the bill's enactment are not affected. The moratorium aims to allow the legislature time to develop new rules for affordable housing obligations instead of relying on court litigation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain county fire instructors to qualify for New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) benefits. It applies to instructors who were enrolled in PERS before November 1, 2008, worked as county fire instructors continuously each year, earned over $1,500 annually, and held permanent civil service status. The bill grants them retroactive service credit for their employment and reinstates eligibility for retirement benefits. Additionally, it permits individuals whose PERS membership was terminated within two years before the bill's effective date to rejoin by repaying any returned contributions and interest.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows private buyers of used vehicles in New Jersey to use licensed motor vehicle dealers to handle title and registration paperwork instead of filing directly with the state. It directly affects private individuals purchasing used cars from other private sellers (not dealers) and authorizes licensed dealers to process these transactions. The key mechanism lets buyers submit a bill of sale to a dealer, who then files the required documents with the state motor vehicle agency, paying the $20 fee instead of the buyer. This simplifies the process for private sellers who may not navigate the system themselves, while keeping the state fee structure unchanged.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an anonymous safe haven program for domestic companion animals (like cats and dogs kept as pets) in New Jersey. It allows anyone to drop off an animal at a shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, or police station during operating hours without revealing their name or providing details about the animal. Facilities must accept all such animals, post clear signage about the program, and provide necessary care without attempting to reunite animals with owners. The Department of Health must also develop educational materials for schools (grades 3-12) and establish a 24-hour hotline to inform the public about the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 842) extends New Jersey's existing paid military leave policy to public employees serving in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. Currently, state and local government workers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps Reserves, or National Guard receive up to 30 paid workdays annually for federal active duty, but Coast Guard Reserve members were excluded. The bill amends state law to explicitly include Coast Guard Reserve members in this benefit, granting them the same 30-day paid leave entitlement without loss of pay or seniority. It directly affects New Jersey public employees (state, county, school district, or municipal workers) who serve in the Coast Guard Reserve. The change aligns Coast Guard Reserve members with other military reserve branches under the state's leave policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to create a program providing up to $10,000 in one-time grants to veterans who purchase franchises in the state. It directly affects New Jersey veterans who are approved by the EDA and become franchisees (owners of franchised businesses) after the bill takes effect. The EDA must establish application procedures, set eligibility criteria, and require grantees to report within a year on how the funds were used for franchise purchases. The program prioritizes veterans applying within six months of the bill's effective date, with grants funded through state appropriations or private donations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 800) provides accidental death benefits to survivors of New Jersey State Police recruits who die during required pre-service training or related complications at the State Police Academy. It classifies such deaths as "in the line of duty," allowing surviving spouses, children, or parents to claim benefits under the State Police Retirement System. The law guarantees a minimum $50,000 benefit for surviving spouses, with calculated benefits for children or parents if no spouse survives. It also allows retroactive claims for deaths occurring before this bill’s enactment, with a 12-month filing window after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey school districts to administer certain motor vehicle services for prospective school bus drivers, including knowledge tests, providing driver manuals, verifying identification, processing fees, and handling endorsement applications. It specifically excludes road tests, which must still be conducted by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The MVC must create a program to coordinate with schools and promote these services at school facilities, aligning with federal commercial driver licensing standards.