Bucco’s Bill to Increase School Security is Now Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) to provide New Jersey law enforcement with the resources they need to better protect local schools has been signed into law.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Anthony Bucco to provide New Jersey law enforcement with the resources they need to better protect local schools has been signed into law. (Flickr)
Senate Passes Erin’s Law to Bring Child Sex Abuse Education to NJ Classrooms
Bucco Bill named after survivor requires age-appropriate “safe-touch” education for grades Pre-K through 12
The New Jersey Senate has passed “Erin’s Law,” legislation long-sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) to require all school districts to incorporate age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention and awareness education into the NJ Student Learning Standards, formerly known as the core curriculum.
Today’s Senate passage follows a years-long effort by Senator Bucco, Erin Merryn – the survivor for whom the bill is named – and a number of other local advocates, who have worked together to ensure every child in New Jersey has the tools they need to recognize and report sexual abuse.
Erin’s Law, sponsored by Sen. Bucco, would require NJ schools to teach kids in grades Pre-k through 12 about sexual assault. The bill is named for Erin Merryn, a survivor who has become a national advocate. (Photo Courtesy of Erin Merryn)
Erin Merryn, a child sex abuse survivor who has become a national advocate, has successfully fought to enact Erin’s Law in states around the country. If signed, New Jersey would be the 36th state to enact Erin’s Law. Read Erin’s testimony here.
“Every child should understand how to recognize and report sexual abuse. Teaching kids not to talk to strangers isn’t enough when their abuser could be hiding in plain sight. 93 percent of kids know their attacker. They need age-appropriate safe-touch education to stay safe,” Senator Bucco said. “Erin and I have spent years trying to get this bill signed into law and we won’t stop until every child, in every New Jersey classroom, has access to this lifesaving information. We cannot allow anyone to suffer in silence for a moment longer.”
“None of this would have been possible without Senator Bucco and his staff, who always believed in Erin’s Law and understood how important it is to protect children. As a result, hopefully kids across New Jersey will soon be able to understand personal body safety, so they can use their voice if something horrible ever happens to them,” Erin Merryn said. “Now that the Senate has passed Erin’s Law, it is my hope that the Assembly will concur, and the Governor will sign our bill to help abused children right away. There is no time to waste.”
Gov. Signs Bucco’s School Security Bill
Expands Eligibility Requirements to Allow More Retired Law Enforcement Officers to Protect NJ Schools
Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) to expand the categories of those who are eligible to serve as Class Three officers, a special class of retired-in-good-standing law enforcement officers who provide security at New Jersey’s schools and county colleges.
Gov. Murphy has signed Sen. Anthony Bucco’s school security bill expanding the categories of those who are eligible to serve as Class Three officers, a special class of retired-in-good-standing law enforcement officers who provide security at New Jersey’s schools and county colleges. (Flickr)
Bucco was the sponsor of the 2016 law that created class three officers, vastly expanding opportunities for local municipalities to increase school security.
“There is nothing more important than keeping our children safe,” Senator Bucco said. “Over the past several years, we have worked on a bipartisan basis to find ways to protect every classroom in New Jersey, without overburdening taxpayers. Allowing retired law enforcement officers to guard our schools was a great step forward, but we need to do more. This expansion will ensure that our schools can choose from a larger pool of qualified candidates who have the training and experience to effectively meet our school security needs.”
Advanced: Pennacchio/Bucco Bill Dedicating Morris Plains Rail Station in Honor of Local Mayor & Freeholder
Legislation ceremoniously renames station: “Frank J. Druetzler Station – Morris Plains, New Jersey”
Legislation sponsored by Senators Joe Pennacchio and Anthony Bucco to pay tribute to former Morris Plains Mayor and Morris County Freeholder Frank Druetzler for his 38 years of laudable public service, by ceremoniously renaming a local rail station in his honor, has passed the Senate Transportation Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Sen. Anthony Bucco to ceremoniously designate the Morris Plains rail station as the “Frank J. Druetzler Station – Morris Plains, New Jersey” passed the Senate Transportation Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“I have had the pleasure of working with Frank for more than 20 years,” Pennacchio said. “Frank is a pillar of the community, and his numerous accomplishments in Morris Plains are a testament to his hard work. He always put people before politics. Renaming the train station in Frank’s honor is a fitting way to pay tribute to his legacy.”
Bucco Bills to Exempt Veterans from MVC Fees Advance
Two bills sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) to exempt prisoners of war, and veterans who have lost a limb or their vision in the line of duty, from certain motor vehicle and toll fees have passed the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Sen. Anthony Bucco ‘s bills to exempt POWs and veterans who have lost a limb or vision from certain MVC and toll fees have advanced. (Flickr)
More than 10 percent of New Jersey veterans have a service-connected disability rating, according to the 2014 US Census data.
“Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect and defend everything we as Americans hold dear,” Bucco said. “Former Prisoners of War and disabled vets served our country bravely – now it’s our turn to help them. Exempting these heroes from motor vehicle fees and Turnpike tolls is a small way to show our gratitude for their selfless service to our country.”
Senate Republicans Call on Gov. Murphy & Democrat Legislative Leaders to Pass Structural Reforms as Alternative to Tax Increases
Senate Republicans delivered a letter to Governor Phil Murphy and Democratic legislative leadership today calling for a commitment to passing structural reforms as an alternative to tax increases in the upcoming State Budget.
Senate Republicans delivered a letter to Gov. Murphy and Democratic legislative leadership calling for a commitment to passing structural reforms as an alternative to tax increases in the upcoming State Budget. (SenateNJ.com)
Included below is the text of the letter from Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Sen. Bob Singer, Sen. Anthony Bucco, and Sen. Steven Oroho was delivered to Gov. Phil Murphy, Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin.
Bucco Bill to Prevent Childhood Drug Abuse Passes Committee
Senator Anthony Bucco’s (R-25) legislation to establish a grant program that school districts would use to implement a substance abuse prevention program for eighth graders passed the Senate Education Committee.
Sen. Anthony Bucco’s legislation to establish a grant program that school districts would use to implement a substance abuse prevention program for eighth graders passed the Senate Education Committee. (Flickr)
“So many kids are now experimenting with drugs before they even reach high school,” said Bucco. “Juvenile substance abuse can easily turn into a full blown addiction, interfere with brain development, and lead kids with promising futures down a dangerous pathway to prison or worse – an early grave. Taking precautionary measures to prevent and protect kids from abusing drugs and alcohol will save lives.”
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Bucco Bill to Give Research Animals a New ‘Leash’ On Life Passes Senate
‘Home for Animals Heroes Act’ Creates Road to Adoption for Former Research Animals
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) that would give cats and dogs serving as research animals a chance to find their “forever home” has passed the New Jersey Senate. The bill would require the State’s higher education institutions to offer laboratory animals to rescue organizations for purposes of adoption.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Anthony Bucco (R-25) that would give cats and dogs serving as research animals a chance to find their “forever home” has passed the Senate. (©iStock)
“Every animal’s life is worth saving, yet dogs and cats who are used as research animals are often euthanized, instead of being given the chance to find a loving home,” Senator Bucco said. “Creating a road to adoption will ensure our furry friends get a new ‘leash’ on life.”
“The Humane Society of the United States thanks Senator Bucco for his leadership on this humane measure which offers animals who are suitable for adoption after being used in research, the opportunity to be placed in a loving home,” said Brian R. Hacett, the New Jersey State Director for the Humane Society of United States. “People who have adopted former research dogs and cats can attest to the resilience and affection of these animals once they are given the chance to flourish in a home environment.”
Bucco Bill Establishes Grace Period for Late Water & Sewer Bills
New Jersey residents who fall behind on their water and sewer bills would be given a 30-day grace period before interest begins to accrue, under legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco. The bill, S-2066, was today advanced by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
NJ residents who fall behind on water and sewer bills would be given a 30-day grace period before interest begins to accrue, under Sen. Anthony Bucco’s bill. (©iStock)
“When you’re already coping with the highest property taxes in the country, it can be pretty easy to fall behind on your utility bills,” Senator Anthony Bucco (R-26) said. “Giving consumers a 30-day break before interest starts piling up is a simple fix that will make it a lot easier for people to stay in their homes.”
Bucco Says New Minimum Wage Law Will Lead to Layoffs and Automation
Warns that Minimum Wage for Unemployed Workers Replaced by Robots or Kiosks is Zero
Senator Anthony Bucco said a law signed by Governor Phil Murphy today to raise the minimum wage in New Jersey from $8.85 to $15 per hour will force small business owners to make tough choices about staffing levels and the adoption of labor-replacing technologies.
Sen. Anthony Bucco said a law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy to raise the minimum wage from $8.85 to $15 per hour will force small business owners to make tough choices about staffing levels and the adoption of labor-replacing technologies like kiosks. (SenateNJ.com)
“As a small business owner, I understand how difficult it is to maintain employees’ jobs and benefits when we’re constantly faced with new taxes and expensive mandates from the State,” said Bucco (R-25). “I have no doubt that the huge costs being forced on employers by Governor Murphy and the Democratic legislature will lead to reduced hours for workers, layoffs, and the faster adoption of automation technologies that already are driving workforce reductions in many industries.”
