Holzapfel/Bucco Bill Aiding Nonprofit Service Providers Clears Panel
Measure Would Help Cut Costs for Organizations like Meals on Wheels
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jim Holzapfel and Senator Anthony M. Bucco that would help nonprofit organizations providing nutrition and other services for residents cleared the Senate Transportation Committee today.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jim Holzapfel and Senator Anthony M. Bucco that would help nonprofit organizations providing nutrition and other services for residents was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“The benefits afforded by Meals on Wheels and other mobile providers are invaluable to residents across the state,” said Holzapfel (R-10). “Our support of these beneficial nonprofits will help yield more and better services for those who need assistance. This is a step toward a stronger New Jersey.”
Bucco/O’Scanlon Bill Protecting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Advances
Allows Voluntary Designation on Drivers’ License Indicating ASD or Communication Disability
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco and Senator Declan O’Scanlon that would allow individuals diagnosed with a communication disability or an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to indicate the status on their driver’s license or identification card was approved today by the Senate Transportation Committee.
Senator Anthony M. Bucco and Senator Declan O’Scanlon sponsor legislation that would help law enforcement and first responders interact with an individual with a communication disability or an autism spectrum disorder. (Flickr)
The bill will help law enforcement and first responders interact with those with conditions that can make them difficult to understand or appear to be uncooperative.
Bucco Legislation Making it Easier for Restaurants to Use Heaters and Tents During Pandemic Clears Committee
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco that would establish statewide standards for the use of heaters and tents by restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic was advanced by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tony Bucco that would establish statewide standards for the use of heaters and tents by restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic was approved by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“Throughout this pandemic, restaurant owners have been frustrated with the ever-changing COVID protocols, particularly with those concerning outdoor dining in tents—which even seemed to vary by county or municipality,” said Bucco (R-25). “My legislation will establish statewide standards that will make it much easier, and far less complex, for our small business owners to facilitate outdoor dining.”
Bucco Introduces Bill to End Repeated MVC Agency Closures
Senator Anthony M. Bucco has introduced legislation to end the repeated Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) agency closures that have caused unnecessary disruption and inconvenience to New Jersey drivers.
A screenshot of the NJMVC website taken on April 26, 2021 showing seven agency closures due to COVID-19. New legislation by Sen. Tony Bucco would require agencies to remain open or offer reasonable alternatives on site, including mobile units. (NJMVC)
“Every day we hear of another MVC agency that’s closing for two weeks because a single worker has COVID,” said Bucco (R-25). “Nobody else operates like that. Your grocery store doesn’t close for days or weeks every time a cashier tests positive. They sanitize, test, and get back to work safely without missing a beat. There simply is no good excuse for the repeated disruption of service at our MVC agencies.”
Under current operating procedures, an MVC agency closes for up to 14 days when a single employee has COVID-19.
Bucco Legislation that Will Help Prevent Overdose Deaths Signed into Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco that would help save lives from opioid overdose was signed into law today by Governor Murphy.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tony Bucco that would help save lives from opioid overdose was signed into law today by Gov. Murphy. (Adapt Pharma)
“I am pleased that this legislation was signed today. The opioid crisis continues to claim lives and tear families apart at a mind-numbing rate,” said Bucco (R-25). “Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the nation, and the pandemic has only increased the problem in the Garden State.”
Bucco/Dunn Bill Helping Small Towns Hire Emergency Management Coordinators Becomes Law
Measure Waives Residency Requirement for Some Municipalities
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn helping ensure small municipalities are well-prepared to cope with local emergencies was signed into law today.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Anthony M. Bucco and Asw. Aura Dunn helping ensure small municipalities are well-prepared to cope with local emergencies was signed into law. (Flickr)
The new law, S-551/A-1057, makes it easier for towns with less than 5,000 residents to hire emergency management coordinators who play crucial roles in preparing for and reacting to local disasters and crises.
Bucco: Murphy Should Eliminate Outdoor Gathering Restrictions in Advance of Graduations
Senator Anthony M. Bucco called on Governor Phil Murphy to eliminate inconsistent outdoor gathering restrictions in advance of upcoming high school and college graduations.
Sen. Tony Bucco called on Gov. Phil Murphy to eliminate inconsistent outdoor gathering restrictions in advance of upcoming high school and college graduations. (©iStock)
“It makes no sense that many outdoor events continue to be limited to 200 people while a few select others have no limits at all,” said Bucco (R-25). “If Governor Murphy thinks the science supports not having gathering limits for weddings or funerals, the same science should apply to all types of outdoor events, including graduations. The coronavirus doesn’t know the difference.”
Bucco Calls on Governor Murphy to Reopen Congregate Day Programs
Senator Anthony M. Bucco sent Governor Phil Murphy a letter (click here for PDF) calling on the Governor to reopen congregate day programs funded by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
Sen. Tony Bucco sent Gov. Phil Murphy a letter calling on the Governor to reopen congregate day programs funded by the Division of Developmental Disabilities. (SenateNJ.com)
“Congregate day programs provide critical services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, due to Governor Murphy’s inconsistent COVID-19 policies, these facilities have been unable to reopen. This is in direct contrast to other neighboring states, such as New York, where adult day care facilities remain open,” said Bucco (R-25). “Over the last several days, I have met with countless parents who are worried that their adult children with disabilities are being left behind by the Murphy Administration. This is unacceptable. I urge the Governor to reopen these facilities immediately so that individuals who need these programs can receive the support they deserve.”
Bucco & O’Scanlon: Bill Headed to Governor’s Desk is a Band-Aid that Fails to Address More Serious Problems with New Marijuana Laws
If juveniles are caught with marijuana or alcohol, parents would be notified in writing by the police under A-5472/S-3565, a bipartisan bill approved by the Senate today and destined for the Governor’s desk for consideration. The measure would remedy a portion of the statute preventing law enforcement officers from informing parents when a minor child is caught unlawfully using or possessing alcohol or a marijuana product, allowing parents to be notified in writing upon the first violation and each subsequent violation.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco and Sen. Declan O’Scanlon said legislation restoring parental notifications for a child’s marijuana violations fails to address complications in cannabis laws which could brand law enforcement officers as criminals for minor procedural gaffes committed during interactions with minors. (Pixabay)
While Republican sponsors of the legislation, Senator Anthony M. Bucco and Senator Declan O’Scanlon support the change, they say it fails to address impractical complications in the laws which could brand law enforcement officers as criminals for minor procedural gaffes committed during interactions with minors.
Bucco Bill Designating May 27 of Each Year as ‘Richard Rescorla Day’ Clears Senate
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco that would designate May 27 of each year as “Richard Rescorla Day” was approved by the New Jersey Senate.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tony Bucco that would designate May 27 of each year as “Richard Rescorla Day” was approved by the New Jersey Senate. (SenateNJ.com)
“On September 11, 2001, Richard Rescorla made the ultimate sacrifice while leading a massive evacuation of 2,700 individuals from the World Trade Center’s South Tower,” said Bucco (R-25). “By designating May 27 as ‘Richard Rescorla Day,’ we will help bring awareness to this courageous individual, and honor him for his service and sacrifice on one of our nation’s darkest days.”
