Pennacchio Applauds Advancement of Greenwood Lake Funding
Senator Joe Pennacchio commended the Assembly Appropriations Committee for approving legislation that will preserve and protect Greenwood Lake.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio commended the Assembly Appropriations Committee for approving legislation that will preserve and protect Greenwood Lake. (GoogleMaps)
“Following the very trying summer for Greenwood Lake residents and businesses, the advancement of this State funding is a sign of hope,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “While the algae bloom had a devastating effect on the local economy, the approval of this legislation is the heartening step that recognizes that the State of New Jersey must prioritize funding to safeguard one of Passaic County’s most popular and scenic waterways, rather than let the expense fall on the backs of the local residents and business owners.”
Panel Clears Bucco Bill Absolving Businesses from Costly Fines for Minor Mistakes
Small businesses in New Jersey would be spared costly fines for innocuous paperwork filing errors under legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco and advanced today by the Senate Commerce Committee.
Sen. Bucco’s legislation would suspend fines for paperwork filing violations by small businesses. (©iStock)
Bucco’s bill (S2347) provides forgiveness of penalties for first-time filing violations by small companies, including administrative or civil fines from State agencies or regulatory authorities.
“Red tape and cumbersome regulation make it difficult to run a business in New Jersey,” said Bucco (R-25). “If a business makes an honest mistake with paperwork, there’s no need to drop a heavy fine on them. The State shouldn’t burden them for petty oversights.”
Under the measure, fines would be retained for violations that harm or jeopardize the public, interfere with the collection of a tax, debt or revenue, or impede the investigation of criminal activity.
“More than 1.7 million state residents are employed by small businesses that are struggling to survive in a state notorious for its difficult business environment,” noted Bucco. “This is an opportunity to cut the little guy a break.”
Oroho Bill Establishing Special License Plates for Veterans Cleared by Committee
Honorably discharged veterans will be eligible for special license plates under a bill sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho and approved today by the Senate Transportation Committee.
Sen. Oroho sponsors a bill authorizing special license plates for honorably discharged veterans.
The bipartisan measure (S730) authorizes plates identifying the registrant as a veteran and including the insignia of the appropriate branch of the military.
“Our veterans are rightfully proud of their service to the country, and commemorative plates will allow them to display their affiliation and continued patriotism,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “This legislation is a fitting tribute to the men and women who selflessly defended our liberty.”
Surviving spouses of deceased veterans would be permitted to retain the special plates under Oroho’s bill.
The Assembly version of the legislation, A-133, is co-sponsored by Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths (both R-Sussex, Warren, Morris).
Singer Bill Urging Federal CBD Daily Dose Guidelines Passes Committee
Senator Bob Singer’s legislation urging the federal government to establish a safe daily level of CBD consumption advanced in the Senate Health Committee.
Sen. Bob Singer’s legislation urging the federal government to establish a safe daily level of CBD consumption advanced. (SenateNJ.com)
“Cannabinol is being touted as a wonder supplement that can help alleviate insomnia, chronic pain, anxiety, and even seizures,” said Singer (R-30). “That being said, how much CBD oil is too much? I urge the President and U.S. Congress to create clear guidelines for the safety and well-being of residents in New Jersey and across the country.”
Bucco Bill Helping Widows with Name Change Advances
Senator Anthony M. Bucco’s bill to make it easier for widows to change back to their maiden name on their driver’s license cleared the Senate Transportation Committee today.
Sen. Bucco’s bill would allow spouses to provide the Motor Vehicle Commission with a marriage certificate and death certificate as proof to change back to their maiden name on their driver’s license.
The legislation (S3421) would allow spouses to provide the Motor Vehicle Commission with a marriage certificate and death certificate as proof for the name change.
“After the loss of a spouse, grieving widows shouldn’t have to go to court just to change the name on their driver’s license,” said Bucco (R-25). “They have enough to worry about dealing with paperwork, legalities and financial issues associated with their loved one’s estate. This is a common sense correction to what is an unnecessarily complex process.”
Currently, the only documents accepted by MVC for name changes are marriage license and divorce decrees.
To be eligible under the bill, license holders must have a clean criminal record with no charges pending, and they cannot be avoiding prosecution or creditors.
Bucco also sponsors the identical bill in the Assembly (A1389). It was approved unanimously earlier this session.
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Wolfe Blast Effort by Democrats to Let Convicted Criminals Vote
Senator Jim Holzapfel, Assemblyman Greg McGuckin, and Assemblyman Dave Wolfe (all R-Ocean) blasted a Democratic legislative proposal that would allow convicted criminals who are on parole or probation to vote in elections.
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Wolfe blasted a Democratic legislative proposal that would allow convicted criminals who are on parole or probation to vote in elections, saying it eventually will lead to prisoners voting in jail. (SenateNJ.com)
“By removing one of the important penalties associated with criminal convictions, Democrats would eliminate a significant deterrent to committing crime that could negatively impact public safety,” said Holzapfel, a former Ocean County Prosecutor. “People who have shown criminal disregard for our laws should not have a role in electing the people who write them.”
Thompson Bill Lifting Anonymity of Residential Landlords Advances
Says Shell Companies Often Unreachable When Problems Arise
Legislation sponsored by Senator Sam Thompson that would lift the veil of anonymity from limited liability companies owning residential property passed the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee today.
Sen. Thompson’s bill to require LLCs recording deeds for residential properties to identify all individual owners was approved by committee. (©iStock)
The bill (S241) would require LLCs to disclose the names and business addresses of all members, managers and authorized agents of the company when recording deeds for homes with as many as four dwelling units.
“Shell corporations are coming into neighborhoods. If there are any problems, people can’t find anybody to talk to get issues resolved,” said Thompson (R-12). “It’s frustrating when neighbors don’t know who to turn to for help. Making the names of responsible parties available eliminates the obstacle.”
The legislation would also help municipalities that sometimes struggle with shell corporations in enforcing local codes.
Any LLC recording a deed would be required under the bill to provide an affidavit identifying all responsible individuals. If a business entity is part of the LLC, the bill calls for disclosure of the people with ultimate ownership of the business.
Bateman Legislation Requiring Schools to Create a Seizure Action Plan Passes Committee
“Paul’s Law” Named for NJ Eighth Grader with Epilepsy
A bill sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman that would let a parent of a child with epilepsy request seizure disorder training for school personnel has passed the Senate Health Committee.
Sen. Kip Bateman’s bill that would let a parent of a child with epilepsy request seizure disorder training for school personnel has advanced. (©iStock)
The legislation, dubbed “Paul’s Law,” is dedicated to Paul St. Pierre, an eighth grader from New Jersey who was diagnosed with epilepsy in February. He is a passionate advocate for the training of school professionals to promote seizure-safe schools.
“Seizures can occur anytime, anywhere, and often without warning,” said Bateman (R-16). “If you’re the parent of a child with epilepsy, you want to be assured that their teachers, nurses, and school bus drivers are properly trained and can care for your child until advanced medical help arrives. Creating an individual seizure action plan for students with epilepsy will help schools across New Jersey become ‘seizure smart’ and save lives.”
Panel Clears Corrado Resolution Combatting NUT Carcinoma
A resolution sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado to increase awareness about NUT carcinoma, an aggressive cancer usually diagnosed in young victims, was approved today by the Senate Health Committee.
Senator Corrado’s bill to designate January as NUT Carcinoma Awareness Month was approved today by the Senate Health Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
The resolution (SJR70) designates every January as NUT Carcinoma Awareness Month and honors the inspiring life of Benjamin Landel, a Ramapo High School sports star who was 17 when he was diagnosed with the disease.
“This courageous young man was from my district, and the way he lived before and after his diagnosis was inspirational to so many people,” said Corrado (R-40). “Even as he fought the cancer, he helped and energized so many other patients with his outgoing personality and selflessness. Through this legislation, his spirit will continue to support young people dealing with pediatric cancer and their families.”
NUT carcinoma is a rare genetic cancer predominantly found in boys. It can form anywhere in the body, but often affects the head, neck, and thoracic cavity. The average survival rate is six to nine months.
“We want people to be aware of this form of cancer and the new treatment regimens that are improving survival rates,” Corrado said. “Better outcomes are more likely when NUT carcinoma is diagnosed early.”
Singer Bill Banning Sale of Menthol Cigarettes Passes Health Committee
Senator Robert Singer’s legislation to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes in New Jersey has passed the Senate Health Committee.
Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes has passed the Senate Health Committee. (Flickr)
“Smoking is the number one preventable killer in the United States,” said Singer (R-30). “While vaping is the latest public health crisis, menthol cigarettes have been causing cancer, respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, emphysema, and birth defects for decades. For many people, flavored cigarettes are easier to start smoking and tougher to quit. Restricting the sale of menthols will save lives.”
