Governor Signs Bucco Measure Bolstering Historic Washington Association
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco expanding the board of the Washington Association of New Jersey (“WANJ”) has been signed into law.
Legislation by Sen. Anthony M. Bucco’s to strengthen the historic Washington Association of New Jersey by expanding its board to 18 members has been signed into law. (SenateNJ.com)
The bill (A4370/S2919) allows the board of the association, chartered in 1874, to expand to 18 members.
“The association plays a crucial role in preserving the legacy of George Washington and New Jersey’s significant contributions in the Revolutionary War,” said Bucco (R-25). “The future of WANJ and its treasured historic sites depends on dedicated volunteers. The addition of new leadership voices to the existing core of committed members will bring new ideas and renewed energy to the ambitious mission.”
NOW LAW: Kean/Corrado Initiative to Detect Fentanyl in Illegal Drugs
Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senator Kristin Corrado that would establish a program to detect potentially deadly fentanyl in the illegal drug supply has been signed into law.
Sens. Tom Kean and Sen. Kristin Corrado’s legislation that would establish a program to detect fentanyl in the illegal drug supply has been signed into law. (©iStock)
“The severity of the state’s heart-breaking drug epidemic demands action,” said Kean (R-24). “This program will save lives by providing first responders with insight into where fentanyl is most rampant and which neighborhoods and towns face the greatest threat. The testing could help police track the sources of the deadly drugs and get them off the streets.”
“People are dying on the streets because they are not aware fentanyl is in the drugs they are abusing,” said Corrado (R-40). “Fentanyl is a killer. Fatal opioid overdoses in the State are 50 percent higher than the national average, and the prevalence of fentanyl is largely responsible. The data we learn from this program will help save lives.”
Kean Bill to Lower Prescription Costs Signed Into Law
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation to limit out-of-pocket prescription costs has been signed into law.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation to limit out-of-pocket prescription costs has been signed into law. (Wikimedia Commons)
“The treatment costs for patients battling cancer and other chronic diseases adds up, often placing a heavy financial burden on families and loved ones,” said Kean (R-21). “Lifesaving prescriptions can cost thousands of dollars a month or more. Many other states have succeeded in limiting exorbitant fees for critical prescriptions. This new law will make prescription co-payments more affordable, helping patients avoid financial distress during an already turbulent time.”
NOW LAW: Singer/Kean Bills Updating Code Blue to Better Protect NJ’s Homeless
A pair of bills sponsored by Senator Robert Singer and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean expanding Code Blue protections to better protect the homeless during winter weather events has been signed into law.
A pair of bills sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer and Sen. Tom Kean expanding Code Blue protections to better protect the homeless during winter weather events has been signed into law. (©iStock)
“When the temperature is predicted to drop below freezing, it’s time to get inside,” Singer (R-30) said. “No one, especially New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents, should be left out in the cold. I cannot imagine the horror someone feels when it’s freezing and you have nowhere to go. Our common-sense updates to strengthen Code Blue protections will save lives.”
The package of bills sponsored by Kean and Singer, S-3422 and S-3511, strengthens the Code Blue program to better protect New Jersey’s homeless and nearly homeless residents.
Kean/Testa Bill Legalizing Liquor Sales at Local Theaters Signed
Legislation Supports the Arts and Non-Profits
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senator Michael Testa’s legislation to boost support for the arts through allowing alcohol sales at small, non-profit theaters has been signed into law.
Sens. Tom Kean and Michael Testa’s legislation to boost support for the arts through allowing alcohol sales at small, non-profit theaters has been signed into law. (Pixabay)
“This law will encourage more New Jerseyans to go their local theater where they can grab a drink, sit back, and enjoy the show,” said Kean (R-21). “Giving small theaters the opportunity to serve alcohol opens an untapped revenue stream to support plays and performances. This will increase foot traffic and ticket sales, and bolster non-profit theater’s bottom lines across the Garden State.”
“Local theaters give back to our communities in numerous ways,” said Testa (R-1). “This new law will help many local theaters in South Jersey continue to grow and succeed.”
NOW LAW: Corrado Measure Streamlines Process to Obtain a Veteran ID
Legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado to standardize the process for veterans applying for an identification card has been signed into law.
Sen. Kristin Corrado’s legislation to standardize the process for veterans applying for an identification card has been signed into law. (Wikimedia Commons)
“Our nation’s survival is dependent on the heroism of our patriotic women and men,” said Corrado (R-40). “Veterans in good standing deserve to reap the benefits of their distinguished service. Simplifying the process to access a veteran ID card will make a difference in the lives of former military members.”
SIGNED INTO LAW: Kean Bill Requiring Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Says Early Detection Leads to Prompt Treatment
Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean ensuring that newborns with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can receive treatment as soon as possible has been signed into law.
Sen. Tom Kean’s legislation to require the screening of newborns for spinal muscular atrophy has been signed into law. (©iStock)
“SMA is the leading genetic cause of death in infants and toddlers in the United States,” said Kean (R-21). “Treatment administered without delay will improve the quality of life for infants with SMA, leading to better outcomes with potentially life-saving results. Screening for spinal muscular atrophy at birth will save the lives of New Jersey’s newborns.”
NOW LAW: Bucco Bill Naming The Seeing Eye® Dog as State Dog of NJ
Bill Honors Service Animals Trained by New Jersey Non-Profit
Senator Anthony M. Bucco’s legislation to designate the Seeing Eye® dog as the official State Dog of New Jersey has been signed into law.
The late Sen. Anthony R. Bucco holding a Seeing Eye® dog. (SenateNJ.com)
“Since 1929, Seeing Eye dogs have been trained to enhance the ability of people who are blind, helping them to live more independently,” said Bucco (R-25). “The signing of this legislation will help our great state pay tribute to these intelligent canines and better inform the public about the wonderful work these dogs do on a daily basis for people who are blind and visually impaired.”
Now Law: Oroho Initiative to Help Prevent Law Enforcement Suicide
Senator Steven Oroho’s legislation to help prevent suicides by members of the law enforcement community was signed into law.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation to help prevent law enforcement suicide has been signed into law. (Flickr)
“New Jersey’s brave law enforcement community repeatedly rushes towards danger as others flee,” said Oroho (R-24). “Continuously being exposed to stressful situations takes a mental toll, which can sometimes seem too great to bear. Empowering our police officers and corrections officers with resiliency tools and training will help our local heroes when they need it most.”
Pennacchio Named “Advocacy Champion” by NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking
Senator Joe Pennacchio was honored as a 2020 Advocacy Champion by the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking (NJCAHT).
Formed in 2011, the NJCAHT is a non-profit comprised of 180 unique groups, including faith-based organizations, government agencies, academics, and law enforcement, who stand united against human trafficking.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio was honored as an Advocacy Champion by the NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking. (SenateNJ.com)
“Human trafficking is modern day slavery, and it’s happening today, right here in New Jersey,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “By staying alert and informed of red flags, we can help those who are trapped and prevent innocent people from falling victim to this heinous crime. Working together on a bipartisan basis, the New Jersey Legislature can help end this exploitation and provide survivors the support they need.”
