Holzapfel Legislation to Improve Safety of Children Near School Buses Passes Senate
Abigail’s Law Requires Sensors to Alert School Bus Drivers of Children in Blind Spots
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jim Holzapfel (R-10) to improve the safety of children near school buses was approved by the New Jersey Senate in a 38-0 vote. The measure requires that new school buses be equipped with sensors to alert the bus driver when children walk in front of or behind the school bus.
Sen. Jim Holzapfel’s legislation would improve the safety of children through the use of sensors to alert school bus drivers when children walk in front of or behind the bus. (©iStock)
The legislation, S-2011, is named “Abigail’s Law” in honor of Abigail Kuberiet, a toddler struck and killed by a school bus as it pulled away from a bus stop in South Plainfield in 2003. The bus driver didn’t see Abigail in front of the bus and didn’t know the accident had happened until contacted by radio after traveling several blocks.
“If a small child walks too closely in front of a large school bus, or stops to tie a shoe or pick up a dropped item while crossing, the bus driver may not be able to see them with tragic results,” said Holzapfel. “Safety sensor technology that could protect children’s lives is now available, affordable, and should be employed in school buses just as it is in many newer passenger cars.”
Singer Hospital Community Payment Bill Advances
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that would have nonprofit hospitals with for-profit facilities make payments to host municipalities to compensate for blanket tax exemptions on their property was approved by a Senate committee. S-3299, which is also sponsored by Senators Steve Sweeney and Joe Vitale, would update tax laws that date back to 1913, would have acute-care hospitals make payments to their home communities to offset the cost of local services.
Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation would have nonprofit hospitals with for-profit facilities make payments to host municipalities to compensate for property tax exemptions. (SenateNJ.com)
“This plan that was developed with the hospitals’ input is a fair way to compensate host municipalities for the services hospitals use,” said Senator Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean). “These hospitals provide critical services to our communities and are a significant economic engine in the areas they serve. We rely on their continued future success under this community payment plan.”
Pennacchio: Expansion of Gaming to Racetracks Benefits Taxpayers and Atlantic City
Senator Joe Pennacchio reiterated his call for legislative Democrats to join two of the state’s largest public sector unions in supporting legislation expanding slot machines to the state’s racetracks to support both the pension system and the revitalization of Atlantic City and its casinos.
Senator Pennacchio’s proposed constitutional amendment, SCR-191, would allow video slot wagering at New Jersey’s horse racing facilities. (Wikimedia Commons)
Senator Pennacchio sponsors SCR-191 to allow slot machines at New Jersey’s four horse racetracks. The proposal, which was endorsed by the Fireman’s Mutual Benevolent Association and the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association, dedicates revenue from the expanded gaming to support the state’s pension system, the revitalization of Atlantic City and its casinos and to the equine industry.
“SCR-191 presents the best opportunity to capitalize on expanded gaming in New Jersey for the benefit of taxpayers and Atlantic City itself,” said Pennacchio. “Expanding slot machines to the four racetracks will generate hundreds of millions of dollars to support the pension system and to revitalize Atlantic City without raising taxes or cutting services for families.”
Singer & Sweeney Bill to Protect Developmentally Disabled From Dangerous Acts Goes to Governor
Legislation authored by Senator Robert Singer and Senate President Steve Sweeney that would upgrade current law to better protect those with developmental disabilities from being victimized by the acts of others that are dangerous and potentially deadly gained Assembly approval. The measure was approved with a vote of 65-1. Previously approved by the Senate, it now goes to the governor.
Legislation by Sen. Robert Singer and Senate President Steve Sweeney to better protect those with developmental disabilities was prompted by an incident that resulted in the near drowning of Parker Drake, a 19-year-old autistic man with diabetes. (Christine Marshall)
The bill, S-2940/A-4531, would better define reckless endangerment laws and increase punishment and penalties for putting others at risk, with the strongest penalties for those whose victims have cognitive impairments.
“Bullying or taking advantage of anyone, especially those who are less able to protect themselves, is not only wrong but can have life threatening consequences,” said Singer. “This legislation will make certain anyone who commits this type of troubling act is held responsible. I thank my colleagues for taking a stand to increase protections for those with disabilities and to make it clear this type of behavior won’t be tolerated in New Jersey.”
Senate Passes Oroho Bill to Ease Process of Transferring Estates
The Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho streamlining the process and reducing the financial burden of transferring the assets of modest estates to a surviving family member or partner.
Sen.Steven Oroho’s legislation streamlines the process and reduces the financial burden of transferring the assets of modest estates to a surviving family member or partner. (©iStock)
Under Senator Oroho’s S-2251 assets from an intestate estate, an estate where there is no will, valued up to $50,000 – as opposed to $20,000 under current law – could be transferred to a surviving spouse or partner without having to go through the process of administration.
“I have heard from the Sussex County Surrogate how burdensome it can be for families and counties to settle even modest estates when there is no will,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “Raising the threshold for when administration is required will ease what is often a costly and lengthy process for families already undergoing a very difficult time. Streamlining this process will also save time and resources at the county level.”
Oroho Legislation Fulfilling State’s BEIP Obligations to Businesses Passes Senate
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho to allow businesses that were due to receive grants under the state’s Business Employment Incentive Program to now receive an equal tax credit in value cleared the Senate with broad bipartisan support.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation would allow businesses that were due to receive BEIP grants to instead receive a tax credit of equal value. (©iStock)
“It’s important the state stand true to its word and fulfill its commitment to businesses that signed deals with the state under BEIP to move to New Jersey or expand operations here,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “Fulfilling the state’s obligations through the use of tax credits will allow these businesses to continue to hire more workers and spur economic growth in communities across New Jersey.”
Oroho Legislation Aiding Service Members Return to NJ Advanced
The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho establishing a task force to identify and address issues facing service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation establishes a task force to identify and address issues facing service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan. (Flickr)
“As many as 44 percent of veterans returning from wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have reported having trouble returning to civilian life,” said Oroho. “From PTSD, to dealing with other injuries or medical conditions to finding employment to simply relating to everyday life and family relations these men and women face an array of formidable and long-lasting challenges and demand a strong network of supports.
Committee Adopts Oroho Legislation Fulfilling State’s BEIP Obligations to Businesses
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho (R-24) to allow businesses that were due to receive grants under the state’s Business Employment Incentive Program to now receive an equal tax credit in value was advanced by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation would allow businesses that were due to receive BEIP grants to instead receive a tax credit of equal value. (SenateNJ.com)
“Many businesses that signed deals with the state under BEIP to move to New Jersey or expand operations here have never received the full amount of incentives the State committed to provide in order to stimulate job growth,” said Oroho. “It’s critical for the continued operation of these businesses and the reputation of the state’s economic incentive programs that these obligations be fulfilled. As in any transaction, you’re only as good as your word.”
Connors, Rumpf & Gove on State Investigation of Towns for Violating State Property Tax Laws
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove of the 9th Legislative District remarked on the New Jersey Department of Treasury’s announcement that it will be conducting an investigation into municipalities which have been found to be “dramatically out of compliance” with required property tax assessments:
Connors, Rumpf and Gove respond to investigations of New Jersey towns that are ‘dramatically out of compliance’ with required property tax assessments. (SenateNJ.com)
“For decades, three municipalities in our state have been playing by their own set of rules by refusing to perform property reassessments while the rest of us have been required to pay their property taxes based on the current value of their homes.
“Property assessments and revaluations are politically unpopular and dreaded by both taxpayers and local officials. Neither wants to see property tax increases for homeowners. Moreover, the costs of performing the assessments can be expensive and the process arduous. Municipalities in our legislative district such as Little Egg Harbor, Lacey, Barnegat and Galloway have all gone through this difficult process over the last several years.
Singer Introduces Hospital Community Payment Legislation
Senator Robert Singer introduced bipartisan legislation that would have nonprofit hospitals with for-profit facilities make payments to host municipalities to compensate for blanket tax exemptions on their property. The bill is also sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Joseph Vitale.
Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation would have nonprofit hospitals with for-profit facilities make payments to host municipalities to compensate for property tax exemptions. (SenateNJ.com)
The bill, which would update tax laws that date back to 1913, would have acute-care hospitals make payments to their home communities to offset the cost of local services.
“These hospitals are an important part of the communities they serve, providing medical care, creating jobs and contributing to their local economies,” said Senator Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean). “We recognize and appreciate their value. These payments will help compensate for the services the hospitals receive from the municipalities, including law enforcement and firefighters. The hospitals have worked with us in a cooperative way to craft this legislation.”
