TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Nicholas Sacco (D-Hudson, Bergen) establishing a Bill of Rights for Customers of Certain Autobuses…
Nicholas J. Sacco
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Nicholas J. Sacco and Nicholas P. Scutari that would set forth specific guidelines to be followed by law enforcement agencies when employing unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as drones, for surveillance purposes was approved today by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
“Over the past several years, the drone industry has grown rapidly and is expected to double in the next decade. Before that happens, we need to institute strict safeguards to protect the privacy of all New Jersey residents,” said Sacco, D-Hudson/Bergen. “Although drones offer a great solution to overcome cost and manpower shortages, this technology cannot be used without limitations. The safety of our residents must always come first.”
TRENTON – In an effort to assist criminal investigations and deter and detect recidivist acts, Senators Nicholas J. Sacco and Paul Sarlo sponsored legislation that would add disorderly person’s offenses to the list of criminal conduct that, upon conviction, requires biological sampling for the DNA database. The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today approved the legislation.
“DNA testing provides a valuable tool for investigating unsolved crimes and ultimately removing serious offenders from our streets,” said Senator Sacco, D-Hudson and Bergen. “We have a responsibility to act preemptively and collect DNA samples before the individual commits another offense or becomes a fugitive. For the safety of all New Jersey residents, this legislation is the right thing to do.”
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate Law and Public Safety Chairman Donald Norcross and Senator Nicholas Sacco to create the crime of cyber-harassment, which would close a loophole in state law that prevents the criminal prosecution of online harassment of minors by their peers and by adults, was approved today by the committee.
“We have seen cases of cyber-harassment that have ended in devastating tragedies. We need to make sure that attacks against children on the Internet are treated with the seriousness that the issue demands,” said Senator Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester). “The penalties created under this measure will send a message to kids that online harassment is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. At the same time, it will ensure that adults who engage in online bullying of children will face serious prison time for their actions.”
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Nicholas J. Sacco and Sandra Bolden Cunningham that would extend eligibility to public access walkways for consideration on the shore protection project priority list and for funding from the Shore Protection Fund, was approved today by the full Senate.
“Under normal circumstances, property owners along the Hudson River accept the financial responsibility of building and maintaining public access walkways. But since Hurricane Sandy, the cost of repairs has been prohibitive, and it is no longer fair to ask condo owners and private entities to bear the entire burden of restoring walkways that have been virtually destroyed,” said Senator Sacco, D-Hudson and Bergen. “Considering the magnitude of recent storm damage, this bill is a reasonable measure that will provide an opportunity for homeowners in these areas to apply for much-needed assistance.”
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Nicholas J. Sacco that would allow residential and commercial development – including hotels, motels, and mixed use properties – on existing piers over large rivers located in urban municipalities was approved today by the full Senate.
“Coastal communities in New Jersey, including those along the Jersey shore and the Hudson River, have been hit with devastating economic losses following Hurricane Sandy,” said Senator Sacco, D-Hudson and Bergen. “Blocking the development of new residential and commercial property in these areas would cause great harm to local businesses, and hinder the vast recovery efforts that we have seen so far. By allowing new developments to proceed on existing piers, this measure will bring a significant boost to coastal areas and help spur the creation of new jobs and businesses.”
Watch Senator Nick Sacco (D-Hudson & Bergen) discuss legislation to help restore storm ravaged walkways along Hudson River. The bill…
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Nicholas J. Sacco and Sandra Bolden Cunningham that would extend eligibility to public access walkways for consideration on the shore protection project priority list and for funding from the Shore Protection Fund, was unanimously approved yesterday by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
“Without the help that this bill could offer the entire Hudson River Walkway program, which we have been collectively working toward for so many years, our region is in serious jeopardy. Condo owners and private entities that are responsible for maintaining waterfront walkways must be given the assistance they need to so that this precious public resource continues to be available to everyone,” said Senator Sacco, D-Hudson and Bergen.
TRENTON – Senator Nicholas J. Sacco, D-Hudson and Bergen, introduced legislation on Monday that would set forth specific guidelines to be followed by law enforcement agencies when employing unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as drones, for surveillance purposes.
“Recent federal legislation has paved the way for the commercial use of drones here in the United States,” said Sacco, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. “While this technology has many useful applications, it is important that we have stringent guidelines in place to ensure the safety and privacy of our residents.”
TRENTON – Senator Nicholas J. Sacco, the Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, will formally introduce legislation tomorrow which would require public utility companies and the State Department of Transportation (DOT) to work collaboratively to develop a plan to relocate utility equipment and facilities to accommodate a road construction project. The bill would hold public utilities liable if they fail to meet the construction schedule laid out for equipment relocation, causing cost-overruns in the transportation improvement project.
“Whenever a public agency engages in a transportation infrastructure project, there are significant costs associated with the relocation of utility facilities and equipment,” said Senator Sacco, D-Hudson and Bergen. “While I think it’s appropriate that the cost of relocating that equipment is borne by the agency completing the road project, the utility company should be held responsible if the project is delayed as a result of its failure to provide support in a timely manner, causing cost overruns in the construction budget. This bill creates some fairness when public utility infrastructure has to be moved on account of a road construction project, and it creates a mechanism to save taxpayer and transportation dollars should the project costs increase as a result of the utility’s failure to act quickly.”