Senate Passes Holzapfel Bill to Prevent Children’s Access to Loaded Firearms
Senator Jim Holzapfel’s (R-10) legislation to increase penalties for leaving a loaded firearm within easy access of a minor resulting in injury or death was approved by the New Jersey Senate in a 32-0 vote.
Sen. Jim Holzapfel’s legislation increases penalties for leaving a loaded firearm within easy access of a minor resulting in injury or death. (©iStock)
This bill was prompted by the tragic death of 6-year-old Brandon Holt, who was shot and killed by a 4-year-old friend with a gun that was left unsecured and accessible to the children in the house.
“As a former prosecutor, gun owner and supporter of the Second Amendment, I find it unconscionable that some gun owners could be so irresponsible,” said Holzapfel. “This legislation balances the rights of responsible gun owners with the public interest of reducing preventable deaths from planned and accidental shootings by children.”
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Wolfe Combat Rise in Fentanyl Deaths, Upping Penalties for Manufacturing, Dealing the Opioid
Senator Jim Holzapfel (R-Ocean) has introduced legislation to increase criminal penalties for unlawfully manufacturing, distributing or dispensing fentanyl – a prescription opioid found to be up to 50 times more powerful than heroin. The lifesaving measure has received support in the Assembly, with fellow District 10 legislators Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and Dave Wolfe sponsoring the Assembly version of the bill.
Holzapfel, McGuckin and Wolfe’s legislation increasea criminal penalties for unlawfully manufacturing, distributing or dispensing fentanyl – a prescription opioid found to be up to 50 times more powerful than heroin. (Wikimedia Commons)
“The evidence is undeniable – fentanyl is so dangerously potent that even one use can be an instant death sentence,” Holzapfel, a former Ocean County Prosecutor, said. “As we continue to wage war against this crisis, we must ensure that those who unlawfully place this deadly drug in the hands of our loved ones and neighbors face the same criminal penalties as those who manufacture or dispense heroin.”
Christie Signs Holzapfel Bill to Protect Kids from Being Hit by School Buses
Abigail’s Law Requires Sensors to Alert School Bus Drivers of Children in Blind Spots
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jim Holzapfel (R-10) to protect children from being hit by school buses was signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie. The law 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 to protect children from being hit by school buses was signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie. (SenateNJ.com)
The bill, S-2011 of the 2014/2015 legislation session, 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.”
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.”
Holzapfel: Time to Crack Down on Drivers Who Speed Past School Buses
The following editorial by Senator James W. Holzapfel on legislation he sponsors to establish a pilot program for municipalities and school districts to use video monitoring systems to help enforce laws against illegally passing a school bus was published on NJ.com on Nov. 28, 2015:
Sen. Jim Holzapfel’s legislation would establish a pilot program allowing the use of video monitoring systems to help enforce laws against illegally passing a school bus. (SenateNJ.com)
Parents across the nation share one simple expectation: Children boarding and exiting a school bus should never be in harm’s way. Shockingly, an estimated 14 million drivers illegally pass stopped school buses each year nationwide, even when school bus stop arms are extended.
Unlawfully passing a school bus is a serious crime in New Jersey. Callous and reckless drivers who choose to break this law must be held accountable for their actions.
Senate Passes Holzapfel-Wolfe-McGuckin “Betsy’s Law” Bill to Protect Boarded Animals
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Dave Wolfe and Greg McGuckin, all R-Ocean, to protect pet owners and their boarded animals was approved by the New Jersey Senate. The bill now heads to Gov. Christie for his consideration.
Betsy’s Law was drafted after the death of a Rottweiler, Betsy, who suffocated in her cage after being left unsupervised overnight at an animal hospital following a minor procedure. (Facebook)
“Betsy’s Law” was drafted in response to the death of a dog following a minor veterinary procedure. Betsy was boarded overnight and hanged herself in her crate as a result of a lack of animal supervision.
Holzapfel-Wolfe-McGuckin Bill Protects Homeowners from Utility Infrastructure Replacement Costs Following Natural Disasters
To protect residents from being billed directly for utility infrastructure replacement costs when their homes or property are damaged by a natural disaster, Sen. Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Dave Wolfe and Greg McGuckin have introduced legislation (S-3064) prohibiting utility companies from charging customers for the cost of such upgrades.
Legislation sponsored by Holzapfel, Wolfe and McGuckin would prohibit utility companies from charging customers for utility infrastructure replacement costs when their homes or property are damaged by a natural disaster. (Flickr)
“Recovery from Sandy has been a long, drawn out process for so many who live at the Shore, especially those on the barrier islands who had to elevate their houses,” said Holzapfel. “It’s unfathomable that these homeowners are being charged for utility infrastructure work.”
Holzapfel, Wolfe & McGuckin Sponsor Anti-Tethering Bill to Prevent Inhumane Treatment of Dogs
Continuing their efforts to prevent the cruel treatment of animals, Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Dave Wolfe and Greg McGuckin (all R-Ocean) have introduced legislation to prohibit the inhumane tethering of dogs.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jim Holzapfel and Asm. Dave Wolfe and Greg McGuckin (all R-Ocean) would prohibit the inhumane tethering of dogs. (©iStock.com)
“As legislators and pet owners, we have always been passionate about protecting animals from abusive pet owners,” said Holzapfel. “It’s difficult to understand why someone would chain or restrain their ‘pet’ for long periods of time to the point where the dog cannot care for itself. It’s deplorable.”
The bill, S-3061/A-4628, makes it unlawful to tether a dog that poses a risk of entanglement, strangulation, drowning or other harm to the health or safety of the dog. It also prohibits the tethering of a dog during severe weather conditions. Dogs at risk of imminent harm may be seized by authorities. Violators face fines and jail time.
