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.
