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Bills Address Drunk Drivers, Elderly Healthcare, Casinos

 

By Herald Staff

TRENTON — Three measures sponsored by local legislators were released from Assembly committees in recent days.
First District Assemblymen Matthew Milam and Nelson Albano (both D) sponsored A-3630, which would toughen penalties on repeat drunk drivers.
According to a release, the measure would eliminate the downgrading of driving while intoxicated offenses that occur more than 10 years after a previous conviction.
“The idea that a drunken driver can get off easier simply because it’s been 10 years since their previous conviction is inexplicable,” said Albano, whose son was killed in 2001 by a repeat drunk driver. “The passing of time doesn’t make the behavior any more acceptable, nor does it pose any less of a risk to society. Repeat offenders must be dealt with harshly, not given a break.”
The bill would remove provisions in the state’s drunk driving statute that allow second-time drunk drivers to be sentenced as first offenders and third time drunk drivers to be sentenced as second offenders, if the offense occurred more than 10 years after a previous offense.
“A drunk driving offense that occurs more than 10 years after the last one isn’t any less serious,” Milam said. “In fact, it’s a major concern. Repeat offenders are a problem no matter when they got caught. The penalties shouldn’t be less severe. They should be more.”
The bill was released 6-0 by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee on Feb. 9 and now goes to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a vote.
Albano and Milam also sponsored legislation that would expand healthcare for the elderly. That measure, A-866, was released Feb. 9 by an Assembly panel.
According to a release, the bill would revise the state’s Primary Care Physician and Dentist Loan Redemption Program, which provides student loan redemptions of up to $120,000 to eligible physicians and dentists who work in underserved areas. Under the bill, the practice of geriatrics — the field of medicine focused on caring for the elderly — would be included.
“The shortage of geriatric practitioners is expected to worsen as Baby Boomers move into their senior years, so it’s important those who care for our senior citizens be explicitly included in the group of individuals eligible for this valuable incentive program,” Albano said. “Our seniors deserve the best possible care, and that includes making doctors available to specialize in their treatment.
“This is simple way to ensure our senior citizens have access to the doctors and medical personnel they need to get the best health care,” Milam said. “Promoting ways to entice more doctors into geriatrics is a sensible step we should have taken a long time ago.”
The bill is also sponsored by Assemblyman Eric Munoz (R-21). It was released by the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee and now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a vote.
Milam also sponsored a bill to streamline casino laws and relieve resorts from unnecessary regulatory burdens has been released by the Assembly Tourism and Gaming Committee.
In a releae, Milam said the changes are necessary to help Atlantic City’s casinos weather the recession while allowing them to maintain their competitive edge as more gaming establishments open in neighboring states.
“Atlantic City is facing a double-whammy of recession and increased competition,” said Milam. “We need to lift some of the weight the layers of regulation have placed on the shoulders of Atlantic City so the casinos can not only survive in this economy but emerge in a stronger position.”
Milam said some of the reforms would codify in state law practices that the casinos and state have already undertaken. Others are the product of discussions between the casinos, the state Casino Control Commission and the Division of Gaming Enforcement – a part of the Attorney General’s Office.
The proposed modifications aim to help casinos and state regulators coordinate on background checks for potential casino employees and licensees, make it easier for casino security to stop suspected cheaters or under-aged gamblers and create realistic timelines for casinos to meet state reporting requirements, among other changes.
The measure (A-3691) also would allow casinos to pay more for simulcasting rights for out-of-state horse races, which would allow them to take wagers on the Breeders Cup championships.
“Atlantic City is South Jersey’s economic engine,” said Milam. “Allowing for smarter, more efficient operations at the casinos can keep the doors open and safeguard tens of thousands of jobs.”
The measure now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.

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