Provides reimbursement to volunteer emergency service organizations for expenses incurred in response to certain false alarms; makes appropriations.
Impact
The implications of A3554 extend to the reimbursement practices for volunteer emergency responders, ensuring that their financial liabilities are mitigated when they respond to false alarms. By mandating payment for such responses, the bill could encourage more volunteers to participate in these services, knowing they will not bear the costs associated with false alarms. It is particularly pertinent given that many volunteer organizations operate under tight budgets, and reimbursement may facilitate better resources and equipment for these responders.
Summary
A3554 is a bill introduced in New Jersey that provides for reimbursements to volunteer emergency service organizations for expenses incurred when responding to false alarms. The legislation aims to address the financial burden that these organizations face when they are called to respond to situations that do not warrant emergency services, specifically those arising from false alarm signals at state psychiatric hospitals and correctional facilities. The bill denotes false alarms as signals that prompt responses without an actual emergency, excluding those caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond control.
Contention
Notably, there are concerns regarding the potential for increased usage of emergency services without real threat if organizations start to rely on state reimbursements for false alarms. Critics might argue that rather than reducing the number of false alarms, the bill could inadvertently encourage more such calls since the financial burden is alleviated. Additionally, the bill clarifies that receiving such reimbursements does not impact the volunteer status of responders, which is crucial in maintaining the integrity and volunteer spirit of these emergency services.
Provides gross income tax credit to active members of volunteer emergency service organizations for use of personal motor vehicle in performance of active duty.
Provides gross income tax credit to active members of volunteer emergency service organizations for use of personal motor vehicle in performance of active duty.
Exempts certain volunteer first responders from coverage under "unemployment compensation law"; excludes from gross income amounts received for certain volunteer emergency services.
Exempts certain volunteer first responders from coverage under "unemployment compensation law"; excludes from gross income amounts received for certain volunteer emergency services.
Exempts certain volunteer first responders from coverage under "unemployment compensation law"; excludes from gross income amounts received for certain volunteer emergency services.
Exempts certain volunteer first responders from coverage under "unemployment compensation law"; excludes from gross income amounts received for certain volunteer emergency services.
In volunteer firefighters, repealing provisions relating to employment sanctions; and providing for volunteer emergency responders employer tax credit.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for definitions relating to intrastate mutual aid and for definitions relating to Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program; in volunteer firefighters, further providing for definitions relating to fire relief association; in emergency responder mental wellness and stress management, further providing for definitions; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions; and, in incentives for municipal volunteers of fire companies and nonprofit emergency medical services agencies, further providing for definitions.