Requires Firefighter 1 certification of candidate who completes military firefighter training and at least 12 months active duty military service in lieu of training course requirements.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend the existing regulations set by the Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Community Affairs, which currently mandates completion of specific training and examination for Firefighter 1 certification. The new provisions would enable veterans with relevant military training to transition into civilian firefighting roles more easily, thereby potentially addressing personnel shortages in fire departments and enhancing community emergency response capabilities.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4305 aims to streamline the certification process for firefighters by allowing candidates who have completed military firefighter training and served at least 12 months of active duty to qualify for Firefighter 1 certification without undergoing the standard training course requirements. This measure was introduced to recognize the skills and experience that military servicemen and servicewomen bring to the firefighting profession.
Contention
The bill has sparked discussions among lawmakers and stakeholders about the balance between maintaining rigorous standards for firefighter certification and recognizing the valuable experience of military veterans. Proponents argue that the military training equips veterans with essential skills that are directly applicable to firefighting, while opponents may raise concerns about ensuring that all firefighters meet the comprehensive standards necessary for effective emergency response.
Notable_points
A4305 serves as part of a broader initiative to support veterans in their reintegration into civilian life by facilitating their entry into public service roles. The bill's proponents emphasize it as a measure of respect for military service, while critics may argue for the importance of standardized training to ensure that all firefighters are adequately prepared for the demands of the job.
Requires Firefighter 1 certification of candidate who completes military firefighter training and at least 12 months active duty military service in lieu of training course requirements.
Requires Firefighter 1 certification of candidate who completes military firefighter training and at least 12 months active duty military service in lieu of training course requirements.
Requires Firefighter 1 certification of candidate who completes military firefighter training and at least 12 months active duty military service in lieu of training course requirements.
Requires Firefighter 1 certification of candidate who completes military firefighter training and at least 12 months active duty military service in lieu of training course requirements.
This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Military Firefighters Compensation Fund to provide compensation to current and former military firefighters, or survivors of such firefighters, for illnesses incurred in the line of duty due to exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects.Under the bill, current and former military firefighters are presumed to have been exposed to PFAS (in the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary) if the firefighter was employed at a military installation, facility of the National Guard, or formerly used defense site during a period when PFAS would have been present at such facility.The bill provides that in cases where a military firefighter is deceased at the time of payment of compensation, the surviving spouse must receive the payment. If there is no surviving spouse, the bill provides for the order of distribution to other surviving parties (e.g., a child or parent of the firefighter). The bill also provides that a survivor of a firefighter may file a claim for compensation if the firefighter dies before filing a claim.DOD must furnish the services, appliances, and supplies prescribed or recommended to a military firefighter who is receiving medical benefits for an illness related to PFAS exposure. Additionally, such firefighter may be furnished necessary and reasonable transportation and expenses incident to securing care for such illness.