New Jersey Assembly Bill A2164

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Provides gross income tax deduction for volunteers of New Jersey Medical Reserve Corps that serve at least 150 hours during public health emergency.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would amend the existing provisions within New Jersey tax law, specifically N.J.S.54A:3-1, to include this new deduction for NJMRC volunteers. The impact would not only provide financial relief for dedicated volunteers but also encourage a more robust volunteer force that can be mobilized in emergencies. This could potentially enhance the state's readiness and capacity to respond to health crises, reflecting an improved infrastructure for disaster response through community engagement.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2164 proposes a gross income tax deduction of $1,000 for volunteer members of the New Jersey Medical Reserve Corps (NJMRC) who serve at least 150 hours during a declared public health emergency. This initiative aims to incentivize volunteerism among those who contribute significantly to public health efforts during crises, reflecting a commitment to strengthening community resilience in the face of emergencies. By allowing this tax deduction, the bill recognizes the vital role that volunteers play in managing public health issues and disasters.

Contention

While the bill aims to bolster public health efforts significantly, discussions around its implementation may raise points of contention regarding the definition of 'public health emergency' and the conditions under which the deduction can be claimed. Concerns may arise about how these terms are codified and the administrative burden associated with verifying volunteer hours. Opponents might argue whether such a financial incentive adequately addresses the broader systemic challenges faced by the public health system or whether it is a sufficient response to attract and retain volunteers.