New Jersey Assembly Bill A2569

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Provides reimbursement to volunteer emergency service organizations for expenses incurred in response to certain false alarms; makes appropriations.

Impact

The implementation of A2569 aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with repeated false alarms that have strained volunteer emergency service organizations. By providing reimbursement, the state acknowledges the crucial role these organizations play in emergency response while also addressing the operational costs they face due to unnecessary deployments. The bill specifies that reimbursements are intended to cover costs related to emergency equipment and vehicle usage, thus promoting better resource management within volunteer organizations.

Summary

A2569 is a bill designed to provide financial reimbursement to volunteer emergency service organizations for expenses incurred while responding to false alarms at specific state facilities, including psychiatric hospitals, developmental centers, and correctional facilities. The bill establishes definitions for key terms such as 'false alarm' and 'volunteer emergency service organization,' clarifying the types of organizations that will benefit from these provisions. This legislation responds to challenges faced by volunteer emergency responders, who often incur costs when responding to non-emergent situations.

Contention

Despite its intent, the bill may generate discussions regarding the accountability of state facilities that cause repeated false alarms. Stakeholders might raise concerns about whether the reimbursement measure accurately encourages such facilities to mitigate the causes of false alarms, or if it could unintentionally lead to complacency in emergency management. Furthermore, the bill's financial implications for the state budget, particularly regarding appropriations from the General Fund to the Department of Health and the Department of Corrections, may be scrutinized as well, as ongoing funding will be required to sustain these reimbursements.