New Jersey Assembly Bill A2582

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Allows county to establish auxiliary fire department.

Impact

By allowing counties to create their own fire departments, A2582 is likely to lead to increased personnel and resources dedicated to fire safety within counties that choose to utilize this legislation. It can result in improved emergency response times and better coordination among fire services across the region. The plan for establishing such departments must outline specific territorial areas, staffing, and operational protocols, allowing for organized integration with existing municipal services.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2582 enables county commissioners in New Jersey to establish auxiliary fire departments to support municipalities by supplementing their fire protection services. The intent of the bill is to enhance the fire safety infrastructure within counties by allowing for the employment of paid county firefighters who can assist and provide additional resources during emergencies. This bill requires county commissioners to consult with local fire authorities and submit a comprehensive plan for establishing the fire department, which is subject to state review and approval.

Contention

Some potential concerns regarding A2582 may include the implications for local governance, as it could be viewed as a shift of fire management responsibilities from municipalities to county-level administrations. Questions may arise regarding budgetary impacts, as the bill excludes costs associated with the new county fire departments from existing budget caps. Additionally, issues of union agreements and employment terms must be clearly understood to avoid conflicts under existing labor regulations and collective bargaining agreements.