New Jersey Senate Bill S1204

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

"Assistance to Firefighters' Families Act"; doubles pension amounts for beneficiaries of certain deceased volunteer emergency service providers; provides for burial expenses and adjusts life insurance coverage for volunteer firefighters; permits fire code inspection surcharge.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws concerning volunteer emergency service providers by amending statutes that dictate the payout for survivor pensions as well as introducing additional financial support measures for their beneficiaries. One notable change is the increase in maximum life insurance coverage that a municipality can provide for volunteer firefighters, which raises the cap from $25,000 to $250,000. This adjustment is expected to provide better financial security for families who may face the sudden loss of their loved ones in the line of duty.

Summary

Senate Bill S1204, also known as the 'Assistance to Firefighters' Families Act,' aims to enhance the support provided to families of volunteer emergency service providers who sustain injuries while on duty. This legislation proposes to double the survivor pension amounts owed to beneficiaries of volunteer firefighters, first aid workers, rescue squad workers, and emergency medical technicians. Furthermore, it seeks to impose a responsibility on municipalities to cover reasonable funeral and burial costs for deceased assured firefighters, provided these costs are not already funded by existing firemen's associations or relief funds.

Contention

While the bill appears largely beneficial, discussions around its implementation may reveal potential points of contention. Some stakeholders might express concerns about the financial implications for local municipalities, especially regarding the establishment of a surcharge for fire code inspections to raise funds for these benefits. Critics may argue that this approach could lead to financial strain on local budgets, impacting their ability to maintain other essential services. Additionally, the requirement for municipalities to bear these increased costs could face resistance from local leaders unsure about the long-term fiscal viability of such mandates.