Permits inclusion of volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders within municipal eligible employee group for purposes of the small employer health benefits plan statutes.
Impact
The bill seeks to resolve an existing conflict in state statutes that previously did not recognize volunteer emergency personnel as eligible employees for health benefits within the small employer framework. By clarifying their status, the bill broadens the scope of coverage available to volunteers, ensuring they can access group health plans provided by municipalities. This could significantly enhance the health insurance accessibility and financial security of these first responders.
Summary
Senate Bill S1388 addresses the eligibility criteria for small employer health benefits plans under New Jersey law. Specifically, it permits the inclusion of volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders in the group of eligible employees for municipalities deemed small employers. This change is crucial in ensuring that these individuals, who often risk their lives to serve their communities, are not excluded from essential health benefits that are afforded to other employees in similar roles.
Contention
One notable point of contention regarding S1388 could stem from concerns over funding and the potential financial impact on small municipalities that may struggle to provide additional health benefits. Critics may argue that this new requirement could lead to increased costs for local governments already managing tight budgets. However, supporters would argue that ensuring health benefits for volunteer firefighters and emergency responders is a matter of equity and recognition for their service.
Same As
Permits inclusion of volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders within municipal eligible employee group for purposes of the small employer health benefits plan statutes.
Carry Over
Permits inclusion of volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders within municipal eligible employee group for purposes of the small employer health benefits plan statutes.
Carry Over
Permits inclusion of volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders within municipal eligible employee group for purposes of the small employer health benefits plan statutes.
Requires board of education to directly employ certain professionals; permits board of education to contract for certain personnel; permits use of virtual or remote instruction for public school students in certain circumstances.
Requires board of education to directly employ certain professionals; permits board of education to contract for certain personnel; permits use of virtual or remote instruction for public school students in certain circumstances.
Requires board of education to directly employ certain professionals; permits board of education to contract for certain personnel; permits use of virtual or remote instruction for public school students in certain circumstances.