New Jersey Senate Bill S516

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Extends pension eligibility for survivors of certain emergency services volunteers who contracted COVID-19 during 2020 public health emergency declared by Governor.

Impact

Under the current statute, survivors of volunteers who passed away due to injuries sustained in the line of duty are eligible for a pension. This bill specifically expands that eligibility to cases where death is attributed to COVID-19. As a result, the law would cater to the unique circumstances experienced during the pandemic, where many volunteers were likely exposed to the virus through their emergency response duties. The pension amount is $15,000 per year, with additional amounts varying based on the relationship of the beneficiaries to the deceased volunteer.

Summary

Bill S516, introduced in the New Jersey State Legislature, addresses the pension eligibility for survivors of certain emergency services volunteers who contracted COVID-19 during the public health emergency declared by the Governor in 2020. The bill modifies existing pension provisions for the families of volunteer firefighters, first aid workers, rescue squad workers, and emergency medical technicians who have died as a result of complications arising from COVID-19. It aims to ensure that these families are recognized and compensated adequately for their loss.

Contention

Some points of contention regarding the bill may arise from the definitions of eligibility, specifically how COVID-19-related deaths are categorized under the criteria of injuries sustained in the course of performing duties. The bill requires that eligible volunteers must have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and interacted with the public during emergencies within specific time frames. Critics could argue that establishing these cause-and-effect relationships is complex and administratively burdensome, potentially leading to delays in pension approvals for grieving families.