Committee backs volunteer-fire funding and insurance-access measures

The committee advanced measures intended to support volunteer firefighters and other emergency volunteers. S1566 would create a volunteer fire company assistance program in the Department of Community Affairs with a $10 million appropriation to support operations and sustainability. Senator Amato, speaking for the bill, said rising equipment, insurance and operating costs have made fundraising increasingly difficult for volunteer companies.

Joe Hankins, president of the New Jersey State Firemen's Association and a longtime volunteer, testified that his department responded to more than 600 fire calls last year—up from about 275 historically—and said additional targeted funding would help purchase equipment and sustain response capacity.

S1755, as amended, would allow municipal inclusion of volunteer firefighters and other responders in small-employer health benefit groups, set minimum volunteer contributions and eligibility criteria, and require lists of eligible volunteers be maintained. The committee released both bills after brief discussion and unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls.