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Committee releases bill to guarantee maximum workers’ compensation for volunteer emergency responders
Summary
The committee released A‑3548, a response to a state Supreme Court ruling that would ensure volunteer firefighters and similar volunteers receive the maximum workers' compensation benefit for injury or death regardless of other income; major public-safety groups supported the measure and some business groups opposed it.
The Assembly Labor Committee released Assembly Bill 3,548, a response to a New Jersey Supreme Court decision, that would ensure volunteer firefighters and other volunteer first‑responders are eligible for the maximum workers' compensation benefit for injury or death regardless of outside earned income.
The clerk said the bill was prompted by the court's decision in Koganowski v. Township of Bridgewater and would clarify legislative intent so volunteers receive the full benefit allowed under law. The measure drew support from the State Firemen's Association and many building trades and union locals; the clerk read those written slips into the record.
Business groups, including the New Jersey Business & Industry Association and the National Federation of Independent Business, were listed as opposed in the record read by the clerk. Committee members who represent districts with volunteer fire departments expressed strong support, calling clarification of volunteer benefits long overdue.
On a motion to release the bill (mover: Assemblywoman Flynn), the committee voted to release the bill for further consideration; the clerk announced the bill had been released. Several members emphasized the public-safety rationale for making benefits clear to volunteers and their communities.
