Garden State Times

Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre from New Jersey's 9th District are proposing new legislation aimed at providing financial relief to volunteer emergency service organizations. The proposed bill would require public utilities to charge these organizations a residential rate for services if it is lower than the commercial rate for their primary property.

The legislators defined "volunteer emergency service organization" as any group relying on volunteers to provide essential services such as fire department operations, first aid, and rescue squad activities.

In a joint statement, the legislators emphasized the importance of supporting volunteer emergency squads: “Volunteer emergency service squads provide critical services to our communities and therefore deserve the full backing of the State." They further noted that reducing utility costs would allow these organizations to allocate more resources toward enhancing their services.

The proposal also acknowledges Chief George Dohn of the Pinewald Pioneer Volunteer Fire Company for his role in highlighting this issue. The delegation expressed its commitment to advancing initiatives that support volunteer personnel and improve their quality of life.

In addition to this proposal, other legislative measures introduced by the delegation include bills S-3806/A-4958, which aim to exempt certain volunteer and veteran organizations from registration filing fees under state law. Another initiative, SCR-106/ACR-136, seeks property tax exemptions for surviving spouses of fallen law enforcement officers and emergency responders.

Amato, Rumpf, and Myhre are also co-sponsoring companion bills S-2386 and A-3532. These bills propose a refundable gross income tax credit for active members of volunteer fire departments and first aid squads who use personal vehicles in their duties. Senator Vin Gopal and Assemblywoman Margie Donlon M.D. initially introduced these companion pieces of legislation.