Bill > S238

Introduced Session

This bill grants the Director of the Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Community Affairs the sole authority to promulgate regulations pertaining to the training of Junior Firefighter Auxiliary members and to establish the duties that Junior Firefighter Auxiliary members may perform at training events and emergency scenes. The bill requires the director to promulgate regulations within 180 days of the bill's enactment. Under current law, a person between the ages of 14 and 21 who obtains permission from a parent or guardian may become a member of the Junior Firefighter's Auxiliary. The bill reduces the age limit for membership to persons between the ages of 14 and 18. The bill also requires that permission to participate be granted in a manner required by the Director of the Division of Fire Safety. Junior Firefighter's Auxiliary applicants would be required to submit to a medical examination evaluation. The bill also limits activities of a junior firefighter who is under the age of 16 to attending Junior Firefighter's Auxiliary Meetings; receiving instructions; certain training activities established by regulations adopted by the director; and observing firefighting activities, while under supervision. Under current law, a member of the Junior Firemen's Auxiliary who is under the age of 16 may participate in these activities as well as participate in training that does not involve fire, smoke, toxic or noxious gas, or hazardous materials or substances. Finally, the bill replaces the term "firemen" with the preferred, gender neutral term "firefighter."

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Paul Sarlo (D)*,  Gary Schaer (D)*,  Troy Singleton (D)*,  Christopher Bateman (R),  Tony Bucco (R),  Michael Doherty (R),  Linda Greenstein (D),  Steven Oroho (R), 

Approved P.L.2020, c.126. (on 11/20/2020)

Official Document