NJ S983

Bill

NJ S983

Establishes forest firefighter death benefit.

Introduced
01/09/2024

In Committee
01/09/2024

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The bill establishes an annual $15,000 death benefit for forest firefighters who die in the line of duty. The Department of Environmental Protection employs part-time forest firefighters who are compensated on an hourly basis. This bill provides an annual $15,000 payment to the families of these forest firefighters who die in the line of duty. The death benefit is to be made payable provided the report of death is filed within 30 days following the accident, but the Commissioner of Environmental Protection may waive the time requirement. The payment is to be made by the State Treasurer from the General Fund.

AI Summary

This bill establishes an annual $15,000 death benefit for the families of forest firefighters who are compensated on an hourly basis and die in the line of duty while working for the forest fire service, provided their death was not due to their own willful negligence. This benefit, in addition to any other existing benefits, will be paid to the surviving spouse, or if none, to surviving children, parents, or a designated beneficiary, and will continue until the initial beneficiary passes away. The payment is contingent on a report of death being filed with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection within 30 days of the accident, though the commissioner has the authority to waive this deadline, and the funds will be disbursed by the State Treasurer from the General Fund.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (2)

Carmen Amato (R)*, Linda Greenstein (D)*,

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S983

(3 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S983
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/983_I1.HTM
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S1000/983_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
A1742	Establishes forest firefighter death benefit.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee	Same As
A726	Establishes forest firefighter death benefit.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee	Carry Over
S174	Establishes forest firefighter death benefit.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee	Carry Over

Bill > S983

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary