NJ S1687

Bill

NJ S1687

Requires emergency medical technicians and firefighters to receive training concerning electric vehicle fires.

Introduced
01/09/2024

In Committee
01/09/2024

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires emergency medical technicians and firefighters within the State to be trained on the risks associated with electric vehicles and in the safe and effective management of electric vehicle fires. Under this bill, the Division of Fire Safety, in consultation with the New Jersey Fire and Emergency Medical Services Institute, will adopt a training course for firefighters. The Commissioner of Health, in consultation with the Commissioner of Human Services, the New Jersey Fire and Emergency Medical Services Institute, and the New Jersey State First Aid Council, will adopt a training course for emergency medical technicians. For the last 20 years, there has been increased interest in and use of electric vehicles. While the risk of an electric vehicle fire is low, managing an electric vehicle fire requires specialized training since a lithium-ion battery can burn hotter and for a longer period of time than a gasoline engine.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that both firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in New Jersey receive specialized training on the unique dangers and proper handling of electric vehicle (EV) fires. The Division of Fire Safety will develop a training course for firefighters, while the Commissioner of Health will create one for EMTs, with both divisions consulting relevant organizations like the New Jersey Fire and Emergency Medical Services Institute and the New Jersey State First Aid Council. This initiative is a response to the increasing prevalence of EVs and the fact that their lithium-ion batteries can burn hotter and longer than traditional gasoline engines, requiring specific knowledge for safe and effective response. Existing firefighters must complete the training within 36 months of the bill's enactment, and new EMTs will need to complete it before certification, with currently certified EMTs also having a 36-month window to comply. The "Administrative Procedure Act" is referenced as the framework for adopting the necessary rules and regulations.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (3)

Declan O'Scanlon (R)*, Joe Cryan (D), Andrew Zwicker (D),

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1687

(3 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1687
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1687_I1.HTM
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S2000/1687_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
A4005	Requires emergency medical technicians and firefighters to receive training concerning electric vehicle fires.	Reported out of Asm. Comm. with Amendments, and Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee	Same As
A4476	Requires emergency medical technicians and firefighters to receive training concerning electric vehicle fires.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee	Carry Over
S2881	Requires emergency medical technicians and firefighters to receive training concerning electric vehicle fires.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee	Carry Over

Bill > S1687

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary