summary
Introduced
03/17/2025
03/17/2025
In Committee
03/17/2025
03/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would establish a "Forest Fire Preparedness Commission" in the Department of Environmental Protection. The commission would be composed of 20 members, including the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the State Firewarden, and the Superintendent of the State Police, or their designees, and representatives of local emergency response organizations. The commission would be charged with various duties related to ensuring that the State is prepared to respond in a timely and effective manner to wildfires, including: (1) performing a comprehensive audit of the State's current protocols related to wildfire response; (2) developing a comprehensive roadmap that may be utilized by State, regional, county, and local emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and medical responders, in order to coordinate their responses to wildfires; and (3) developing standardized lines of communication among the State Forest Fire Service and State, regional, county, and municipal emergency response organizations for the purposes of wildfire response. The bill would require the commission to produce a report that produces its findings, plans, recommendations, and activities no later than two years after the bill's enactment, after which the Forest Fire Preparedness Commission would dissolve.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a Forest Fire Preparedness Commission within the Department of Environmental Protection to enhance the state's wildfire response capabilities. The commission will consist of 20 members, including key government officials like the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, State Firewarden, and State Police Superintendent, as well as representatives from firefighting organizations, environmental councils, and emergency response groups. The commission's primary responsibilities include conducting a comprehensive audit of the state's current wildfire response protocols, developing a coordinated emergency response roadmap for various levels of government and emergency responders, and creating standardized communication channels among different emergency organizations. The commission will review existing forest fire plans, assess the state's readiness to prevent and mitigate wildfires, and recommend changes to state protocols and regulations. Within two years of its establishment, the commission must submit a detailed report to the Governor and Legislature outlining its findings, plans, and recommendations, after which it will be dissolved. The bill aims to improve the state's preparedness and response to potential forest fires by bringing together diverse stakeholders and experts to develop a comprehensive and coordinated approach to wildfire management.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 03/17/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4257 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4257_I1.HTM |
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