summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 due to an accident while performing their official duties, unless the death was caused by their own willful negligence. The benefit will be paid first to a surviving spouse, then to children if there is no spouse, then to parents if there are no spouse or children, and finally to a designated beneficiary. A report of the death must be 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 payments will be made by the State Treasurer from the General Fund.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/A2801 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2801_I1.HTM |
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