Bill
Bill > A2582
NJ A2582
NJ A2582Directs public utilities and pipeline operators to reimburse municipalities for certain emergency services.
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
This bill directs public utilities and pipeline operators to reimburse municipalities for all actual and related costs a municipality incurs in providing emergency services to respond to any emergency involving a pipeline. With the exception of volunteer personnel, the bill directs public utilities and pipeline operators to reimburse a municipality for the cost of emergency services equal to the hourly wages of the emergency services personnel. The bill directs public utilities and pipeline operators to reimburse a municipality for the cost of emergency services by any volunteer at a rate equal to that of volunteer services under any applicable assistance program administered by the federal government. In this bill, "emergency" means any circumstance caused by a person or event, except any natural disaster, which includes, but is not limited to, fire, flood, earthquake, or storm, resulting in the escape of a conveyed commodity from a pipeline that constitutes a clear and present danger to life, health, or property. "Emergency services" means the provision of services by municipal law enforcement, firefighting, paramedic, and medical personnel, including volunteer personnel, provided by a municipal authority to ensure the health or safety of a person or property during an emergency.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that public utilities and pipeline operators must reimburse municipalities for the full costs incurred when providing emergency services in response to an emergency involving a pipeline, with an "emergency" defined as a dangerous escape of a conveyed commodity from a pipeline caused by a person or event, excluding natural disasters. "Emergency services" are defined as the actions of municipal law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and medical personnel, including volunteers, to ensure public safety. Public utilities and operators will reimburse municipalities for the hourly wages of paid emergency personnel and at a federal rate for volunteer services, and these reimbursement costs cannot be passed on to consumers (ratepayers). The bill also allows for the recovery of reasonable attorney fees and court costs in civil actions against these entities for emergency-related losses.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities 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/A2582 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2582_I1.HTM |
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