TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Senate Law and Public Safety Committee has advanced a bill that would allow volunteer firefighters, first aid, and rescue squad members to claim a $2,000 deduction from their state income tax. The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senators Vin Gopal, Christopher Connors, and Kristin Corrado, aims to bolster the number of emergency service volunteers and recognize their contributions.
Senator Gopal (D-Monmouth) emphasized the critical role these volunteers play in New Jersey communities and the need to increase their numbers. The proposed tax exemption seeks to incentivize participation and retention in these vital roles.
Eligibility for the tax exemption requires first aid and rescue squad members to have completed 10 percent of rescue duty. Additionally, by January 1st of the applicable tax year, they must have either passed a training program approved by the New Jersey First Aid Council or met the emergency medical technician standards set by the Department of Health.
Firefighters seeking the exemption must fulfill a different criterion. They are required to have performed 60 percent of fire duty. By the same January 1st deadline, eligible firefighters must have achieved the rank of Firefighter I Certified, as per the International Fire Service Training Association’s standards, or equivalent criteria approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs.
The bill, designated S-1697, successfully passed the committee with a unanimous vote of 4-0, marking a significant step towards its enactment.