Permits inclusion of volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders within municipal eligible employee group for purposes of the small employer health benefits plan statutes.

This bill expands eligibility for New Jersey's small employer health benefits plans to include volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders (like first aid, rescue, or ambulance squad members) who serve their municipalities. It directly affects these volunteer emergency personnel by allowing them to enroll in the same group health insurance plans available to full-time municipal employees. The key change updates the definition of "eligible employee" in existing law to specifically include these volunteers, removing barriers they previously faced. This ensures they can access affordable health coverage through their municipal employer's plan, similar to paid municipal staff.