A 535 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Allows local unit to provide service award to volunteer for qualifying service performed for each emergency service organization.

This bill allows New Jersey counties, municipalities, and fire districts to create voluntary service award programs for emergency service volunteers (like firefighters and EMTs). It establishes rules for these programs, requiring local governments to get voter approval at the next election before implementing them, and mandating that programs detail budget costs, award structures, and how points (earned through training, drills, or standby duty) accumulate toward awards. Volunteers must complete at least five years of service to qualify, and the bill permits them to earn separate awards from multiple organizations they serve. The program is optional for local governments and does not require emergency organizations to provide awards.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Bob Auth
Bob Auth
RRepublican
NJ
39