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A 7908

Creates a service learning program for students serving as active volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance workers

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ken Blankenbush and 7 co-sponsors

Creates a service-learning program allowing students who volunteer as firefighters or EMTs to earn school credit linked to public-safety service.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 7908

Summary: Bill A 7908 – Service Learning Program for Student Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers

Overview

  • Bill Number: A 7908
  • Title: Creates a service learning program for students serving as active volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance workers
  • Status: Referred to Education
  • Introduced: April 11, 2025
  • Primary Sponsor: Joe DeStefano
  • Cosponsors: Robert Smullen, Daniel Norber, Eric Brown, David McDonough, Lester Chang, Kenneth Blankenbush, Stephen Hawley
  • Related/Senate Companion: S 217 (companion); multiple prior-session related bills listed

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill would establish a service learning program that recognizes and formalizes opportunities for students who serve as active volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance workers. The core aim is to integrate public service, emergency response experience, and educational objectives through a structured program.

Key Provisions (as stated)

  • Establishment of a service learning program for students engaged as:
    • Active volunteer firefighters
    • Active volunteer ambulance workers
  • Details such as eligibility, credit or graduation requirements, hours of service, supervision, duration, standards, and oversight are not provided in the summary available. The bill’s text would define these and set administrative parameters if enacted.
  • Administration and coordination would likely involve the Department of Education or relevant state education authorities, in collaboration with volunteer fire/EMS organizations, though specific agencies and mechanisms are not enumerated in the summary.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Students who volunteer as active firefighters or ambulance workers (potentially middle/high school or postsecondary depending on the final text and implementation).
  • School districts or educational entities implementing or approving service learning components.
  • Volunteer fire departments and ambulance corps partnering with schools for supervision and opportunities.
  • State education agencies responsible for program guidelines, reporting, and oversight.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: April 11, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Education (the bill is being considered by the Assembly Education Committee)
  • There is a Senate companion (S 217), indicating cross-chamber consideration and potential movement through both houses if advanced.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Educational impact: Creates a formal pathway for students to earn service-learning experiences tied to meaningful public safety work.
  • Workforce and community impact: May enhance recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel by engaging students early.
  • Implementation questions: Specifics on eligibility, hours, credit, supervision, funding, and assessment would determine workload for schools and partner agencies.
  • Equity and access: How the program would be available to students across districts and what supports exist for participation could influence disparities in access.

Next Steps

  • Monitoring the bill’s progression through the Assembly Education Committee and potential consideration by the full legislature.
  • Review of the companion Senate bill S 217 for alignment and synchronized advancement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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