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Bill

S 3411

Establishes EMS part of PERS; provides enhanced benefits for emergency medical services employees.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Cryan and 2 co-sponsors

S 3411 establishes a dedicated EMS pension track within PERS, providing enhanced retirement benefits to emergency medical services workers to improve recruitment and retention.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee
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Bill Summary · S 3411

Legislative bill overview

S 3411 creates a dedicated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) component within New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), establishing a separate benefit structure specifically for EMS workers. The bill provides enhanced retirement benefits tailored to the unique demands and compensation structures of emergency medical services personnel compared to standard public employee benefits.

Why is this important

EMS workers face physical demands, irregular schedules, and mental health challenges comparable to other first responders, yet they typically receive lower compensation and less robust retirement benefits than police or firefighters. Creating a dedicated PERS track with enhanced benefits could improve recruitment and retention in a profession experiencing significant workforce shortages across the nation, while also recognizing the occupational risks EMS workers face.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and funding: Enhanced benefits increase long-term pension liabilities for municipalities and the state; the bill doesn't specify how these costs will be funded or distributed
  • Equity concerns: Creating enhanced benefits for EMS while other public employees remain under standard PERS could raise fairness questions and create administrative complexity
  • Sustainability questions: Whether municipalities can absorb increased retirement contribution rates without cutting EMS services or raising taxes remains unclear

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

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