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Bill

A 4364

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

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Reginald Atkins and 15 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill establishes dedicated EMS pension track within PERS with enhanced retirement benefits to improve retention of emergency medical services workers.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4364

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4364 creates a dedicated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) component within New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), establishing a separate pension structure for EMS workers. The bill provides enhanced retirement benefits specifically tailored to the EMS profession, recognizing the unique occupational demands and risks of emergency medical personnel.

Why is this important

EMS workers currently fall under general PERS classifications despite their specialized, high-risk roles that often involve irregular schedules, physical demands, and exposure to trauma. Creating a dedicated EMS category could improve recruitment and retention in a sector facing critical staffing shortages across the state. Enhanced benefits may also reflect the actual career earnings and longevity patterns of EMS professionals, who typically earn less than other public safety positions.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and cost: Enhanced pension benefits increase long-term state liabilities; the bill's fiscal note will clarify whether this strains PERS funding or requires contribution increases
  • Equity among public safety workers: Other professions (police, fire) may seek comparable benefit enhancements, raising questions about relative compensation fairness
  • Coverage scope ambiguity: Unclear whether benefits apply only to full-time career EMS or also volunteer/part-time personnel, affecting implementation and cost

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

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