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Bill

A 1773

Establishes "Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program" in DCA to support operations and sustainability of volunteer fire companies; appropriates $10 million.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vicky Flynn and 3 co-sponsors

New Jersey appropriates $10 million through DCA to establish a Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program supporting operational sustainability of volunteer fire departments statewide.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
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Bill Summary · A 1773

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 1773 creates a new "Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program" administered by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to provide financial support for the operational and long-term sustainability needs of New Jersey's volunteer fire companies. The bill appropriates $10 million in state funding to support this initiative.

Why is this important

Volunteer fire companies provide critical emergency services to communities across New Jersey, yet many struggle with aging equipment, facility maintenance, recruitment, and retention due to limited local funding. This program directly addresses those sustainability challenges and helps ensure reliable fire protection services remain available in volunteer-dependent areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding allocation mechanisms: Unclear how the $10 million will be distributed among New Jersey's approximately 1,500+ volunteer fire companies—whether through grants, reimbursement formulas, or competitive processes, and whether the amount is sufficient.
  • Program oversight and accountability: Questions about eligibility criteria, how effectiveness will be measured, audit requirements, and whether the DCA has adequate capacity to administer the program.
  • Municipal vs. state responsibility: Debate over whether state funding shifts financial burden responsibility away from local governments and property tax payers who traditionally fund fire services through municipal budgets.

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

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