Summary of Bill S 190

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 190 aims to streamline the process for providing death benefits to volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers who have died in the line of duty. The primary intent of the bill is to ensure that the payment of these benefits occurs within a specified timeframe, thereby offering timely financial support to the beneficiaries of these essential service members.

Key Provisions

• Timely Payment of Benefits: The bill mandates that death benefits for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers must be paid within ninety days of the application being filed. This provision is designed to reduce delays in financial support during a difficult time for the families of the deceased.

• Application Process: The bill outlines that the process for filing an application for these death benefits remains unchanged, but emphasizes the importance of prompt processing to meet the new deadline.

Affected Parties

• Beneficiaries: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the families and dependents of volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who have died while serving their communities. The timely payment of benefits is intended to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by these families during a tragic time.

• Volunteer Fire Departments and Ambulance Services: Organizations that employ or utilize volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers may also be affected, as they will need to ensure that the application process is efficient and compliant with the new requirements.

Legislative Timeline

• Introduced: January 08, 2025
• Senate Actions:
  • Passed: April 01, 2025
  • Delivered to Assembly: April 01, 2025
  • Referred to Local Governments: April 01, 2025
  • Advanced to Third Reading: March 20, 2025
  • Second Report Calendar: March 19, 2025
  • First Report Calendar: March 18, 2025
• Initial Referral: January 08, 2025

Related Legislation

Bill S 190 is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- S 888
- S 683
- S 7196
- S 1195
- S 3057
- S 952
- S 4711
- A 4675 (companion bill)

These related bills may provide context or additional legislative efforts surrounding the support and benefits for volunteer emergency service personnel.

Conclusion

Bill S 190 represents a significant step towards ensuring that the families of volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers receive timely financial support following a tragic loss. By establishing a clear deadline for the payment of death benefits, the bill seeks to provide peace of mind and financial stability to those who have sacrificed so much for their communities.