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A 1773

Places limits on rent adjustments for major capital improvements

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal

The bill would create the Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program with a $10 million fund to grant money for emergency equipment and operating costs to volunteer fire departments

REFERRED TO HOUSING
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Bill Summary · A 1773

Summary: A 1773 – Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program Act

Overview

A 1773 would create the Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program within the Division of Fire Safety (Department of Community Affairs) to support the ongoing operations and sustainability of volunteer fire departments. The bill establishes a dedicated Fund and a grant program to help volunteer companies purchase emergency equipment and cover operating costs. An initial General Fund appropriation of $10 million is provided to fund the program.

Purpose and intent

  • Improve the stability and capability of volunteer fire companies by providing structured financial support.
  • Modernize and maintain emergency equipment, while preserving the volunteer model of fire service.
  • Increase transparency through public reporting on grant use and program outcomes.

Key provisions

Fund and grant program

  • Establish a special, non-lapsing Fund called the Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program Fund, annually credited with appropriations.
  • The Division of Fire Safety must develop and administer a grant program to distribute Fund money to volunteer fire companies, including for emergency equipment purchases.
  • Volunteer fire companies must apply to participate, providing:
    • Requested grant amount.
    • Specific description of emergency equipment to be purchased.
    • How the grant will enhance ongoing operations and compliance with laws and regulations.
  • The Division shall review applications and award grants, establishing an annual maximum grant amount to maximize the number of recipients given available funding.
  • If a grant is awarded, the division must notify the municipal governing body where the company is located, including grant amount and intended uses.

Reporting and accountability

  • Within one year of receiving a grant, participating companies must report:
    • How funds were expended.
    • The equipment and items purchased.
    • The impact on operations and sustainability.
  • The Division will compile these reports into public, comparative profiles on its website.
  • Within one year after posting the profiles, the Division Director must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature, covering:
    • Total number of applicants, average grant amount, most frequently sought equipment, and recommendations for funding distributions.

Funding and effectiveness

  • Appropriation of $10,000,000 from the General Fund to the Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program Fund.
  • Effective date: 90 days after enactment, with possible anticipatory action by the Director to implement provisions sooner.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Volunteer fire companies across New Jersey.
  • Municipal governments hosting these companies.
  • The Division of Fire Safety (and the Department of Community Affairs) responsible for administration, reporting, and oversight.
  • The public, which would gain access to annual program profiles and outcome data.

Legislative status and context

  • Introduced: January 9, 2024.
  • Scheduled/recorded actions: Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee at introduction; later listed as REFERRED TO HOUSING (January 14, 2025).
  • Primary sponsor: Linda Rosenthal.
  • Related bills: Companion S 2383; several prior-session A bills (e.g., A 3957, A 5826, A 5743, A 3993, A 4769, A 5161).

Potential impact

  • Positive: Enhanced equipment availability, improved operational capacity, and greater financial stability for volunteer departments; increased transparency through public reporting.
  • Considerations: The program’s reach depends on the adequacy of the $10 million appropriation and ongoing legislative support; administrative and reporting requirements could impose compliance costs on volunteer departments.

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

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