WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 4649

Relates to certificates of honorable separation from or service in the armed forces of the United States

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Didi Barrett and 11 co-sponsors

Extends no-cost periodic cancer screenings to New Jersey volunteer firefighters every 3 years, with state reimbursement up to $1,250 per 3-year cycle.

RETURNED TO ASSEMBLY
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4649

Summary — A4649 (Print A)

Relates to certificates of honorable separation from or service in the armed forces; primary focus: access to periodic cancer screening examinations for volunteer firefighters

Purpose

Extend no-cost, periodic cancer screening examinations to volunteer (unpaid) firefighters in New Jersey and establish State reimbursement for providers who perform those screenings, matching protections already available to paid firefighters under current law.

Key provisions

  • Requires that volunteer firefighters who serve in any New Jersey fire district, volunteer fire department/company/unit, or political subdivision be provided a cancer screening examination:
    • No sooner than three years after the start of their volunteer service and every three years thereafter while they continue serving.
    • Screenings must include, at minimum and when applicable, tests for: colon, lung, bladder, oral, thyroid, skin, blood, breast, cervical, testicular, and prostate cancers.
  • Physicians participating in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) network must offer the required screenings beginning January 1, 2025, and for each plan year thereafter.
  • Providers are eligible for State payment upon satisfactory proof to the Department of the Treasury; reimbursement for the full examination shall not exceed $1,250 in the aggregate per three-year period for each firefighter.
  • No co-payment, deductible, coinsurance, or other out-of-pocket expense may be required for the mandated examinations.
  • Fire districts, volunteer fire departments/companies/units that rely on volunteer firefighters must keep adequate records to facilitate State payment.
  • The act requires annual appropriations from the State General Fund as necessary to fund the reimbursements.
  • Effective immediately (operational requirement for providers begins Jan 1, 2025).

Who is affected

  • Primary: Volunteer (unpaid) firefighters serving in New Jersey fire districts, volunteer departments/companies/units, and political subdivisions.
  • Secondary: SHBP-participating physicians/providers who will conduct screenings and seek State reimbursement; fire districts/units required to maintain records; State Treasury/appropriations process.

Fiscal and implementation notes

  • Maximum State reimbursement cap: $1,250 per firefighter per three-year screening cycle.
  • Requires appropriation language in annual budgets to fund the program.
  • Providers must be in the SHBP network and submit satisfactory proof for payment to the Department of the Treasury.

Legislative status & history (highlights)

  • Introduced in the Assembly: June 25, 2024.
  • Passed Assembly: May 5, 2025.
  • Passed Senate (substituted for S5397A): June 11, 2025.
  • Returned to Assembly: June 11, 2025.
  • Sponsors: Primary — Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar; cosponsors include Angelo Santabarbara, Angelo J. Morinello, Chris Tague, Rebecca Seawright, and others.
  • Companion bill: S3567 / S5397.

Comparison to existing law

This bill extends the periodic, no-cost cancer screening benefit and State reimbursement (currently available to paid firefighters enrolled or eligible for SHBP) to unpaid volunteer firefighters.

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

Sign in to ask a question.