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Bill

Bill

A 2039

Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of certain crimes

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino and 12 co-sponsors

Bill A 2039 aimed to revoke benefits for volunteer firefighters convicted of serious crimes, promoting accountability and integrity in firefighting services.

ENACTING CLAUSE STRICKEN
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 2039

Summary of Bill A 2039

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: A 2039
  • Title: Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of certain crimes
  • Status: Enacting Clause Stricken
  • Introduced On: January 14, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 2039 is to establish a legal framework that mandates the forfeiture of benefits from a service awards program for volunteer firefighters who are convicted of specific criminal offenses. This bill aims to uphold the integrity of volunteer firefighting services by ensuring that individuals who have committed serious crimes do not receive financial rewards or benefits associated with their service.

Key Provisions

  • Forfeiture of Benefits: The bill stipulates that any volunteer firefighter convicted of certain crimes will lose their eligibility for benefits provided under the service awards program.
  • Definition of Crimes: While the specific crimes are not detailed in the provided information, it is implied that they would include serious offenses that undermine the trust and responsibilities associated with volunteer firefighting.

Impact

  • Affected Individuals: The bill directly impacts volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of designated crimes, removing their access to financial benefits accrued through their service.
  • Volunteer Fire Departments: This legislation could influence the operational dynamics within volunteer fire departments, potentially affecting recruitment and retention if certain individuals are barred from receiving benefits.

Legislative Actions

  • Introduced: The bill was introduced on January 14, 2025, and referred to the Local Governments committee.
  • Status Update: On April 14, 2025, the enacting clause of the bill was stricken, indicating that the bill will not proceed further in its current form.

Related Legislation

  • A 8976: A prior-session bill that may have addressed similar issues regarding volunteer firefighters and criminal convictions.
  • S 7316: A companion bill in the Senate that could provide additional context or alternative approaches to the issues raised in A 2039.

Conclusion

Bill A 2039 aimed to reinforce accountability among volunteer firefighters by linking criminal convictions to the forfeiture of benefits. However, the striking of the enacting clause suggests that the bill will not advance, leaving the current policies regarding service awards for volunteer firefighters unchanged.

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

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