A5261

An Act concerning fire service and emergency medical service training, amending P.L.1983, c.382 and supplementing Title 26 of the Revised Statutes.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. Section 4 of P.L. 1983, c.382 (C.52:27D-25d) is amended to read as follows:

4. In addition to any other powers and duties invested in it by law or by the commissioner, the division shall:

a. Provide staff support for the work of the fire safety commission and its advisory councils;

b. Administer and enforce the "Uniform Fire Safety Act," established by P.L.1983, c.383 (C.52:27D-192 et al.);

c. Implement training and education programs for the fire service and the public;

d. Administer a fire incident reporting system;

e. Conduct research and master planning for fire safety; [and]

f. In conjunction with the Department of Labor and Department of Health, conduct investigations of fire incidents in which one or more firefighters suffer death or serious injury and identify those measures which may be required to prevent the future occurrence of deaths and serious injuries under similar circumstances and, in furtherance of any such investigation, the division may issue and enforce subpoenas to compel the testimony of any person who might have knowledge of any relevant matters and the production of any relevant documents. If any investigation conducted under this subsection results in the discovery of any violation of the provisions of the "Uniform Fire Safety Act," P.L.1983, c.383 (C.52:27D-192 et al.), the division, as an enforcing agency, may issue a written notice or order pursuant to that act. Any notice or order issued by the Division of Fire Safety pursuant to this subsection may be enforced under section 19 of P.L.1983, c.383 (C.52:27D-210) as a notice or order of the commissioner; and

g. (1) Establish, in conjunction with the Department of Health, a reentry training program, admission to which program shall be limited to persons formerly incarcerated in prison or jail and transitioning out of the criminal justice system, and not otherwise disqualified from EMT certification under the provisions of subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.2023, c.229 (C.26:2K-65.1).

(2) Acceptance of applications for admission to the program established pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall begin six months from the effective date of P.L. c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).

(cf: P.L.1993, c.218, s.5)

2. (New section) a. In addition to any other powers and duties invested in it by law or by the Commissioner of the Department of Health, the Office of Emergency Medical Services shall establish a reentry training program, admission to which program shall be limited to persons formerly incarcerated in prison or jail and transitioning out of the criminal justice system, and not otherwise disqualified from EMT certification under the provisions of subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.2023, c.229 (C.26:2K-65.1).

b. Acceptance of applications for admission to the program established pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall begin six months from the effective date of P.L. c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).

3. This act shall take effect on the first day of the third month next following the date of enactment, except that the Division of Fire Safety and the Office of Emergency Medical Services may take such anticipatory action as shall be necessary to effectuate this act.

STATEMENT

This bill establishes, within the Division of Fire Safety and the Office of Emergency Medical Services, a reentry training program for persons formerly incarcerated in prison or jail and transitioning out of the criminal justice system. A person who would be disqualified from certification under the provisions of subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.2013, c.101 (C.26:2K65.1) concerning emergency medical services personnel may not participate in the program.

A reentry training program for persons formerly incarcerated in prison or jail and transitioning out of the criminal justice system would provide a path for individuals to pursue a career in fire services or emergency medical services which might otherwise be closed because of a criminal history.