SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 757

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 11, 2026

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 757.

      As amended and reported, this bill relates to the financing of certain acquisitions for local firefighting operations.  The bill expands the allowed term of maturity for certain fire district bond issuances from three years to 10 years and specifies the means for issuance of temporary obligations by fire districts.  Additionally, the bill amends the "Local Public Contracts Law," P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.) to specify that contracts for leasing or servicing new fire engines and apparatus, as well as certain related motor vehicles, machinery, and other equipment, may be awarded for a period not to exceed 20 years.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to:

· Remove all changes to N.J.S.40A:2-22, as proposed in the introduced bill;

· Delete language requiring the governing body of a local unit to ensure that all fire vehicles and apparatus, purchased, leased, or lease-purchased adhere to the nationally recognized industry standards set forth in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1911 for the inspection, maintenance, testing, and retirement of in-service emergency vehicles, or other internationally recognized standard for automobile fire fighting apparatus and equipment;

· Delete language requiring the Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Director of the Division of Fire Safety, to adopt rules and regulations as necessary to effectuate the provisions of the bill;

· Expand the allowed term of maturity for certain fire district bond issuances from three years to 10 years;

· Provide that the issuance of temporary obligations by a fire district is to adhere to section 1 of P.L. 1981, c.188 (C. 40A:14-86.1), and specify certain administrative procedures for such obligations; and

· Amend a provision of the "Local Public Contracts Law," P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.) to specify that contracts for leasing or servicing new fire engines and apparatus, as well as certain related motor vehicles, machinery, and other equipment, may be awarded for a period not to exceed 20 years.