SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1583

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 23, 2026

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1583.

      This bill requires access to periodic cancer screening examinations for volunteer firefighters serving in fire district of this State, or a fire department, unit, or company of or in this State or a political subdivision of this State, without cost-sharing. 

      Under the bill, physicians who participate in the State Health Benefits Program network will be required to offer these periodic examinations to volunteer firefighters and then a physician or other provider may request payment from the State for the provision of services not to exceed $1,250 in the aggregate per three-year period for each firefighter.  According to the bill, a fire district of this State, or a fire department, unit or company of or in this State or a political subdivision of this State, which relies on services from volunteer firefighters must maintain adequate records to facilitate the payment. 

      Current law entitles paid firefighters enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program and paid firefighters eligible for enrollment in the State Health Benefits Program to periodic cancer screening examinations every three years without cost-sharing.  By law, the State will reimburse public employers in an amount not to exceed $1,250 per three-year period for each firefighter. 

      This bill extends the reimbursement provisions available to paid firefighters under current law to unpaid firefighters serving in any fire district with a volunteer fire department or wherein there exists one or more incorporated volunteer fire companies affording fire protection to the fire district, or any fire department, unit, or company of or in the State or a political subdivision of this State.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.