Legislative Updates: Key Bills Impacting New Jersey First Responders in 2025

The legislative landscape for New Jersey's firefighters and emergency responders is constantly evolving, with numerous bills under consideration that could significantly impact their work, benefits, and protections. At the March 2025 NJFMBA meeting, Legislative Committee Chair Carlos Mercado provided a comprehensive update on these critical developments.

With the state budget process underway following Governor Murphy's February address, the NJFMBA's legislative team is actively monitoring over 500 bills. "We are the face in Trenton for First Responders," Mercado noted, emphasizing the organization's advocacy role.

Several priority bills are currently advancing with NJFMBA support:

• Legislation providing employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with PTSD, with efforts to expand coverage to include paid EMTs, paramedics, and 9-1-1 dispatchers

• Requirements for policy adoption addressing job-related issues of pregnant firefighters

• Legislation requiring manufacturers of firefighting equipment containing certain chemicals to provide written notice to purchasers

• An extension for filing and medical documentation requirements for 9/11 World Trade Center rescue participants to receive accidental disability retirement allowance

The NJFMBA has taken a leadership role in organizing a coalition to advance the 9/11-related legislation, demonstrating its commitment to those who participated in recovery efforts.

The organization is also actively opposing potentially harmful legislation, including a bill for single-exit stairwells that Secretary Esposito testified against due to safety concerns.

In the past 30 days alone, 14 new bills have been introduced that could affect first responders, including legislation on:

• Training programs for fire services and emergency medical services

• Enhanced local government efficiency

• Healthcare cost containment

• EMT training for mental illness response

• Penalties for impersonating first responders

• Forestry fire preparedness

• Penalties for interfering with first responder duties

Looking ahead to the coming elections, the NJFMBA is preparing to make endorsements for primary races in April. "We need to do these endorsements, for not only the Governor election but also the primaries," President Donnelly emphasized. "We will be spending a lot of money to get the folks that support us through the primary elections."

Mercado celebrated the successful fundraising event for Representative Mikie Sherrill, which raised $75,000 from NJFMBA members, leveraged to $225,000 with matching funds. "Been on Legislative committee for over twenty years and have never seen participation like this before," he remarked.

As these legislative efforts continue, the NJFMBA remains committed to advancing the interests of New Jersey's first responders through strategic advocacy, coalition-building, and direct engagement with lawmakers.