TRENTON, N.J. — The Senate Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee has advanced legislation that would provide periodic cancer screenings to volunteer firefighters in New Jersey.
The bill, sponsored by Sens. Carmen Amato Jr. and Anthony M. Bucco, seeks to extend screening benefits currently available to paid firefighters through the State Health Benefits Program to unpaid volunteer firefighters.
“Volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line every time they answer the call and face the same health risks as paid firefighters when exposed to smoke and dangerous chemicals,” said Sen. Amato. “This bill ensures volunteers have equal access to cancer screenings, so they can stay healthy while protecting our communities, without worrying about the cost.”
“Cancer doesn’t care if you’re a paid or unpaid public servant; it can affect anyone who answers the call to protect others,” said Sen. Bucco. “This legislation guarantees that volunteer firefighters receive the screenings and care they deserve, recognizing the risks they take every day in service to their communities.”
Under current law, only paid firefighters receive periodic cancer screenings without cost-sharing. The proposed legislation, S-1583, would expand those benefits to volunteer firefighters across the state.
