Establishes forest firefighter death benefit.

S 983 establishes an annual $15,000 death benefit for the families of part-time forest firefighters in New Jersey who die while performing official duties. The benefit applies to firefighters paid hourly (not salaried) and requires death to occur during line-of-duty service without willful negligence. Payments go first to surviving spouses, then children, parents, or designated beneficiaries, and must be requested within 30 days of the incident (with possible waiver). The State Treasurer will fund these payments from the General Fund, with the bill taking effect immediately.