Permits inclusion of volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders within municipal eligible employee group for purposes of small employer health benefits plan statutes.

This bill amends New Jersey law to include volunteer firefighters and other volunteer emergency responders (such as first aid, rescue, or ambulance squad members) in the definition of "eligible employee" for municipal small employer health benefits plans. Previously, these volunteers were excluded from the group that qualifies for such health coverage under municipal plans. The change directly affects volunteer emergency personnel across New Jersey municipalities, allowing them to access the same health benefits available to paid municipal employees who work at least 25 hours per week. The key mechanism is a specific update to the statutory definition of "eligible employee" in existing health benefits law.