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

This bill (S 1755) expands eligibility for New Jersey's small employer health benefits plans to include volunteer firefighters and emergency responders. It amends the definition of "eligible employee" to specifically cover members of volunteer fire companies, first aid squads, or emergency/rescue teams serving their municipality under state law (N.J.S.40A:10-26 through N.J.S.40A:10-32). This change allows these volunteers - previously excluded - to enroll in their municipality's small employer health plan, which typically covers full-time municipal employees working 25+ hours weekly. The bill does not alter plan benefits or costs; it only adjusts who qualifies as an eligible participant under existing statutes.