Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre (R-9) announced they will be introducing legislation that would require a public utility to charge a volunteer emergency service organization a residential rate for service delivered to the organization’s primary property.  This would only take effect if the residential rate is lower than the commercial rate for the service at that property.

“Volunteer emergency service organization” is defined under the Delegation’s legislative proposal as an organization that relies on volunteer members to provide emergency services, including, but not limited to, fire department, first aid, emergency, ambulance, or rescue squad services.”

The 9th District Legislators issued the following joint statement regarding their legislative proposal:

“Volunteer emergency service squads provide critical services to our communities and therefore deserve the full backing of the State.”

“Paying reduced utility bills would free up funding for squads to enhance the services that they provide.”

“Notably, we want to thank Chief George Dohn of the Pinewald Pioneer Volunteer Fire Company for his invaluable expertise in bringing this issue to our attention.”

“Our Delegation remains committed to supporting our volunteer emergency personnel and will work to advance legislative initiatives which allow these organizations to operate more effectively and also improve their dedicated members’ quality of life.”

The 9th District Delegation has also introduced legislation (S-3806/A-4958) to exempt volunteer fire companies, emergency service providers, and veteran organizations from paying registration filing fees under the State’s “Charitable Registration and Investigation Act.”

The Delegation additionally introduced legislation (SCR-106/ACR-136) to provide a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first aid, ambulance, or rescue squad member who dies in the line of duty. The exemption would include the surviving spouses of both paid and volunteer firefighters and first aid, ambulance, or rescue squad members.

Amato, Rumpf and Myhre have also all joined as co-sponsors on companion legislation, S-2386 and A-3532, which would establish a refundable gross income tax credit to provide reimbursement to active members of volunteer fire departments and first aid squads for the use of their personal vehicle in the performance of active duty.  The companion bills were introduced by Senator Vin Gopal and Assemblywoman Margie Donlon M.D., respectively.