SENATE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 773

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: OCTOBER 7, 1996

      The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 773.

      This bill eliminates the $5 fee imposed upon firefighters applying for certification as firefighter I. The fee is required under regulations promulgated by the Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Community Affairs. Firefighters may apply for certification as firefighter I after completing a training course or 18 months of service, meeting certain other requirements, and paying the $5 fee. The certification is required as a prerequisite for more advanced training programs.

      This bill would eliminate this fee imposed upon firefighters, many of whom generously donate their private time to improve their firefighting skills and thus better protect the public.