(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Bob Andrzejczak to encourage New Jersey firefighters to pursue further training was released Monday by an Assembly panel.
The bill (A-4147) would establish a one-time $200 gross income tax credit for certain firefighter training graduates. Taxpayers who graduate from a Division of Fire Safety-approved program with a Firefighter 1 or Firefighter 2 classification would be eligible for the tax credit.
“New Jersey residents depend on firefighters in emergency situations every day. For the sake of both these brave men and women and those they protect, it’s important to make sure our state’s firefighters are well-prepared for any situation,” said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Cumberland/Atlantic). “This legislation will advance that goal by incentivizing training that can be vital for protecting lives and property in the state.”
The measure would apply to taxable years beginning after the date of enactment. A taxpayer would be allowed the credit for the taxable year in which he or she successfully graduates from a program approved by the Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Community Affairs.
“Firefighters put their lives at risk without hesitation on behalf of communities across New Jersey, and this bill is a way to recognize and support their efforts,” said Andrzejczak. “What’s more important, however, is that the training eligible individuals complete will help keep them safe and healthy.”
The bill was released by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee.