Volunteer EMS squads warn NJ bill could threaten operations
Mahwah EMS said in an Instagram post that it supports the overall intent of the legislation but believes the current wording could put volunteer EMS agencies at risk.
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Volunteer EMS agencies in New Jersey are raising concerns about a proposed state bill that would require municipalities to provide basic life support services and designate those services as essential.
Senate Bill 1421 would require each municipality to provide basic life support service to meet the needs of its population. The bill says municipalities could do so through a private company, a contract with a public, private or nonprofit entity, mutual aid agreements, hospital agreements or public safety-based EMS service.
Mahwah EMS said in an Instagram post that it supports the overall intent of the legislation but believes the current wording could put volunteer EMS agencies at risk.
The agency said the bill would impose licensing and operational requirements without funding or properly recognizing volunteer agencies under the law. Mahwah EMS warned the changes could force some volunteer squads to cease operations.
The agency is asking lawmakers to amend the bill to include volunteer EMS agencies and members in good standing of the EMS Council of New Jersey among those authorized to provide basic life support ambulance service.
Mahwah EMS said losing volunteer agencies could lead to longer ambulance response times, reduced emergency medical coverage, more strain on neighboring EMS systems and higher costs for taxpayers and municipalities.
According to Mahwah EMS, 190 volunteer squads in the EMS Council of New Jersey responded to more than 180,000 calls statewide in 2025.
The bill is sponsored by Sens. Joseph Lagana and Anthony Bucco, with Sens. Troy Singleton and Linda Greenstein listed as co-sponsors.
