This bill amends R.S.34:15-75 to ensure that certain volunteer and other workers, including firefighters, first aid or rescue squad workers, and various emergency management personnel, receive the maximum workers' compensation benefits for injuries or deaths incurred while performing their duties. The bill specifies that these benefits will be granted regardless of the individual's outside employment status at the time of the incident. Additionally, it removes the seven-day waiting period for compensation claims, allowing for immediate benefits.

The legislation is a response to the New Jersey Supreme Court case Kocanowski v. Twp. of Bridgewater, which clarified the intent of the Legislature regarding compensation for volunteer firefighters. By explicitly stating that these workers are entitled to maximum compensation without consideration of their other employment, the bill aims to eliminate any ambiguity in the current law regarding workers' compensation for these individuals.