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 eliminates the seven-day waiting period for these claims, allowing for immediate compensation.

The legislation is a response to the New Jersey Supreme Court case Kocanowski v. Twp. of Bridgewater, which clarified that the Legislature intended for all volunteer firefighters to receive maximum compensation without regard to their current or previous income. By explicitly stating the rights of these workers, the bill aims to remove any ambiguity in existing law regarding their entitlement to workers' compensation benefits.