This bill establishes the Resident Firefighter Grant Program within the Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to provide financial support to fire districts for the creation and expansion of resident firefighter programs. A resident firefighter is defined as a firefighter who performs various duties in exchange for free living accommodations. The program aims to enhance the resources available to resident firefighters, including incentives, amenities, and the construction of dormitories equipped with kitchen facilities.

The Director of the Division of Fire Safety is tasked with administering the program, which includes evaluating grant applications and ensuring equitable distribution of funds across the northern, central, and southern regions of New Jersey. The bill mandates that DCA request a minimum of $5 million annually as part of its budget proposal to fund these grants and encourages the pursuit of additional funding from federal, state, local, and private sources. Additionally, two percent of the appropriated funds will be allocated to the division for program administration.