The bill amends Section 3 of P.L.1976, c.68 (C.40A:4-45.3) to exclude salaries and wages for emergency response personnel from the municipal appropriations cap. This inclusion means that municipalities will not have to count these expenses towards the limit on budget increases, which is currently set at 2.5% or the cost-of-living adjustment, whichever is lower. The bill specifically defines emergency response personnel to include police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and members of ambulance teams, rescue squads, or mobile intensive care units.

By adding this exception, the bill aims to provide municipalities with greater flexibility in budgeting for essential emergency services without being constrained by the appropriation cap. This change is intended to ensure that municipalities can adequately fund their emergency response capabilities, which are critical for public safety and welfare. The bill will take effect immediately and apply to municipal budgets adopted after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40A:4-45.3