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 death 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 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 remove any ambiguity in the current law regarding workers' compensation for this group.