Senate approves controversial EMS regulation proposal in narrow vote
A controversial emergency services regulation bill is surviving, even if on life support, with the New Jersey Senate giving the measure narrow approval Thursday.
The bill from Democrats has been criticized by volunteer first aiders for enabling their replacement by paid professionals. A similar bill was vetoed by Republican Gov. Chris Christie in January.
The Senate’s 22-14 vote was mostly along party lines but gave the measure one vote more than the 21 required for passage, sending the proposal to the Assembly for consideration.
The New Jersey State First Aid Council, representing 320 volunteer ambulance squads, said in a statement that it opposes sections of the bill that “would lead to a diminishing role for volunteers to the benefit of paid services,” and that the proposal “calls for services that cannot be afforded in the current economy.” (Jordan, Asbury Park Press)
