NJ A1353

Establishes the Volunteer Emergency Responder Loan Redemption Program within the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to provide student loan forgiveness for active volunteer firefighters, first aid/rescue/ambulance squad members, and Office of Emergency Management volunteers

Eligibility requires New Jersey residency, active volunteer emergency responder status in good standing, and completion of an undergraduate degree or certificate from an in-state institution

Provides up to $16,000 in loan redemption over three years: $4,000 (up to 25% of original loan) in year one, $4,000 (up to 25%) in year two, and $8,000 (up to 50%) in year three of active service following graduation

Participants must annually provide sworn statements from their chief or presiding officer confirming active member status; partial-year service does not qualify for benefits

Service obligations may be nullified in cases of death, total permanent disability, or extreme hardship, with participants able to voluntarily withdraw by assuming responsibility for remaining loan balance