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New Jersey - Firefighters, rescue squad members and other volunteer emergency responders in New Jersey may soon get some assistance of their own from state lawmakers.

The Assembly Budget Committee is expected to give final consideration Monday to legislation that would bar employers from firing or suspending employees who don't report to work because they're providing emergency services.

The measure (A-1263) would not require employers to pay the worker for the missed day, but employees would be able to charge their absence as a paid vacation or sick day.

And if an employee is actively involved in rendering emergency services for two or more consecutive work days, the officials in charge would have to notify the volunteer's employer each day they're required to be absent.

If the committee approves the measure, it will head to the full Assembly for a vote, likely on Thursday.