TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey’s police officers, firefighters, and EMTs could soon move to the front of the line for affordable housing under new legislation introduced in the state Assembly.
Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy (D-Burlington) has proposed Assembly Bill 4121, which would allow municipalities to give first responders preference for up to 50 percent of affordable housing units in new developments. The measure adds a new provision to the state’s long-standing Fair Housing Act, granting local governments the option to enter agreements with developers to set aside a portion of affordable units specifically for emergency personnel.
To qualify, first responders must have served at least two years in their role as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical worker—either paid or volunteer. The bill outlines a structured preference system: during the initial 90 days of an affordable housing marketing period, eligible first responders would receive priority consideration for the designated share of units. If vacancies remain after that period, the general public would be eligible.
Once the first marketing phase ends, qualified first responders would remain on a special waiting list alongside the general pool, maintaining ongoing preference whenever availability drops below the agreed-upon threshold. The bill clarifies that these preferences would not reduce a municipality’s affordable housing credits with the state.
Supporting those who serve communities
Murphy said the proposal recognizes the service and sacrifice of those who protect New Jersey’s residents daily, while helping towns meet their affordable housing goals. Similar preferences already exist for military veterans, and this bill mirrors that framework.
The legislation would take effect immediately upon enactment and gives local governments flexibility to negotiate the number of preferred units with developers, up to the 50 percent cap.
Key points:
- Bill A4121 allows up to 50% of affordable units to be reserved for first responders
- Applies to police, firefighters, EMTs, and rescue personnel with two years of service
- Preference mirrors existing veteran housing provisions under state law
If approved, New Jersey would become one of the first states to formally extend housing preferences to active and volunteer emergency responders, offering what Murphy described as “a small way to give back to those who are first to answer the call.”