Bill > HB128

This bill provides protections for volunteer emergency service providers to prevent their termination from employment due to their volunteer service. The legislation requires employees who are volunteer emergency service providers (such as volunteer firefighters or emergency medical technicians) to provide written notification to their employer within 30 days of joining a volunteer organization or being hired. Employers are prohibited from firing an employee who has completed their probationary period because of their volunteer emergency service. If an employee is absent or late to work while responding to an emergency, the employer cannot terminate them, provided the employee notifies the employer as soon as possible and the absence does not critically impair the employer's essential functions. The employee cannot claim regular pay for time absent due to volunteer service, and the employer may request documentation of the emergency response. If an employer wrongfully terminates a volunteer emergency service provider, the employee can bring a civil action within one year of termination and may be entitled to remedies under existing employment law. The bill defines volunteer emergency services providers as volunteer firefighters, enrolled volunteer fire department members, or volunteer emergency medical technicians who are not paid full-time by the organization they serve.

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https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0941