Bill > H3997

This bill amends several sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws to expand the definition and benefits for first responders to include county and municipal public works employees who may be deployed in emergencies. Specifically, the bill makes changes to four different sections of law: income tax deductions, property tax exemptions, workers' compensation, and the Overdose Prevention Act. Under these amendments, public works employees who can be deployed during emergencies will now be eligible for the same tax deductions and benefits as traditional first responders like firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical technicians. The bill also extends property tax exemption benefits to the surviving spouses of county or municipal public works employees who are killed while deployed in an emergency, providing similar protections to those already in place for military, law enforcement, and firefighting personnel. The changes aim to recognize the critical role public works employees play in emergency response and provide them with comparable recognition and support. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor, signaling a legislative effort to broaden the understanding and classification of first responders in South Carolina.

Budget and Finance

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3997&session=126&summary=B