Bill > SB1053

This bill amends the Workers' Compensation Act to expand the definition of "employee" to include more specific protections and coverage for volunteer emergency service workers. The bill clarifies that members of volunteer fire departments, ambulance corps, and rescue squads are considered employees for workers' compensation purposes, even when performing non-emergency duties such as organizing fundraising activities, maintaining equipment, or providing administrative support. The legislation specifically updates language to replace the term "fundraisers" with "fundraising activity" and explicitly includes operational support roles that do not involve responding to emergency calls. The bill broadens the scope of workers' compensation coverage for volunteers by recognizing their contributions beyond direct emergency response, such as maintaining stations, acting as trustees, providing technology support, and assisting with recruitment. These changes aim to provide more comprehensive protection and recognition for volunteers who contribute significant time and effort to their local emergency service organizations. The amendments take effect 60 days after passage, ensuring that volunteer emergency service workers have expanded workers' compensation coverage.

Labor and Employment

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1053