The proposed bill aims to expand eligibility for coverage under the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program to include certain volunteer firefighters. It introduces new definitions for "fire department" and "volunteer firefighter," specifying that a fire department is an organization that employs volunteer firefighters and is established for fire prevention or extinguishment. A volunteer firefighter is defined as a member of a fire department who actively engages in firefighting activities and receives less than $5,000 in total compensation from the department during the taxable year.

Additionally, the bill amends the eligibility criteria for participation in the insurance program. It adds volunteer firefighters to the list of eligible participants, alongside public school employees and full-time school bus drivers. Volunteer firefighters who choose to participate will be responsible for paying their premiums, which can be deducted from their bank accounts or partially covered by the fire department that employs them. This change aims to provide essential health insurance coverage to those who serve in volunteer firefighting roles.

Statutes affected:
HB 1240: 21-5-407, 21-5-410(g)