This bill proposes to amend section 23-1021.01 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to redefine the term "firefighter" and clarify eligibility for workers' compensation benefits. Under the new language, the term "firefighter" will specifically refer to a professional firefighter who is a state firefighter, a member of a city or town fire department, a member of a fire district fire department, or a member of a fire authority. The bill also updates the language to ensure that both peace officers and firefighters are recognized in the context of workers' compensation eligibility when injured or killed while traveling to or from work, provided they are not engaged in criminal activity.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language to remove references to "fire fighter" as defined in section 1-215 and replaces it with "firefighter." It clarifies that the section does not create any liability for the employer regarding civil damages resulting from the firefighter's conduct while traveling to or from work. Overall, the bill aims to provide clearer definitions and protections for firefighters under workers' compensation statutes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-1021.01
House Engrossed Version: 23-1021.01