This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299A.41, subdivision 4, to expand the definition of "public safety officer" to include part-time, paid on-call, and volunteer firefighters, in addition to full-time firefighters. The new language specifies that these firefighters are eligible for service line of duty death benefits while performing nonroutine stressful or strenuous physical activities, including training exercises. The bill also clarifies the definitions of various types of firefighters as per section 424A.001, ensuring that the terms "volunteer firefighter," "paid on-call firefighter," "part-time firefighter," and "full-time firefighter" are clearly defined.

In the amendment, the previous language that limited the definition of public safety officers to full-time employees has been deleted, allowing for a broader inclusion of firefighters who serve in various capacities. Additionally, the bill specifies that nonroutine stressful or strenuous physical activities do not include clerical, administrative, or nonmanual tasks, thereby focusing on the physical demands of firefighting duties. This legislative change aims to provide equitable benefits to all firefighters serving in Minnesota, regardless of their employment status.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 299A.41