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, along with other public safety personnel such as peace officers and correction officers, are eligible for service line of duty death benefits. The bill also clarifies the types of duties that qualify for these benefits, emphasizing nonroutine stressful or strenuous physical activities and training exercises.

Additionally, the bill removes previous language that limited the definition of eligible firefighters to those employed full-time by the state or a governmental fire department. It introduces new definitions for "volunteer firefighter," "paid on-call firefighter," "part-time firefighter," and "full-time firefighter," referencing existing statutes for clarity. The amendments aim to ensure that all firefighters, regardless of their employment status, receive appropriate recognition and benefits for their service and the risks they undertake.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 299A.41