This bill introduces protections for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in their regular employment. It prohibits employers from discharging or disciplining employees who fail to report to work on time due to responding to an emergency in their capacity as volunteer firefighters or EMTs. The bill requires that the employee, upon the employer's request, must provide a statement from the fire or ambulance department chief certifying the date and time of the emergency response. Additionally, the employee must inform their employer or supervisor of the reason for their tardiness.
The bill defines a "volunteer member" as a volunteer, call, reserve, or permanent-intermittent firefighter or EMT who has not been compensated for more than 975 hours of service in the past six months. If an employee is terminated or disciplined in violation of this law, they are entitled to immediate reinstatement to their former position with no loss of pay, seniority, or benefits, and compensation for any lost pay or benefits. Legal action to enforce these provisions must be initiated within one year of the alleged violation. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of August 13, 2024. There are no insertions or deletions indicated in the provided text.