The bill, S.B. No. 2645, amends Section 419.0322(c) of the Government Code regarding the compensation limits for volunteer firefighters. It establishes that a fire department may not compensate, reimburse, or provide benefits to any individual designated as a volunteer or auxiliary firefighter in a calendar year that exceeds 20 percent of the total compensation paid to full-time fire protection personnel in the adjacent area. This change replaces the previous language that allowed for compensation to be provided to designated volunteers without a specific percentage limit.

The bill aims to clarify and limit the financial compensation that volunteer firefighters can receive, ensuring that it remains within a defined threshold relative to full-time personnel. The new provisions will take effect on September 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 419.0322 (Government Code 419)