H.B. No. 5424 amends Section 419.0322(c) of the Government Code to establish new compensation limits for volunteer firefighters. The bill specifies that a fire department may not compensate, reimburse, or provide benefits to an individual designated as a volunteer or auxiliary firefighter that exceeds 20 percent of the highest total compensation paid to full-time fire protection personnel by a local government in the county where the department is located, or in an adjacent county if no such local government exists. This replaces the previous language that allowed for compensation to a volunteer firefighter without a specified limit.

The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2026, following its passage in both the House and Senate with unanimous support. The changes aim to clarify and regulate the financial compensation of volunteer firefighters, ensuring that it aligns with established compensation standards for full-time personnel.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 419.0322 (Government Code 419)
House Committee Report: Government Code 419.0322 (Government Code 419)
Engrossed: Government Code 419.0322 (Government Code 419)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 419.0322 (Government Code 419)
Enrolled: Government Code 419.0322 (Government Code 419)