H.B. No. 5424 amends Section 419.0322(c) of the Government Code to establish new compensation limits for volunteer firefighters. The bill stipulates 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.

The bill removes previous language that allowed for compensation to a volunteer firefighter to the extent that the person would be considered fully paid fire protection personnel. This change aims to clarify and limit the financial benefits that can be provided to volunteer firefighters, ensuring that their compensation remains within specified thresholds. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2026.

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)