This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by enhancing the existing framework for the Volunteer Fire Department Workers' Compensation Subsidy Program and establishing new provisions to ensure fair workers' compensation rates for volunteer fire departments and emergency rescue personnel. Specifically, it introduces new language that mandates the State Auditor to quantify and ensure fair workers' compensation rates while developing a more equitable method for tracking and billing across various classifications within these organizations. This is intended to address the financial burdens faced by volunteer fire departments due to increasing workers' compensation insurance premiums.

Additionally, the bill creates a new section under the Department of Homeland Security's Fire Commission, which similarly emphasizes the need for fair workers' compensation rates and equitable tracking and billing methods. The overall goal of the legislation is to provide better financial support and clarity for volunteer fire departments and emergency rescue personnel, ensuring they can effectively manage their workers' compensation obligations while maintaining operational integrity.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 12-4-14a, 15A-11-12