This bill authorizes volunteer firefighters in Wyoming to participate in the state employees' and officials' group insurance plan, as defined in existing law. It establishes eligibility criteria for enrollment, which includes being a registered volunteer firefighter, attending a minimum percentage of department meetings, responding to a set number of calls, and not being covered by a government-sponsored healthcare program. Volunteer firefighters must enroll within 31 days of either the enactment of this section or their initial volunteering. If they miss this window, they may still enroll later under conditions set by the department. Importantly, these firefighters will be responsible for paying their insurance premiums in full, without any employer contributions.

The bill also makes several amendments to existing definitions and eligibility criteria within the insurance plan. It clarifies that volunteer firefighters are included in the definition of "employee" and specifies that they will not receive state contributions towards their insurance premiums. The Department of Administration and Information is tasked with creating the necessary rules to implement this act, which is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, with certain sections becoming effective immediately upon the bill's passage.

Statutes affected:
24LSO-0024 v0.6: 9-3-203, 9-3-210, 9-3-211