69th Legislative Interim - Emergency Response Services Committee [Source] Translate

The Emergency Response Services Committee meeting began with housekeeping announcements, including Representative Hawley's remote participation due to illness. A roll call confirmed a quorum, and the minutes from the previous meeting were unanimously approved. William Holohan, executive director of Montana's pension system, presented on the Volunteer Firefighters Compensation Act plan, which provides pension, disability, and survivorship benefits to volunteer firefighters in Montana. Established in 1965, the plan is funded by 5% of fire insurance premium taxes and currently includes 228 volunteer departments. Holohan outlined eligibility requirements, noting that volunteers do not contribute financially and must complete at least 30 hours of training annually. The plan has seen funding increase from about $2 million in 2016 to nearly $4 million recently, with a trust fund of approximately $60 million and a funded ratio over 100%. The committee discussed the administration and funding of the benefits program, which costs about $365,000 annually. Questions arose regarding the inclusion of volunteer ambulance services, which are currently excluded. Concerns about training requirements and their monitoring were addressed, with audits indicating effective training programs. The impact of benefits on volunteerism and retention was noted, with a proposal to increase base benefits mentioned. Tim Wallin from Workforce Safety and Insurance proposed legislation for wage loss benefits for volunteer firefighters injured on duty, suggesting a base yearly wage of $30,000. The committee expressed interest in including search and rescue personnel in the benefits program and acknowledged the need for further exploration of these issues. Concerns about the burden on smaller departments and the challenges of retaining volunteers were discussed, emphasizing the importance of a positive departmental culture. Dr. Matthew Clark, the state fire marshal, highlighted the decline in volunteerism and the need for collaboration among agencies. The meeting also focused on training, education, and recruitment in emergency services, with discussions on the historical overview of firefighter training in North Dakota and the need for structured implementation plans. The low percentage of fire departments reporting incidents to the federal level was noted as a barrier to securing federal grants. Financial challenges faced by EMS agencies were highlighted, including low reimbursement rates and high operational costs. The average fee-for-service revenue was reported at just over $1,100, while expenses per transport averaged $1,584. The meeting concluded with discussions on the complexities of funding mechanisms and the need for legislative support to address financial challenges. The committee reviewed several bill drafts, including changes to the definition of "volunteer," ensuring ambulance services cover all areas of the state, and creating a retirement plan for volunteer first responders. Concerns about fiscal implications and the need for further discussion were raised, particularly regarding the funding sources for the proposed retirement plan. The meeting ended with a motion to accept the report from PWW, which passed unanimously, and plans for a final meeting in early May to finalize details before the 10th.