HF2817

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to provide line of duty death benefits to part-time, paid on-call, and volunteer firefighters. This aims to support the families of these firefighters in case of their death while performing their duties.

Main Provisions

• The bill extends public safety officer status to part-time, paid on-call, and volunteer firefighters, making them eligible for certain death benefits if they die in the line of duty.
• It amends the current definition of a public safety officer under Minnesota Statutes to include these categories of firefighters.
• The duties covered under this amendment include engaging in firefighting activities, participating in stressful training exercises, driving emergency vehicles, investigating fires, providing emergency medical services, and responding to hazardous materials emergencies.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Previously, only full-time firefighters were explicitly included in the line of duty death benefits provisions. This amendment broadens the definition to include part-time, paid on-call, and volunteer firefighters, thus expanding the eligibility for death benefits.
• The amendment clarifies that certain non-manual tasks performed by firefighters are not considered as nonroutine stressful or strenuous physical activities and are not eligible for these benefits under this definition.

Relevant Terms

• Public safety officer
• Line of duty death benefits
• Part-time firefighter
• Paid on-call firefighter
• Volunteer firefighter
• Firefighting duties
• Hazardous material responder