HF2817

HF2817 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Service line of duty death benefits provided for part-time, paid on-call, and volunteer firefighters.

Related bill: SF3030

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill seeks to amend existing law to include part-time, paid on-call, and volunteer firefighters in Minnesota as eligible for line of duty death benefits. The proposed changes ensure that these firefighters are recognized for their service and receive similar benefits as full-time firefighters.

Main Provisions

Expansion of Eligibility: The bill expands the definition of "public safety officer" to include part-time paid, on-call, and volunteer firefighters. This inclusion allows them to qualify for line of duty death benefits.
Specific Duties Covered: The amendment specifies the types of duties that qualify these firefighters for benefits. This includes engaging in firefighting, training exercises, emergency motor vehicle operations, fire investigations, providing emergency medical services, and responding to hazardous materials incidents.
Inclusion of Volunteer Fire Departments: Members of volunteer fire departments and independent nonprofit firefighting corporations are also included under public safety officer definitions, if engaged in firefighting hazards.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Recognition and Inclusion: The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299A.41 subdivision 4, by expanding the definition of eligible public safety officers. This change ensures broader coverage and benefits for fire department personnel who do not serve on a full-time basis.
Clarification of Terms: The bill aligns terminology such as volunteer, part-time, and full-time firefighter with official definitions provided in section 424A.001 subdivisions 10 to 10c, ensuring consistent use across legal contexts.

Relevant Terms

part-time firefighters, paid on-call firefighters, volunteer firefighters, public safety officer, line of duty death benefits, firefighting duties, Minnesota firefighting, emergency services, hazardous materials responder, independent nonprofit firefighting corporation.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 25, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Public Safety Finance and Policy
March 31, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Service line of duty death benefits extended to part-time paid on-call and volunteer firefighters."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill modifies the definition of a public safety officer under section 299A.41 subdivision 4.",
      "modified": [
        "Redefines categories of public safety officers and firefighters covered under the statute."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "299A.41",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This legislation refers to definitions relevant to the public safety officer described in section 626.84.",
      "modified": [
        "Refers to definitions of peace officers under specific paragraphs."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "626.84",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced as part of public safety officers' definition in the bill under section 243.05 subdivision 6.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "243.05",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 6"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced as part of public safety officers' definition in the bill under section 244.19 subdivision 1.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "244.19",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced as part of public safety officers' definition in the bill under section 401.01 subdivision 2.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "401.01",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provides definitions for various types of firefighters mentioned in clause 4 of the bill.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "424A.001",
    "subdivision": "subdivisions 10 to 10c"
  }
]