The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation aimed at expanding workers’ compensation coverage for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
Senate Bill 1053 would ensure that volunteers are covered if they are injured while participating in fundraising activities that support the operation of fire and EMS services. Fundraising events are often used to offset the costs associated with providing public safety services.
A 1980 court decision determined that firefighters injured during an authorized fundraising picnic were eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, current law does not clearly extend that coverage to all types of fundraising activities.
Supporters of the bill say the legislation would clarify and expand protections by explicitly including fundraising efforts under workers’ compensation eligibility.
The measure has now been sent to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for further consideration.
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