HLS 13RS-907 ENGROSSED
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2013
HOUSE BILL NO. 339
BY REPRESENTATIVE BERTHELOT
Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
FIRE PROTECT/FIRE MARSHAL: Allows the use of public funds for length of service
awards programs established by fire protection districts, municipal fire departments,
or volunteer fire departments for volunteer firefighters
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 40:1510, relative to volunteer firefighters; to allow for the use2
of public funds for certain activities; to create a length of service program; and to3
provide for related matters.4
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:5
Section 1. R.S. 40:1510 is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:6
ยง1510. Expenditure of public funds for awards, recognition and meals7
A. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a fire protection8
district, municipal fire department, or volunteer fire department may expend public9
funds in connection with the following activities:10
(1) The purchase of a plaque, trophy, certificate, medal, or similar memento11
to acknowledge outstanding achievement or valiant act of personnel not to exceed12
one hundred dollars.13
(2) Meals, snacks, or refreshments for firefighters involved in fire14
department related meetings, workshops, training programs, or performing of15
emergency services not to exceed twenty-five dollars per person.16
(3) The implementation and execution of a length of service awards17
program. For the purposes of this Paragraph, a length of service awards program18
shall mean a program established by the fire protection district, municipal fire19
department, or volunteer fire department that provides a monetary benefit, based20 HLS 13RS-907 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 339
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
upon service, to eligible volunteer firefighters as determined by the fire protection1
district, municipal fire department, or volunteer fire department. The length of2
service awards program shall not be considered a vested right nor entitle the recipient3
to any other benefit not directly related to the program's monetary benefit. The4
length of service award shall not be considered permanent and may be discontinued5
at any time.6
(3) B. The provisions of this Section shall not be construed to prohibit or7
restrict the use of public funds to pay or defray the reasonable expenses of travel and8
lodging required for attendance at any conference or convention for the purpose of9
educating or training fire department personnel with regard to their public duties and10
responsibilities.11
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Berthelot HB No. 339
Abstract: Allows for the use of public funds by a fire protection district, municipal fire
department, or volunteer fire department for the implementation of length of service
awards program for volunteer firefighters.
Present law allows fire protection districts, municipal fire departments, and volunteer fire
departments to use public funds in connection with certain activities such as the purchase
of recognitions of achievement not to exceed $100 and refreshments for firefighters while
at meetings or training. Present law further specifies that public funds can be used to pay
or defray reasonable travel expenses at an educational conference.
Proposed law retains present law and in addition allows for the use of public funds by fire
districts, municipal fire departments, and volunteer fire departments for the implementation
of length of service awards programs, which provide a monetary benefit, based on service,
to eligible volunteer firefighters. Provides that the program is not a vested right and does
not entitle recipients to other benefits. Provides that the award is not permanent.
(Amends R.S. 40:1510)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and
Cultural Affairs to the original bill.
1. Specifies that the length of service award program is not a vested right, does not
entitle the recipient to any other benefits not directly related to the program, and may be
discontinued at any time.