Connecticut House Bill HB05489

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/11
• Refer: 1/19/11
• Refer: 2/3/11
• Report Pass: 3/1/11
• Refer: 3/7/11
• Report Pass: 3/14/11
• Refer: 6/4/11
• Report Pass: 6/6/11
• Engrossed: 6/6/11
• Chaptered: 6/30/11
• Enrolled: 7/1/11
• Passed: 7/13/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Immunity From Liability For Fire Police Officers, Property Tax Relief For Volunteer Fire Police Officers And Underwater Search And Rescue Teams And The Approval Of Regional Fire Schools.

Impact

The bill introduces provisions for protecting municipalities from liability for actions undertaken by volunteer emergency personnel. It allows municipalities to provide tax relief to volunteers through programs that may abate property taxes or offer exemptions based on assessed property value. These changes could lead to increased recruitment and retention of volunteers in fire and emergency services, ultimately enhancing community safety and emergency response capabilities. Additionally, the establishment of regional fire schools, subject to approval by the Commissioner of Emergency Services, aims to standardize training and improve the quality of fire safety education across the state.

Summary

House Bill 5489, titled 'An Act Concerning Immunity From Liability For Fire Police Officers, Property Tax Relief For Volunteer Fire Police Officers And Underwater Search And Rescue Teams And The Approval Of Regional Fire Schools', addresses several critical aspects of liability and financial support for volunteer emergency services. The bill aims to provide legal protection to volunteer firefighters, ambulance members, and fire police officers from financial losses related to legal actions for negligence while performing their duties, provided their actions do not involve willful misconduct. This protection is intended to safeguard these essential community members and encourage greater volunteer participation in emergency services by reducing the risks associated with serving in these roles.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 5489 appears largely supportive, particularly among lawmakers advocating for volunteer emergency personnel. The emphasis on liability protection and financial incentives is seen as beneficial in addressing the growing need for volunteers in local fire and emergency response teams. However, there may also be some concerns about the potential impact on local government budgets due to tax relief programs, which could spark discussion about funding and resources for volunteer services, though these points seem less prominent in the ongoing discourse.

Contention

While the bill generally enjoys support, there may be discussions about the implications of providing immunity and tax relief. Critics might argue that it softens accountability for volunteer actions, while supporters contend that it is necessary to ensure volunteers are willing to participate without fear of financial repercussions. Furthermore, the establishment of regional fire schools could lead to debates on the standards of training and the appropriateness of the state's involvement in local training programs, which could affect how these provisions are implemented in practice.