Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00551

Introduced
1/21/11  
Refer
1/21/11  
Refer
2/9/11  
Refer
2/9/11  

Caption

An Act Concerning Volunteer Firefighters And Ambulance Service Volunteers Employed In The State.

Impact

If enacted, SB00551 would modify existing statutes related to the workplace treatment of employees who are also active volunteer firefighters or members of ambulance services. Under the proposed law, employers would be prohibited from discriminating against these employees for their involvement in volunteer emergency services. This includes conditions relating to their work hours, specifically allowing them to leave work to attend to emergencies without repercussion. Such legal protection could significantly impact workplace policies by ensuring that volunteer responders can fulfill their duties without risking their employment status.

Summary

SB00551, known as the Act Concerning Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Service Volunteers Employed in the State, aims to establish protections for volunteers who serve in emergency response roles while being employed within the state. This legislation allows members of volunteer fire companies and ambulance services to respond to emergencies during work hours without the fear of losing pay or being penalized by their employers. The bill emphasizes the importance of volunteer emergency responders in maintaining community safety and effectively addressing emergencies.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SB00551 appears to be supportive from the community and advocacy groups that value the role of volunteers in public safety. Proponents argue that the bill acknowledges the sacrifices made by these individuals and promotes a culture of support for emergency responders. However, it is possible that there is some contention among employers concerned about the implications of the bill on their operational flexibility and management of staff absenteeism due to emergency calls.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB00551 include potential disputes between employer rights and employee protections. Critics may argue that while the bill seeks to protect volunteer responders, it may place undue burdens on employers who need to manage their workforces effectively. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding how municipalities decide to implement these provisions and whether they have adequate resources to manage the influx of volunteer responders leaving for emergencies. Thus, the balance between supporting volunteer emergency services and ensuring a stable work environment for all employees remains a critical topic in discussions about the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB00084

An Act Establishing A Personal Income Tax Deduction For Stipends Paid To Certain Volunteer Firefighters Or Volunteer Ambulance Members.

CT HB05028

An Act Establishing A Personal Income Tax Deduction For Stipends Paid To Volunteer Firefighters And Volunteer Ambulance Members.

CT HB05071

An Act Establishing A Personal Income Tax Deduction For Stipends Paid To Volunteer Firefighters And Volunteer Ambulance Members.

CT HB05264

An Act Concerning Volunteer Fire Departments And Ambulance Companies And The Definition Of Employer Under The State Occupational Safety And Health Act.

CT HB05017

An Act Concerning A Credit Against The Personal Income Tax For Municipal Volunteer Firefighters And Municipal Volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians.

CT HB05460

An Act Concerning Health Insurance Coverage For Ambulance Services.

CT SB00179

An Act Concerning Rates For Ambulance And Paramedic Services.

CT SB00422

An Act Concerning Firefighter Recruitment And Retention.

CT SB00427

An Act Concerning Police Animals And Dogs In Volunteer Canine Search And Rescue Teams.

CT HB05490

An Act Concerning The Sales And Use Taxes On Ambulance-type Motor Vehicles And Ambulances.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.