Committee tables reserve-firefighter bill after debate on rulemaking, certification and volunteer roles

Senate Bill 24-05, which would establish a fire reserve corps to assist the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services and the Commonwealth Ports Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting unit, drew extended discussion June 25 in the House Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee.

Committee members raised several implementation issues: whether reserve firefighters would be designated "key and emergency essential employees" for overtime and pay purposes; whether the bill should explicitly give the defense commissioner rulemaking authority to promulgate regulations; and what training, certification and background checks volunteers should satisfy to perform tasks such as CPR, hazardous-material handling, or ride-alongs with active crews.

Representative John Posl and others urged insertion of a grant of rulemaking authority so implementing agencies can adopt procedures without returning to the Legislature for each technical change. Multiple members recommended referencing the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) model, requiring age minimums, background checks and fitness standards, and clarifying that volunteers without certification should not perform medical interventions.

Committee counsel and staff were asked to draft language reflecting those concerns. The chair then called a motion to table SB 24-05 pending amendments and counsel work; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The transcript shows substantive exchanges about federal interagency activation, the role of retired or dual-certified personnel, and coordination with homeland security and the Emergency Operations Center.