HB 57 Summary

• Amends Section 46-13.1 to clarify that volunteer fire station personnel are entitled to workers' compensation benefits under part V of chapter 386 and shall be considered county employees for compensation purposes.

• Modifies the calculation of average weekly wages for injured volunteer firefighters to use the method specified in Section 386-181(c) rather than the standard $18 per week minimum previously referenced.

• Changes Section 386-181(c) to allow wages of other employees in comparable employment to be considered (rather than prohibited) when computing average weekly wages for volunteer firefighters and similar public service volunteers.

• Specifies that volunteer firefighters must be paid at least the minimum hourly wage prescribed in chapter 387 and that their self-employment income counts as wages for benefit calculation purposes.

• Takes effect on June 30, 3000, and does not affect rights, duties, or proceedings that matured or began before the effective date.