Senate Bill 2751 Summary

• Extends Tort Claims Act protections to volunteer firefighters and volunteer fire departments that are chartered nonprofit corporations providing emergency services under contract with counties or municipalities.

• Expands the definition of "employee" under the Tort Claims Act to include volunteer firefighters who are members of volunteer fire departments that are political subdivisions.

• Classifies certain volunteer fire departments as "political subdivisions" eligible for liability insurance requirements and protections under the Tort Claims Act.

• Clarifies eligibility of volunteer firefighters for death benefits (up to $65,000) and disability benefits (34% of regular base salary for up to 12 months) under the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters benefit programs.

• Grants volunteer fire departments until July 1, 2013, to obtain and have approved required insurance policies or self-insurance reserves as mandated for political subdivisions.