HB 1833 Summary

• Prohibits public and private employers from terminating employment of any employee who becomes a volunteer firefighter with a municipal, rural, subscription, or charitable fire department.

• Prohibits employment termination if a volunteer firefighter employee is absent or late to work in order to respond to an emergency, though employers may deduct pay for time missed.

• Requires employers to request written verification from the fire department supervisor confirming the employee responded to an emergency and stating the date and time, and requires employees to make reasonable effort to notify their employer of potential absences.

• Allows terminated employees to bring civil action seeking reinstatement, back wages, reinstatement of fringe benefits, and seniority rights restoration, with claims required to be filed within one year of termination.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2015.