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HB 6459

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PERSONAL INCOME TAX DEDUCTION FOR STIPENDS PAID TO VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE MEMBERS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Billy Buckbee and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill creating income tax deduction for volunteer firefighter and ambulance service member stipends to reduce tax burden on emergency responders.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Finance, Revenue and Bonding
#incometaxdeductions(state) #volunteerambulancecompanies #volunteerfirefighters
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Bill Summary · HB 6459

Legislative bill overview

HB 6459 would create a personal income tax deduction for stipends received by volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance service members in Connecticut. This allows these volunteers to exclude a portion of their compensation from state taxable income, effectively reducing their tax liability on the money they receive for emergency services.

Why is this important

Volunteer emergency responders are critical infrastructure in many Connecticut communities, particularly rural and suburban areas where paid departments may not exist. This tax incentive aims to recognize their service and offset the financial burden of volunteering, potentially encouraging participation in these vital services that communities depend on for fire suppression and emergency medical response.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact and cost: The bill reduces state income tax revenue, and the total fiscal impact depends on how many volunteers qualify and the size of their stipends—costs could be substantial if broadly applied
  • Fairness and precedent concerns: Creates a tax preference for one category of workers; could prompt requests for similar deductions for other volunteer or public service roles, raising questions about equitable tax treatment
  • Definition and eligibility scope: The bill's effectiveness depends on clear definitions of what qualifies as a "stipend," which municipalities or whether all volunteer roles are included, potentially creating administrative complexity or unintended coverage gaps

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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