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Bill

S 1882

An Act relative to call and volunteer firefighters and EMTs

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Mark

Massachusetts bill addresses benefits, compensation, and policies for volunteer and call firefighters and EMTs to improve recruitment and retention in emergency services.

Accompanied a study order, see S2786
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Bill Summary · S 1882

Legislative bill overview

S 1882 is a Massachusetts bill addressing policies and benefits for call and volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The specific provisions are not detailed in the action history provided, but the bill has advanced through House concurrence and is scheduled for a Public Service Committee hearing in May 2025.

Why is this important

Volunteer and call firefighters/EMTs are critical to emergency response infrastructure in many Massachusetts communities, particularly outside urban centers. Changes to their compensation, benefits, training requirements, or liability protections could significantly affect recruitment, retention, and service quality across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding burden: Proposed benefits or compensation increases may create unfunded mandates for municipalities already facing budget constraints
  • Definition and eligibility disputes: Disagreement over which responders qualify as "call" vs. "volunteer" and what benefits apply to each category
  • Competitive impact: Changes that favor volunteer firefighters could create tension with professional firefighter unions regarding wages, benefits, or job security

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

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