Bill
S 217
Bill S 217 establishes a service learning program for students volunteering as firefighters or ambulance workers, offering educational benefits like credits and scholarships.
Bill Number: S 217
Title: Creates a service learning program for students serving as active volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance workers
Status: Referred to Higher Education
Introduced: January 08, 2025
Classification: Bill
The primary purpose of Bill S 217 is to establish a service learning program that recognizes and supports students who volunteer as active firefighters or ambulance workers. This initiative aims to encourage youth participation in community service while providing educational benefits to those who dedicate their time to these critical roles.
Service Learning Program Creation: The bill proposes the creation of a structured program that integrates community service with educational opportunities for students engaged in volunteer firefighting or ambulance services.
Eligibility Criteria: Students who are active volunteer firefighters or ambulance workers will be eligible to participate in the program. Specific criteria for participation may be outlined in subsequent regulations.
Educational Benefits: The program may offer various educational incentives, such as:
Partnerships: The bill encourages collaboration between educational institutions and local fire departments or ambulance services to facilitate the program's implementation.
Students: The bill is expected to benefit high school and college students who volunteer in emergency services by providing them with educational incentives and recognition for their service.
Community Services: Local fire departments and ambulance services may see an increase in volunteer participation, as students are motivated to engage in these roles for academic credit and potential scholarships.
Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges will need to develop frameworks to integrate this service learning program into their curricula, which may involve administrative adjustments and partnerships with local emergency services.
Current Status: As of January 08, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Higher Education committee for further consideration.
Related Legislation: Bill S 217 is related to several prior-session bills (S 3126, S 6678, S 1441, S 1569, S 6369, S 4461) and has a companion bill (A 7908) that may address similar objectives.
Bill S 217 aims to foster a culture of volunteerism among students while providing them with tangible educational benefits. By creating a service learning program for those involved in firefighting and ambulance services, the bill seeks to enhance community engagement and support the development of future leaders in emergency services. Further discussions and evaluations in the Higher Education committee will determine the bill's progression and potential implementation.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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