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HB 2681

Modifies provisions relating to supplemental workers' compensation insurance for volunteer firefighters

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Johnson

HB 2681 lets self-insured employers and eligible local entities purchase supplemental workers’ comp coverage for volunteer firefighters to enhance benefits beyond the statutory pro

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 2681

Overview

House Bill 2681 (Missouri, 2026) amends provisions related to workers’ compensation for first responders by allowing and outlining the use of supplemental, voluntary insurance coverage for volunteer firefighters. The measure focuses on enabling self-insured employers and eligible groups to obtain additional coverage beyond the standard workers’ compensation benefits and clarifies who can fund and administer this supplemental coverage.

Purpose and intent

  • Create a mechanism for employers that are self-insured or part of an approved self-insurance group to contract for extra workers’ compensation coverage specifically for volunteer firefighters injured in the line of duty.
  • Permit funding contributions from various eligible entities (volunteer fire departments, county or regional associations, municipalities, or combinations) to help pay premiums for the supplemental coverage.
  • Allow counties or municipalities to use certain tax proceeds not earmarked for other purposes to finance the supplemental coverage.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 287.280 is rewritten to preserve the current framework for mandatory workers’ compensation insurance or self-insurance but adds a new subdivision:
    • Subdivision 1(1) authorizes an employer or group to obtain additional supplemental insurance coverage for volunteer firefighters injured while on duty, covering additional workers’ compensation benefits (including temporary total disability benefits under section 287.250) beyond the statutory amounts.
    • Subdivision 1(2) clarifies that volunteer fire departments, county/regional associations, municipalities, or self-insuring groups may contribute to premiums for this supplemental coverage. It also allows counties or municipalities to use tax proceeds not earmarked for other purposes to fund the coverage.
  • Subdivision 2 requires groups qualified to insure liability to use a uniform experience rating plan developed by an approved advisory organization, ensuring consistent rating and reporting.
  • Subdivisions 3–6 impose standard self-insurance governance requirements, including limits on total discounts, premium rate filings, and investment of surplus funds under supervision of the division.
  • Subdivision 8 addresses insolvency scenarios, outlining the division’s ability to mobilize security and transfer administration to a third-party, with protections and limitations on state ownership and liability.
  • Subdivisions 9–11 establish rulemaking and confidentiality rules for records related to this section.

Who is affected

  • Employers that are self-insured for workers’ compensation or belong to self-insured groups.
  • Volunteer fire departments and county/regional associations of volunteer fire departments.
  • Municipalities and other local government entities that might self-insure or participate in funding supplemental coverage.
  • Taxing entities (counties/municipalities) with authority to allocate funds for this purpose.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill references standard Missouri workers’ compensation process and self-insurance governance, including hearings for suspensions of self-insurance rights and established review mechanisms.
  • It outlines funding and premium processes, including experience rating and rate filings, with transitional provisions applicable to existing self-insurance structures.
  • Effective dates for some provisions align with existing regulatory timelines (e.g., premium payment requirements starting around stated dates in related provisions).

Bottom line

HB 2681 expands workers’ compensation coverage for volunteer firefighters by allowing supplemental, additional insurance funded by self-insured employers and eligible local entities, with a framework for funding, rating, administration, and insolvency safeguards. This aims to enhance benefits for volunteers who sustain line-of-duty injuries beyond the statutory program.

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

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