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Bill

Bill

A 644

Provides a reduction in insurance premium charges for insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon and 5 co-sponsors

Reduces insurance premium charges for insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel, easing costs and boosting retention and participation for volunteer departments.

REFERRED TO INSURANCE
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 644

Summary of Bill A 644

Overview

Bill A 644, introduced January 8, 2025, seeks to provide a reduction in insurance premium charges for insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel. The measure is currently in the legislative process and has been referred to the Insurance committee.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim is to reduce the cost burden of insurance premiums on insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel.
  • By lowering premium charges, the bill intends to support volunteers and emergency responders, potentially improving retention and participation.

Key Provisions (as indicated by title)

  • The bill would establish a reduction in insurance premium charges for individuals who are insured volunteer firefighters and other emergency personnel.
  • Specific mechanisms (e.g., formula for reduction, eligibility criteria beyond being "insured," duration, applicable types of policies, and processing details) are not provided in the available information.

Note: The summary above reflects the bill’s stated purpose. The actual text would detail the exact calculations, applicability, savings thresholds, and any offsets or administrative processes.

Affected Parties

  • Insured volunteer firefighters.
  • Other insured emergency personnel.
  • Potentially, volunteer fire departments and emergency organizations that sponsor or employ volunteers.
  • Insurance carriers and regulatory authorities overseeing premium calculations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the Insurance committee (listed twice in the record, both on January 8, 2025).
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary sponsor: Karen McMahon
    • Cosponsors: Chantel Jackson, Marianne Buttenschon
  • Related bills from prior sessions: A 4671 and A 524 (listed as prior-session references), which may share similar goals or provisions.

Potential Impacts

  • For insured volunteers and emergency personnel: Potentially lower out-of-pocket premium costs.
  • For volunteer organizations: Possible reductions in funding pressures related to insurance, which could impact recruitment, retention, and overall program viability.
  • For insurers: Administrative and pricing implications if the reduction affects premium pools; may prompt adjustments to underwriting practices or rates.
  • For state oversight: Policy changes related to premium regulation and compliance, subject to legislative and regulatory review.

Notes

  • The available information does not include the bill’s exact text, implementation timeline, or the precise mechanics of the premium reduction. Readers should consult the full bill text and committee analyses for detailed provisions if and when they become available.

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

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