Summary of HR 743 - Tim’s Act

Bill Title: Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Classification and Pay Parity Act (Tim’s Act)

Bill Number: HR 743

Introduced: January 28, 2025

Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture

Sponsors: Joe Neguse (primary), Michael Lawler, Mike Thompson, Josh Harder, Brittany Pettersen, Zoe Lofgren, Julia Brownley, Val T. Hoyle, Brian K. Fitzpatrick, Mike Levin, Don Bacon, Melanie A. Stansbury, Kim Schrier

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of Tim’s Act is to enhance the classification and compensation of federal wildland firefighters. This legislation seeks to address the disparities in pay and benefits for these essential workers, recognizing their critical role in managing wildland fires and protecting natural resources.

Key Provisions

Tim’s Act includes several significant provisions designed to improve the working conditions and compensation for federal wildland firefighters:

1. Special Base Rates of Pay: Establishes special base pay rates for federal wildland firefighters to ensure competitive compensation.

2. Incident Response Premium Pay: Introduces a premium pay structure for firefighters responding to wildland fire incidents, acknowledging the risks and demands of their work.

3. Rest and Recuperation Leave: Provides provisions for rest and recuperation leave for employees engaged in wildland firefighting, promoting their health and well-being.

4. Health Provisions: Includes health-related benefits to support the physical and mental health of wildland firefighters.

5. Retirement Benefits: Enhances retirement benefits specifically for firefighters, recognizing the unique challenges of their profession.

6. Pay Parity: Ensures pay parity for federal structural firefighters, aligning their compensation with that of wildland firefighters.

7. Wildland Fire Management Casualty Assistance Program: Establishes a program to assist families of firefighters who are injured or killed in the line of duty.

8. Continuing Accrual of Service: Allows for the continued accrual of service time for firefighters, which is crucial for retirement and benefits calculations.

Who Would Be Affected

The bill primarily affects federal wildland firefighters, including those in temporary, seasonal, or permanent positions at the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior, as well as Tribal firefighters. The legislation aims to improve their pay, benefits, and overall working conditions, thereby enhancing their ability to perform their critical roles in fire management.

Legislative Timeline

• January 28, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, as well as the Committees on Natural Resources and Agriculture.
• March 7, 2025: Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture for further consideration.

Related Bills

• S 279: Companion bill in the Senate.
• HR 4671: Another companion bill related to firefighter compensation and benefits.

Tim’s Act represents a significant step towards recognizing and addressing the needs of wildland firefighters, ensuring they receive fair compensation and support for their vital work in protecting communities and natural resources.