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HB 1353

VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY WORKERS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jason Bunting and 37 co-sponsors

Illinois HB 1353 modifies protections and benefits for volunteer emergency workers, affecting recruitment, liability coverage, and municipal emergency response capacity.

Sent to the Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 1353

Legislative bill overview

HB 1353 addresses protections and benefits for volunteer emergency workers in Illinois. Based on the bill designation and sponsor activity, it likely modifies existing laws governing volunteer firefighters, EMTs, or rescue personnel—potentially affecting liability protections, workers' compensation coverage, or pension eligibility. The recent accumulation of co-sponsors in March 2025 suggests the bill gained momentum across the legislative session.

Why is this important

Volunteer emergency services are critical infrastructure in many Illinois communities, particularly rural areas where paid departments are limited. Changes to volunteer protections or benefits directly affect recruitment and retention of these essential workers, which impacts emergency response capacity and public safety outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Expanded benefits or liability protections for volunteers may increase municipal or state costs, creating budget concerns for local governments
  • Definition and scope disputes: Disagreement over which workers qualify as "volunteer emergency workers" could affect eligibility for specific protections or compensation
  • Burden on municipalities: Requirements for volunteer support infrastructure (training, equipment, administrative oversight) may place unfunded mandates on local budgets

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

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