THE FOLLOWING RELEASE IS FROM STATE REP BRANDUN SCHWEIZER’S OFFICE
SPRINGFIELD, IL… State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) has passed legislation out of the Illinois House that expands protections for volunteer first responders.
Schweizer’s bill, HB 1353, works to do three things:
- Adds job protections when a volunteer emergency worker is called to respond during working hours, while still respecting the employer workplace policies
- Strengthens and clarifies protections for required training, including prohibiting discipline and preventing the forced use of accrued leave time
- Updates the municipal population threshold from 7,500 to 15,000 so the law applies to more communities that rely on volunteer emergency workers
“Volunteer first responders do not have the same employment protections as full-time employees, and that creates major issues,” said Rep. Schweizer. “This legislation provides additional protections for volunteer emergency workers when they are called to respond. With so much of our state—especially downstate—relying on these volunteers, this bill is crucial. I thank my colleagues in the House for recognizing the need for this important legislation.”
The bill does not require employers to compensate employees for time spent responding to emergencies or attending training. It also does not supersede existing workplace policies, collective bargaining agreements, or administrative rules. Any current workplace policies regarding cell phone use remain in effect under this legislation.
The idea for the bill came from a constituent, Jeremy Evans, Fire Chief of the Oakwood Fire Protection District.
“When constituents bring issues to our attention, it is our responsibility to act,” Schweizer added. “I was proud to file this legislation and look forward to seeing it advance in the Senate.”
The bill passed the House unanimously and now heads to the Senate for consideration. To follow the bill, visit ilga.gov. To contact Rep. Schweizer, call (217) 477-0104 or visit RepSchweizer.com.
