Bumstead bill would expand worker compensation benefit for part-time police officers, volunteer firefighters

Bumstead bill would expand worker compensation benefit for part-time police officers, volunteer firefighters

LANSING, Mich. — Part-time police officers and volunteer firefighters would receive expanded worker’s compensation benefits under a bill introduced Thursday by state Sen. Jon Bumstead.

“Many of the same challenges and dangers are faced by our police officers and firefighters, regardless of whether they work full-time, part-time or volunteer,” said Bumstead, R-North Muskegon. “All of these brave men and women put their lives on the line and should be given the same workers’ compensation presumptions when they answer the call of duty. It is simply the right thing to do.”

Bumstead said Senate Bill 244 seeks to correct an oversight in a 2021 update to the state’s Worker’s Disability Compensation Act that currently covers full-time police and firefighters who are granted a presumption that respiratory illness or heart disease arose during their employment. His plan would also include part-time and voluntary members of police and fire departments.

“My bill will ensure part-time and volunteer first responders are covered by the same presumption as their full-time counterparts under the state’s workers’ compensation law,” Bumstead said. “This guarantee will also help our public safety departments recruit and retain dedicated men and women to serve in our communities, which is a critically important need.”

SB 244 was referred to the Senate Committee on Labor for consideration.

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