CSFA Legislative Update with House Bill Status Report – April 12th, 2017 from Leon Collins
All,
This week we need Connecticut Fire Service officials from across the state to assist our efforts to acquire funding for the Regional Fire Schools. Right now, our best chance for success is to convince the members of the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee to support adequate funding for the operational needs of all nine schools. In the Governor’s budget that was released on February 9th, 2017, it was proposed that the current funding for the Regional Fire Schools remain at $20,000 for each school. This level of funding is woefully inadequate and is similar to previously proposed budgets from the Governor.
If you have a legislator on the Appropriations Committee, please ask your legislator to support increased funding for the Regional Fire Schools for the Fiscal Year 2018 and Fiscal Year 2019 biennium budget. At this point, please do not mention a specific funding source for doing this – several are being researched and it is not clear yet which one may be proposed as an alternative to the surcharge proposed earlier this session in H.B. 5207.
Appropriations is scheduled to release its budget by the end of April, so please look at attached list of senators and representatives who are now members of the Appropriations Committee. The list includes all current Appropriations Committee members and the town or cities they represent. If there is an senator or representative from your town or city on Appropriations, write a letter to him or her and send it to the email address provided on the attached list as soon as possible. When you right your note, please send me a copy so I can keep track.
We need everyone to help in this effort and please keep the tone of the notes positive as we try to gain bipartisan support.
To see the full list of proposed bills that we are tracking, see our updated CSFA House Bill Status Report.
Please contact me if you have any questions or requests related to legislative issues.
Sincerely,
Leon Collins
Legislative Representative
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association
49 Midwood Road
Branford, CT 06405
(203) 494-7842 voice and text
(203) 481-1446 fax
collins@csfa.org email
http://csfa.org website
CSFA: Thanks to all who helped make our 2017 Hall of Fame Dinner a success
Connecticut State Firefighters Association Hall of Fame Dinner 2017
Congratulations to our members who we honored this year at our annual Hall of Fame Dinner.
Firefighters, families and friends once again celebrated those of us who have risen above the ranks with their exemplary service. We express our greatest appreciation for their many years of commitment and hard work.
CSFA Hall of Fame Class of 2017
William Abbott (Hartford)
Edward B. Amatrudo (Poquonnock Bridge, Noank, Westbrook, Nichols, Branford, North Branford)
Wayne Fletcher (Ashford)
Charles Flynn (Suffield/Wethersfield)
Burt Hale (Westfield)
Kevin Kowalski (Simsbury)
James O’Neil (Thomaston)
George H. Quinn (Bethany)
Clarence Rees (Bethel)
David A. Sandford (West Redding, Danbury, Wilton, Westport)
Robert G. Sawyer III (North Stonington)
And a special thanks to WFSB’s Kevin Hogan who emceed our top event of the year at the Aqua Turf in Plainville. This year, to show our appreciation, CSFA presented Kevin with a gift of $250 to be donated to the Channel 3 Kids Camp. We hope our gift helps their wonderful program.
Special Thanks to WFSB and our Master of Ceremonies Kevin Hogan
CSFA presents $250 Check to Kevin Hogan and the WFSB Kids Camp
Again we’d like to thank all of this year’s inductees and their families for their dedication and service over the years.
CSFA Online 2017
Hope you’ll join us Fire Service Day at the Capitol, Wednesday, March 29th
Fire Service Day Starts with Breakfast at the Officer’s Club at 8am
Hope to see you at the Capitol this Wednesday for Fire Service Day. We begin the day with a breakfast at 8am at the Officer’s Club in the State Armory sponsored by Shipman’s Fire Equipment Co.
Breakfast at the State Armory will be Sponsored by Shipman’s
Our sponsor will also be showcasing two new products that Fire Service representatives should find very interesting: the Scott Sight Mask and the Scott RIT Pak Fast Pak will be on display and available for demonstration at the breakfast.
Click this link to see a youtube video on the the Scott Sight Mask.
Click this link to see a youtube video on the RIT Pak Fast Pak.
Fire Service Day at the Capitol – See you at the Legislative Office Building March 29th!!!
Fire Service Day, March 29th, 2017
Thanks for your support!!!
CSFA Online 2017
CSFA Legislative Update with House Bill Status Report – March 23rd, 2017 from Leon Collins
All,
HB 5207 (AN ACT IMPOSING A SURCHARGE ON CERTAIN PERSONAL RISK INSURANCE POLICIES TO FUND REGIONAL FIRE SCHOOLS’ OPERATING BUDGETS AND CERTAIN FIREFIGHTER TRAINING COSTS) had a public hearing but has stalled in the Insurance and Real Estate Committee. The best news is that we still have a commitment from Sen. Tim Larson to assist Rep. Linda Orange’s bill perhaps by amending it to another bill in Public Safety and Security Committee.
Additionally, we had a good long meeting with Sen. Steve Cassano and his staff today March 23rd in which we discussed how the senator might use his SB 538 (AN ACT APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION TO FUND FIRE TRAINING SCHOOLS) to help in our efforts with Rep. Orange’s HB 5207. We discussed some alternative funding sources and have another meeting on Tuesday to follow up the research Sen. Cassano has asked his staff to do between now and then.
HB 5089 (AN ACT ELIMINATING THE CITIZENS’ ELECTION PROGRAM AND TRANSFERRING FUNDS TO STATE AND REGIONAL FIRE TRAINING SCHOOLS) has not had any movement in the Government Administration and Elections Committee. Rep. Sampson has not provided any further action on the bill.
Several bills have moved forward in various committees (each bill listed bellow is followed by a link to the latest available version of the bill):
- HB 5176 (AN ACT INCREASING THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR LOCAL VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY SERVICE PERSONNEL) was recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Safety and Security Committee. See Committee Bill No. 5176 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-05176-R01-HB.htm
- HB 5278 (AN ACT CONCERNING PAID SICK LEAVE FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCHERS AND CALL RECEIVING OPERATORS) moved to a Joint Favorable report in the Labor Committee. See File No. 65 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/2017HB-05278-R000065-FC.htm
- HB 5298 (AN ACT CONCERNING THE SAFETY OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND PATIENTS DURING EMERGENCIES) was recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Safety and Security Committee. See Committee Bill No. 5298 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-05298-R01-HB.htm
- HB 5755 (AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPALITIES’ LOCAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN) was substituted and recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Health Committee. See File No. 115 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/2017HB-05755-R000115-FC.htm
- HB 6038 (AN ACT CONCERNING GOOD SAMARITAN PROTECTIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS WHO RENDER EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO ANIMALS) was substituted and recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Safety and Security Committee. See Committee Bill No. 6038 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-06038-R01-HB.htm
- HB 6258 (AN ACT CONCERNING GOOD SAMARITAN PROTECTIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS WHO RENDER EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO ANIMALS) was recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Safety and Security Committee. Committee Bill No. 6258 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-06258-R01-HB.htm
- HB 6329 (AN ACT CONCERNING HYDRAULIC FRACTURING WASTE IN CONNECTICUT) is still in the Environment Committee. See Committee Bill No. 6329 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-06329-R01-HB.htm
- HB 6715 (AN ACT INCREASING THE PENALTIES FOR THE INTENTIONAL INJURY OR KILLING OF POLICE ANIMALS OR DOGS IN VOLUNTEER CANINE SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS) was recommended Joint Favorable and referred to the Judiciary Committee. See Committee Bill No. 6715 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-06715-R02-HB.htm
- HB 6954 (AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY INSPECTIONS OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS BY LOCAL FIRE MARSHALS) was recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Safety and Security Committee. See Committee Bill No. 6954 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-06954-R01-HB.htm
- HB 7047 (AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL FIRE APPARATUS SAFETY AND TESTING) was recommended Joint Favorable by the Planning and Development Committee. See File No. 90 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/2017HB-07047-R000090-FC.htm
- HB 7139 (AN ACT CONCERNING THE PENALTIES FOR OBSTRUCTING EMERGENCY VEHICLES) failed the Joint Favorable vote. See Raised Bill 7139 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-07139-R00-HB.htm
- HB 7263 (AN ACT CONCERNING MINOR REVISIONS AND TECHNICAL CHANGES TO THE TAX AND RELATED STATUTES) was referred to the Finance Committee. See Raised Bill No. 7263 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-07263-R00-HB.htm
- SB 27 (AN ACT INCLUDING CERTAIN MENTAL OR EMOTIONAL IMPAIRMENTS WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF “PERSONAL INJURY” UNDER THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION STATUTES) was substituted and recommended Joint Favorable by the Labor Committee. See File No. 60 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/2017SB-00027-R000060-FC.htm
- SB 889 (AN ACT CONCERNING THE APPOINTMENT OF A FIRE MARSHAL AND POLICE OFFICERS AT THE CONNECTICUT AIRPORT AUTHORITY) was recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Safety and Security Committee. See Raised Bill No. 889 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/s/2017SB-00889-R00-SB.htm
- SB 890 (AN ACT CONCERNING RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL REGARDING THE STATE FIRE PREVENTION CODE AND LICENSES FOR DEMOLITION) was recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Safety Committee. See Raised Bill 890 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/s/2017SB-00890-R00-SB.htm
Still no word from the UPFFA or the Governor’s staff regarding progress with finding an alternative funding source for 2016’s Public Act 16-10 (“The Cancer Bill”).
To see the full list of proposed bills that we are tracking, see our downloadable CSFA House Bill Status Report.
Please contact me if you have any questions or requests related to legislative issues.
Sincerely,
Leon Collins
Legislative Representative
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association
49 Midwood Road
Branford, CT 06405
Want to bring in new volunteers to your Fire Department? Come learn how this weekend in Branford!
Learn How to Bring in More Volunteers to your Fire Department
The Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association is working with Volunteer Workforce Solutions again to help train and inform local Fire Departments across the state to take advantage of the training and financial opportunities made available by Phase III of the FEMA SAFER program.
The program is being offered in separate sessions on Saturday and Sunday, March 24th and 25th from 9am to 12:30pm and registration is still available today and at the door.
Go to https://ctvws_phase3.everbrite.com to register for either session.
Learn about Fire Department Financial and Training Opportunities
Where: Branford Fire Department Headquarters
When: Saturday or Sunday, March 24th or 25th from 9am -12:30pm
For more information see the flyer below:
CSFA Online 2017
CSFA Legislative Update with House Bill Status Report – March 7th, 2017 from Leon Collins
All,
Most importantly this week, there is a Public Hearing at the LOB in front of legislators of the Finance, Review and Bonding Committee on Thursday March 9th, 2017 at 10:30am in Rm 2E for matters related to Governor’s Bills, specifically, S.B. 788 is on the agenda ( i.e., AN ACT AUTHORIZING AND ADJUSTING BONDS OF THE STATE FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, TRANSPORTATION AND OTHER PURPOSES.) The bill itself does not specifically refer to Fire Schools or related issues, however, this is an opportunity to submit testimony to urge and convince every legislator possible to continue the bonding of our Regional Fire Schools. Please email written testimony in Word or PDF format to FINtestimony@cga.ct.gov. The Committee requests that testimony be limited to matters related to the items on the Agenda. The first hour of the hearing is reserved for Legislators, Constitutional Officers, State Agency Heads and Chief Elected Municipal Officials. Speakers will be limited to three minutes of testimony. The Committee encourages witnesses to submit a written statement and to condense oral testimony to a summary of that statement. If you would like to submit oral testimony, at the Public Hearing, please contact me, Leon Collins and I will add your name to the list of people who wish to testify.
Some other bills are moving forward through their respective committees. You can see the list of bills CSFA is actively supporting this session below:
H.B. 5207 To impose a surcharge on the net direct premiums of homeowners and renters insurance policies written on property or risks located or resident in this state, to fund the operating budgets of regional fire schools.
S.B. 27 To expand workers’ compensation coverage in certain situations that result in mental or emotional impairment. (“The PTSD Bill”)
H.B. 7047 To require each municipal and volunteer fire department to maintain the pump and aerial components of such department’s fire apparatus in compliance with the inspection, maintenance and testing requirements of standard 1911 of the National Fire Protection Association. (“The Apparatus Bill”)
H.B. 7092 To require the installation of smoke detection and warning equipment in residential buildings, amend requirements concerning the Fire Safety Code and delete certain immunity provisions regarding local officials’ duty to detect carbon monoxide within a public school building.
S.B. 847 To allow state and local police officers to obtain insurance records from insurance companies to aid in the investigation of fires of undetermined or incendiary origin.
H.B. 6258 To include within the offense of intimidation based on bigotry or bias the act of a person intimidating or harassing another person because such other person is a police officer, firefighter or emergency medical technician.
To see the full list of legislative bills that we are tracking, see our updated CSFA House Bill Status Report.
Please contact me if you have any questions or requests related to legislative issues.
Sincerely,
Leon Collins
Legislative Representative
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association
49 Midwood Road
Branford, CT 06405
CSFA Online 2017
CSFA Legislative Update with House Bill Status Report – February 14th, 2017 from Leon Collins
All,
Most importantly, the Insurance and Real Estate Committee will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. in Room 2D of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
Proposed H.B. No. 5207 AN ACT IMPOSING A SURCHARGE ON CERTAIN PERSONAL RISK INSURANCE POLICIES TO FUND REGIONAL FIRE SCHOOLS’ OPERATING BUDGETS AND CERTAIN FIREFIGHTER TRAINING COSTS is scheduled for that Public Hearing.
We ask everyone who can possibly attend the public hearing in Class A uniform to be part of a strong Fire Service presence we need to show support for this proposed legislation.
If you would like to submit written testimony for this proposed bill please follow these instructions:
Please email written testimony in Word or PDF format to INStestimony@cga.ct.gov. Testimony should clearly state testifier name and related Bills. The Committee requests that testimony be limited to matters related to the items on the Agenda. The first hour of the hearing is reserved for Legislators, Constitutional Officers, State Agency Heads and Chief Elected Municipal Officials. Speakers will be limited to five minutes of testimony. Bills will be heard in the order listed in the Bulletin. The Committee encourages witnesses to submit a written statement and to condense oral testimony to a summary of that statement.
If you would like to oral testimony at the Public Hearing please contact me, Leon Collins, or CSFA President Vaughan Dumas or CSFA Education Chairman Al Hawkins and we will add your name to the list of people who will testify for the Public Hearing.
Also, the Public Safety and Security Committee will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1E of the LOB. We are tracking several bills that are on the agenda for that Public Hearing. Bill we are tracking that are on that Public Hearing Agenda are listed below:
H.B. No. 5298 (COMM) AN ACT CONCERNING THE SAFETY OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND PATIENTS DURING EMERGENCIES.
Proposed H.B. No. 5299 AN ACT REQUIRING 9-1-1 CALLS TO BE ROUTED TO THE NEAREST PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWERING POINT.
Proposed H.B. No. 5767 AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF GRILLS IN CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM COMPLEXES.
Proposed H.B. No. 6043 AN ACT CONCERNING CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS IN CERTAIN BUSINESSES.
Proposed H.B. No. 6954 AN ACT CONCERNING THE LIABILITY OF CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM FIRE.
S.B. No. 763 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR POLICE OFFICERS, FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.
H.B. No. 5176 (COMM) AN ACT INCREASING THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR LOCAL VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Proposed H.B. No. 5177 AN ACT INCORPORATING THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE INTO THE STATE BUILDING CODE.
Proposed H.B. No. 5296 AN ACT CONCERNING THE SALE OR DELIVERY OF BODY ARMOR TO FIREFIGHTERS, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL.
H.B. No. 6038 (COMM) AN ACT CONCERNING GOOD SAMARITAN PROTECTIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS WHO RENDER EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO ANIMALS.
H.B. No. 6715 (COMM) AN ACT INCREASING THE PENALTIES FOR THE INTENTIONAL INJURY OR KILLING OF POLICE ANIMALS OR DOGS IN VOLUNTEER CANINE SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS.
If you would like to submit written testimony for any of these proposed bills please follow these instructions:
Please submit 35 copies of written testimony to Committee staff from 8:30 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. in Room 1E of the LOB. Testimony received after the designated time may not be distributed until after the hearing. Please email written testimony in Word or PDF format to PStestimony@cga.ct.gov. Testimony should clearly state testifier name and related Bills. The Committee requests that testimony be limited to matters related to the items on the Agenda.
If you would like to submit oral testimony at the Public Hearing please contact me, Leon Collins, or CSFA President Vaughan Dumas or CSFA Education Chairman Al Hawkins and we will add your name to the list of people who will testify for the Public Hearing.
To see the full list of proposed bills that we are tracking, see our updated downloadable and printable
Please contact me if you have any questions or requests related to legislative issues.
Sincerely,
Leon Collins
Legislative Representative
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association
49 Midwood Road
Branford, CT 06405
CSFA Legislative Update with House Bill Status Report – February 3rd, 2017 from Leon Collins
The Annual Meeting of the Regional Fire Schools for the General Assembly will be held at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford on Monday, February 6th, 2017 at 1pm in room 1B.
See the agenda below:
Annual Meeting
Regional Fire Schools
February 6, 2017
1pm – 3pm
Room 1B
- Welcoming remarks by Rep. Orange
- Remarks from invited Guests
- Vaughan Dumas, President of CT State Firefighters Association
- History/Update Regional Fire Schools by Al Hawkins, Education Chair for CT State Firefighters Association
- History/Update by DAS Construction Services by Commissioner Melody Currey and Deputy Commissioner Pasquale “Bud” Salemi
- Question/Answer period
- Adjournment
We would like our membership to attend and create a strong Fire Service presence at this annual meeting. Please attend if you can in Class A uniform. All Connecticut legislators have been invited and Representative Linda Orange will be the legislator coordinating this event.
We ask each of you to reach out as a constituent to your own legislators ASAP and urge them to attend.
CSFA 2017 House Bill Status Report
Click the following link to view the full CSFA 2017 House Bill Status Report
(Tip: The links in the left column of the above downloadable .pdf will take to the cga.ct.gov website page for each bill where you can access the latest version of the bill.)
Also, we have added several new bills to our House Bill Status Report since our last update.
New bills that we have added to the list of bills we are tracking this session include:
- H.B. 5894 – AN ACT CONCERNING DISBURSEMENTS FROM THE TOBACCO SETTLEMENT FUND AND MONEYS RECEIVED FROM TOBACCO TAXES.
- H.B. 6038 – AN ACT CONCERNING GOOD SAMARITAN PROTECTIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS WHO RENDER FIRST AID TO POLICE DOGS.
- H.B. 6039 – AN ACT DEFINING PEACE OFFICER TO INCLUDE TELECOMMUNICATORS.
- H.B. 6042 – AN ACT PERMITTING THE USE OF GRILLS ON OUTDOOR PATIOS AT CONDOMINIUMS.
- H.B. 6043 – AN ACT CONCERNING CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS IN CERTAIN BUSINESSES.
- H.B. 6049 – AN ACT CONCERNING ANNUAL INSPECTIONS FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT APPARATUS.
- H.B. 6283 – AN ACT EXPANDING THE “MOVE OVER” LAW FOR VOLUNTEER FIRST RESPONDERS.
- H.B. 6359 – AN ACT INCREASING THE CIGARETTE TAX RATE.
- H.B. 6486 – AN ACT CONCERNING THE MEDICAL TREATMENT OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS BY FIRST RESPONDERS.
- H.B. 6680 – AN ACT CONCERNING THE FUNDING OF MUNICIPAL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS.
- H.B. 6690 – AN ACT ALLOWING EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDERS TO CARRY A FIREARM.
- H.B. 6694 – AN ACT REQUIRING A CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECK FOR PERSONS WHO ENROLL IN A CLASS FOR CERTIFICATION AS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL.
- H.B. 6712 – AN ACT CONCERNING THE ASSAULT OF POLICE OFFICERS, FIREFIGHTERS OR EMERGENCY MEDICAL PERSONNEL.
- H.B. 6715 – AN ACT INCREASING THE PENALTIES FOR THE INTENTIONAL INJURY OR KILLING OF POLICE ANIMALS OR DOGS IN VOLUNTEER CANINE SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS.
- H.B. 6717 – AN ACT CONCERNING THE “MOVE OVER” LAW FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL PERSONNEL.
- H.B. 6721 – AN ACT EXPANDING THE “MOVE OVER” LAW FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL PERSONNEL.
- H.B. 6909 – AN ACT CONCERNING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR FIRST RESPONDER DIVE TEAMS AND K9 SEARCH AND RESCUE PERSONNEL.
- H.B. 6915 – AN ACT INCREASING THE PREVAILING WAGE THRESHOLD FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT REMODELING PROJECTS.
- H.B. 6953 – AN ACT RELEASING CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES FROM LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM FIRE.
- S.B. 156 – AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDS FROM THE TOBACCO AND HEALTH TRUST FUND.
- S.B. 243 – AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL FIRE APPARATUS SAFETY AND TESTING.
- S.B. 538 – AN ACT APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION TO FUND FIRE TRAINING SCHOOLS
- S.B. 763 – AN ACT CONCERNING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR POLICE OFFICERS, FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
To see the full list of proposed bills that we are tracking, see our CSFA 2017 House Bill Status Report.
The most recent notable activity of the bills we are following: February 1, H.B. 5176 referred to Joint Committee Public Safety and Security; January 26, H.B. 5294 change of reference to the Joint Committee on Appropriations; H.B. 5296 referred to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security and reserved for Subject Matter Public Hearing; February 2, H.B. 5767 reserved for Subject Matter Public Hearing; February 1, H.B. 6038 referred to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security; February 2, H.B. 6043 Reserved for Subject Matter Public Hearing by the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security; January 30, H.B. 6283 reserved for Subject Matter Public Hearing by the Joint Committee on Transportation, January 24, H.B. 6690 referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health; January 24, H.B. 6694 referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health; January 30 H.B. 6717 reserved for Subject Matter Public Hearing.
Please note that the following Public Hearing dates have been set:
H.B. 5755 – February 10 (Joint Committee on Public Health)
H.B. 6049 – February 6 (Joint Committee on Transportation)
H.B. 6717 – February 6 (Joint Committee on Transportation)
Please contact me if you have any questions or requests related to legislative issues.
Sincerely,
Leon Collins
Legislative Representative
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association
49 Midwood Road
Branford, CT 06405
(203) 494-7842 voice and text
(203) 481-1446 fax
collins@csfa.org email
http://csfa.org website
CSFA Online 2017
CSFA Legislative Update with House Bill Status – January 18th, 2017 from Leon Collins
Everyone,
The 2017 Connecticut Legislative Session began on January 4th and we are tracking bills and monitoring daily activities in the state House and Senate. Already, there are a number of bills from various Representatives and Senators that could either directly or indirectly affect the Fire Service. We have listed below a table containing our House Bill Status Report that shows the entire list of bills that we are following to date.
Legislative Bills CSFA is Tracking for the 2017 Session
Click the following link to download the full House Bill Status Report for January 18th, 2017
The current bills we are tracking at this time that are of concern to the Fire Service include:
H.B. 5177 – AN ACT INCORPORATING THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE INTO THE STATE BUILDING CODE.
H.B. 5207 – AN ACT IMPOSING A SURCHARGE ON CERTAIN PERSONAL RISK INSURANCE POLICIES TO FUND REGIONAL FIRE SCHOOLS’ OPERATING BUDGETS AND CERTAIN FIREFIGHTER TRAINING COSTS.
H.B. 5294 – AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF TOBACCO SETTLEMENT FUND DISBURSEMENTS FOR TOBACCO USE CESSATION PROGRAMS.
H.B. 5296 – AN ACT CONCERNING THE SALE OR DELIVERY OF BODY ARMOR TO FIREFIGHTERS, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL.
H.B. 5297 – AN ACT CONCERNING INTIMIDATION ON ACCOUNT OF OCCUPATION AS PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL.
H.B. 5675 – AN ACT CONCERNING A GRANT PROGRAM FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL PERSONNEL TO OBTAIN BULLETPROOF VESTS.
H.B. 5727 – AN ACT EXEMPTING STIPENDS PAID TO VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS FROM THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX.
S.B. 27 – AN ACT INCLUDING CERTAIN MENTAL OR EMOTIONAL IMPAIRMENTS WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF “PERSONAL INJURY” UNDER THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION STATUTES.
H.B. 5207 has been re-introduced this session by Representative Linda Orange and referred to the Joint Committee on Insurance and Real Estate on January 5th.
We are monitoring H.B. 5294 as it relates to possible funding for a program that benefits firefighters.
The most recent activity of the bills we are following: January 9th, S.B. 27 referred to the Joint Committee on Labor and Public Employees. January 13th, H.B. 5675 referred the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security. January 17th, H.B. 5727 referred to the Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding, H.B. 5755 referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health, H.B. 5767 referred to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security.
Please contact me if you have any questions or requests related to legislative issues.
Sincerely,
Leon Collins
Legislative Representative
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association
49 Midwood Road
Branford, CT 06405
(203) 494-7842 voice and text
(203) 481-1446 fax
collins@csfa.org email
http://csfa.org website
CSFA Online 2017
FAQs about the New Wage Replacement Benefits Law for CT Firefighters with Cancer
Frequently Asked Questions
The Basics of Wage Replacement Benefits for Connecticut Firefighters with Cancer
When Connecticut legislators passed House Bill 5262 during the 2016 session, it became Public Act No. 16-10. This new law provides new benefits for all Connecticut Firefighters who contract cancer. Every Connecticut Firefighter should immediately take note of some key points in this legislation.
FAQs for CT Firefighters with Cancer
- Who can file a claim for relief under this new law?
Any Connecticut firefighter, whether paid or volunteer is eligible. The act specifically says that “firefighter” shall also include: any local fire marshal, deputy fire marshal, fire investigator, fire inspector and other classes of inspectors and investigators described in the Connecticut General Statutes section 29-298 which can be found on the following web link (http://www.sots.ct.gov/sots/lib/sots/regulations/title_29/298.pdf).
- What is the purpose of the “firefighter’s cancer relief account” that was established by the passage of this new law and who makes determinations on claims?
The moneys in the firefighters cancer relief account shall be used solely for the purposes of providing wage replacement benefits for up to 2 years to firefighters who are diagnosed with a condition of cancer. A panel of Fire Service representatives and one representative for state municipalities determines acceptance or denial of all claims.
- What forms of cancer are covered by the new law?
A firefighter shall be eligible for wage replacement benefits for any condition of cancer affecting the brain, skin, skeletal system, digestive system, endocrine system, respiratory system, lymphatic system, reproductive system, urinary system or hematological system that results in death, or temporary or permanent total or partial disability.
- Are there special conditions or criteria that must be met for any firefighter with one of the covered cancers to file and collect wage replacement benefits?
Yes, there are several criteria that must be met. Every Connecticut firefighter should be aware of all of these conditions immediately. Failure to meet these conditions may result in a firefighter’s failure to qualify for wage replacement benefits. The required special conditions are as follows:
- Such firefighter successfully passed a physical examination upon entry into such service showing no indication of cancer.
- Such firefighter has not used any cigarettes or any other tobacco products within 15 years of applying for wage replacement benefits.
- Such firefighter has worked for not less than five years on or after the effective date of this section as:
- an interior structural firefighter at a paid municipal, state or volunteer fire department
- a local fire marshal, deputy fire marshal, fire investigator, or fire inspector at the time such cancer is discovered, or should have been discovered.
- Such firefighter has complied with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act standards described in 29 CFR 1910.134 and in 29 CFR 1910.156 for a period of not less than five consecutive years. (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 can be found on the following link: https://www.osha.gov/dte/library/respirators/major_requirements.pdf OSHA 29 CFR 1910.156 can be found on the following link: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9810
- Can someone who is no longer actively serving as a firefighter collect wage replacement benefits under this new law?
Yes, the new law says that any individual who is no longer actively serving as a firefighter but who otherwise would be eligible for wage replacement benefits may apply for such benefits not more than five years from the date such individual last served as a firefighter.
- Is there a requirement for physical examinations if someone wishes to file a cancer claim?
Yes, a firefighter or individual applying for wage replacement benefits shall be required to submit to annual physical examinations, including blood testing, during his or her active service and for a period of five years after the date such individual last served as a firefighter as a condition of receiving such benefits.
- When can someone file a cancer claim for wage replacement benefits under this new law?
This new law becomes effective February 1st, 2017. The effective date for a firefighter to be eligible to file a cancer claim for wage replacement benefits is July 1, 2019. Firefighter must have worked a minimum of 5 years and must not be more than 5 years retired.
- How do these wage replacement benefits affect my employer and other benefits and claims?
Employers must still maintain health and welfare benefits while a firefighter receives benefits from the firefighter’s cancer relief account. Firefighters may still file a Worker’s Compensation claim but cannot file for both simultaneously. Documentation will be required, e.g., presence at structure fire, activities completed, record of duration and exposure to the products of combustion, heat, etc. as defined by the International Agency on the Research on Cancer.
To download these FAQs, click the following link:
CSFA Online 2016
