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Committee hears bill to exempt about $3,000 of income for volunteer firefighters
Summary
Representative Lou Jones introduced HB129 to provide roughly a $3,000 income exemption for active volunteer firefighters and EMS to aid recruitment and retention; proponents emphasized workforce strains while the Montana Society of CPAs urged direct payments or budgeted support instead of tax-code changes.
Representative Lou Jones opened the hearing on House Bill 129, saying the measure would ‘‘provide some meaningful support and recognition from Montana's volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services.’’ The bill would exclude roughly $3,000 of income for qualifying, year‑round active volunteers, producing a per‑person tax benefit the sponsor estimated at about $150–$180 depending on income tax rates.
Several volunteer chiefs and advocates testified in support. Mike Doto, chief of the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department and Montana delegate to the National Volunteer Fire Council,…
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