Committee clears bill to extend workers' compensation to volunteers injured while fundraising, 25‑1

The House Local Government Committee voted 25‑1 to report House Bill 20‑87 to the House. The bill would amend the Workers’ Compensation Act (Act 338 of 1915) to include organized fundraising activities within the scope of employment for volunteer firefighters, volunteer ambulance corps and volunteer rescue squads (excluding social members).

Committee staff said the bill grew from a resolution by the State Association of Township Supervisors after an incident in which a volunteer injured at a fundraiser was initially denied coverage by the State Workers Insurance Fund (SWIFT). John (committee staff) told members the resolution originated in Cumberland and Franklin counties after SWIFT refused to pay a claim by a volunteer who was injured while participating in fundraiser activities.

Representative Haddock and other members stressed local reliance on volunteer departments and noted many volunteers already undertake fundraising as part of their duties. Chairman Freeman described a case in which a volunteer was electrocuted taking down a fundraiser banner and said the bill "will close that loophole" that had left some injured volunteers without workers' compensation coverage.

Members asked whether social members would be unintentionally covered; staff (Mr. Castello/Cassello and Chris) clarified that the act’s definitions already exclude social members and that active volunteers are covered only when performing volunteer duties. Committee members accepting that clarification proceeded with the roll-call vote; the bill will be reported to the House for consideration after the 25‑1 vote.