Committee reports SB100 after adopting amendment to protect volunteer firefighters and EMS from employer retaliation

Senator Stanley presented SB100 to a legislative committee as a measure to protect Virginia's volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel from employer retaliation when they miss work to respond to emergencies. "SB100 protects the men and women who do much of the emergency services for us in our rural areas, Virginia's volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel," Stanley said, summarizing the bill's purpose.

The bill would prohibit employers from firing, disciplining, or penalizing employees who are absent while serving as volunteer emergency responders during alarms or declared states of emergency, provided the employee gives proper notice and documentation. Stanley told the committee employers would not be required to pay for missed time; instead, employees could use accrued paid leave.

Counsel read an amendment replacing the sentence at lines 35–36 with new language that would allow, "in lieu of taking paid time off for such service, such employee may use paid sick leave or other paid leave if such employee has accrued or is otherwise entitled to such leave." Counsel added the change alters wording without changing meaning.

A motion to adopt the amendment was moved and seconded; the sponsor described the amendment as preserving the bill's intent while clarifying leave language. Delegate Helmer moved to report SB100 as amended; the motion was seconded and the committee voted to report the bill with amendments by a tally recorded as 7 to nothing (7–0). The chair noted there were no witnesses online or in the room in favor or opposition.

The committee's action moves SB100 forward in the legislative process; committee members said no further comment was needed during the hearing. The committee adjourned for the week and will return with a larger docket next week.