Committee advances bill to raise long‑unchanged allowances for volunteer firefighters

Representative Novak asked the Homeland Security and Transportation Committee to advance House Bill 1048, saying volunteer firefighters are "the backbone" of community safety and that the state faces a crisis recruiting volunteers.

Novak told the committee the clothing and vehicle allowance for volunteers was last set in 1981 and should be increased; during questions he noted $100 in 1981 roughly equals $350 in today's dollars. He characterized the proposal as a modest step to support volunteers and said he was open to amendments on the precise amount.

Witnesses from the volunteer fire service and chiefs' associations voiced support. Larry Curl of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association cited association cost‑savings studies and said volunteers have saved the state billions of dollars (he cited $4.5 billion in an earlier study and an updated figure of $6.1 billion in subsequent testimony). Berkeley Ramsey, representing the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association, called the bill "a great step" and a useful tool for supporting volunteer departments.

Committee members sought detail on what counts as "clothing" (the sponsor clarified the allowance is for everyday clothing damaged while responding, not turnout gear) and on whether the dollar figure should be tied to inflation. The committee took a roll call and advanced HB 1048 by recorded voice; the transcript records a 7‑0 tally in committee.

The bill will proceed for further consideration, and sponsors indicated they are open to amendments on the exact allowance amount.