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Committee advances bill to cover EAP costs for volunteer firefighters after testimony on trauma and limited access
Summary
Senator Wally’s SB 22‑16 would extend the state employee assistance program to volunteer and combination department members; Fayette County Chief Rich Hartfield testified on volunteers’ limited mental‑health access and the bill passed committee and will move to finance.
The State and Local Government Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 22‑16, which would expand access to the state employee assistance program (EAP) to include active volunteer firefighters and active volunteer members of combination departments recognized under the Fire Department Recognition Act.
Sponsor Senator Wally said volunteer firefighters often respond to traumatic events while juggling full‑time jobs and family responsibilities; extending EAP coverage would ensure the state covers associated EAP costs for volunteers. Chief Rich Hartfield of the Fayette County Fire Department, testifying in support, described the mental‑health gaps for volunteers and the toll of traumatic calls. "Volunteer firefighters...make up about 70% of the firefighters across the state," Hartfield said, and testified that volunteers often lack access to post‑incident support.
Committee members expressed support during brief Q&A about administration and access. Clerk roll call showed the bill passed committee (chair reported 8 ayes); the measure will move to the finance committee for funding review.
What’s next: Finance will consider the fiscal implications and whether state funding can cover the EAP expansion for volunteer firefighters.
