West Virginia to Subsidize Volunteer Firefighters’ Workers’ Comp

The doors of West Virginia volunteer fire departments will stay open thanks to a new law that will help offset their workers’ compensation costs.

West Virginia Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has sign into law the “Volunteer Fire Department Workers’ Compensation Subsidy Program,” which will provide $5 million to help subsidize the volunteer fire departments’ workers’ compensation costs.

The majority of fire departments in the state are voluntary and have limited means to pay for their workers’ compensation coverage, which is mandated by the state. The West Virginia State Firemen’s Association said that in some instances fire departments are facing premium increases of up to 700 percent. Association officers said that without state help, many departments were faced with the prospect of closing their doors as of July 1, 2011.

The new law (HB 3271) creates a subsidy program that will be overseen by the state auditor. To qualify for a subsidy the fire department must be in good standing with the state fire marshall, register with the state auditor, and agree the subsidy will be paid directly to their insurer. If the volunteer fire department fails to pay its share of the premium and its policy is canceled the premium paid by the state auditor must be returned. The subsidies will apply to yearly policies issued on or after July 1, 2011.

The new law calls for the subsidy program to be reviewed after three years of operation including the cost to the state to administer the program. But as far as money goes, it will be up to the legislature and governor next year to figure how just how much will be needed and how to pay for it.

Topics Legislation Workers' Compensation Virginia West Virginia