West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB 4134

Introduced
1/14/26  

Caption

To quantify fair workman compensation rates and more equitable method of tracking/billing for various classifications within volunteer fire departments and emergency rescue personnel

Summary

HB 4134 is a bill aimed at revising how volunteer fire departments and emergency rescue personnel are compensated and billed. Based on the caption, it seeks to "quantify fair workman compensation rates" and create a more equitable method for tracking and billing different classifications of personnel within volunteer fire departments and emergency rescue organizations. Because the bill text is not available in the provided materials, the precise statutory changes are unclear. However, the measure appears intended to address compensation methodology, administrative tracking, and billing practices affecting volunteer emergency response organizations, likely by standardizing rates or clarifying how different categories of personnel are accounted for in workman compensation-related processes.

Impact

The bill would likely affect state law governing volunteer fire departments, emergency rescue personnel, and any related workers’ compensation or reimbursement systems. If enacted, it could change how these organizations document personnel classifications, calculate compensation rates, and submit billing or reimbursement claims, potentially affecting local departments, county or state agencies, and insurers or administrators involved in compensation administration.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or recorded vote information was provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the available record. The bill’s caption suggests a generally practical, administrative purpose focused on fairness and improved billing accuracy, which may indicate support from stakeholders seeking clearer compensation rules for volunteer emergency responders.

Contention

The main likely points of contention would be how compensation rates are defined, whether the bill creates additional administrative burdens, and whether the proposed billing/tracking method fairly treats different classifications of volunteer fire and rescue personnel. Stakeholders such as volunteer departments, emergency rescue organizations, local governments, and workers’ compensation administrators could differ on the costs, implementation complexity, and whether the bill adequately balances fairness with fiscal impact.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV HB2976

To quantify fair workman compensation rates and more equitable method of tracking/billing for various classifications within volunteer fire departments and emergency rescue personnel

WV HB2998

Relating to Volunteer Fire Departments

WV HB2749

Permitting volunteer and part-volunteer fire companies and departments to use certain funds to employ or contract with certified firefighters

WV HB3212

To reduce the business license fee for WV Volunteer Fire Departments to $250

WV HB2371

Increase the allowance for volunteer and part-volunteer fire companies and Allowing fire departments to make an expenditure for educational and training supplies and fire prevention promotional materials

WV HB2170

Allowing volunteer fire departments to use fire protection funding for certain purchases

WV SB20

Requiring funding for increased costs to volunteer fire departments and EMS units

WV SB500

Transferring audits of volunteer fire departments to Legislative Auditor

WV HB2600

Exempting firefighters and volunteer firefighters from payment of income and real and personal property taxes

WV SB259

Licensing sale of charitable raffles and boards to benefit volunteer fire departments

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.