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Web posted
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Workers’ compensation coverage for search and rescue volunteers
By Bradners’ Alaska Legislative Digest
Search and rescue volunteers would be covered under workers’ compensation through assisting the state troopers under House Bill 320, which passed the state House of Representatives March 4. State law now includes other kinds of emergency volunteers, such as emergency medical technicians and volunteer firefighters, under workers’ compensation.
HB 320, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Meyer, R-Anchorage, would include search and rescue volunteers under that coverage.
“Alaska’s back-country, though beautiful and majestic, is also dangerous and unforgiving,” Meyer said. “When accidents or deaths do occur, the rescue efforts include not just state workers but also a significant number of volunteers, and they deserve the same benefits as their peers in other classifications.”
The legislation also allows municipalities to provide coverage to volunteers but does not mandate the coverage.
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