Bill to Allow Tax Credits for Employers of Volunteer Firefighters

Legislation has been introduced by State Senator Don Barrington, R-Lawton, that will help protect the jobs of volunteer firefighters who are called to duty while at work by offering tax incentives to businesses that hire these individuals.

"I was a firefighter for more than 30 years and I know how important volunteer firefighters are to smaller communities," said Barrington. "It's a shame that these people have to worry about losing their jobs because they're called up to duty. I believe that they deserve the same consideration concerning their employment that our national guardsmen get when they are called to serve."

Under provisions of Senate Bill 1918, a business that employs an individual who is a volunteer firefighter will receive a tax credit if the employer allows the individual to leave the workplace during business hours to respond to legitimate fire calls or attend mandatory training. For the first volunteer firefighter employed, a business will receive a credit in the amount of $5,000 if that individual is employed for the entire taxable year. For each additional volunteer firefighter employed, the business will receive a credit of $2,500.

"I know that all of the recent wildfires have put a strain on many employers who have volunteer firefighters on their staff, but they need to realize that those individuals are saving lives, property and businesses," continued Barrington. "Volunteer firefighters are beneficial to communities in more ways than one. They help save communities money by offering their services for free and their presence helps lower insurance costs. I simply want to offer businesses an additional benefit for their cooperation."

Barrington wants to ensure that businesses have an incentive even if they employ a volunteer firefighter for only a portion of the year. Under SB 1918, the amount of the credit will be prorated by the Oklahoma Tax Commission for employment that is shorter than a year. If approved, the new law would take affect January 1, 2007.

"This measure not only offers employers an incentive, it also offers citizens an incentive to become volunteer firefighters. If people aren't worried about the possible consequences of becoming a volunteer, they're more likely to offer their services."