Mo. bill protects firefighters' jobs

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Volunteer firefighters would be protected from losing their paying jobs if they're late or miss work responding to a fire or other emergency under a bill endorsed by the Senate on Wednesday.

Sen. Kevin Engler said volunteer fire departments struggle to recruit people and part of the reason is fear of their regular paying job.

"It is tough enough to recruit volunteer firemen all over this state," said Engler, R-Farmington. "It's so shortsighted for business."

The employer could reduce volunteer firefighters' pay for time not worked but could not fire them if they responded to a fire before their workday started and had to remain at the scene.

The legislation would not allow criminal penalties against an employer who fires someone in that situation, but volunteer firefighters could sue to get their job and lost wages back if their boss violates the law.

A boss could require a worker to submit a note from the fire department stating the person was handling a true emergency.

The legislation needs a second Senate vote to move to the House.

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Firefighter bill is SB47.

On the Net:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov