HOUSE MEMORIAL 26

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

Nick L. Salazar

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CREATE A TASK FORCE TO REVIEW OPTIONS FOR PROVIDING LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL AFFILIATED WITH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS.

     WHEREAS, volunteer fire department and emergency medical services personnel provide vital services in a number of rural communities across the state; and

     WHEREAS, as volunteers, these individuals, unlike state employees, do not qualify for workers' compensation or general liability insurance coverage; and

     WHEREAS, their volunteer work involves hazardous situations, potential bodily injury and possible harm to other individuals and property;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested either to appoint a task force or to request that the appropriate interim legislative committee study the options for providing workers' compensation and general liability insurance coverage for volunteer fire department and emergency medical services personnel and report the findings to the New Mexico legislative council in December 2006; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that representatives of the following organizations be solicited for input during the requested study: the risk management division of the general services department, the state fire marshal, the workers' compensation administration, the New Mexico association of counties and the New Mexico municipal league; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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