S.279 - Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Classification and Pay Parity Act; Tim’s Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.279, the Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Classification and Pay Parity Act, aims to reform and enhance the pay, benefits, and overall well-being of Federal wildland firefighters. The bill addresses issues such as special base rates of pay, incident response premium pay, rest and recuperation leave, health provisions including mental health support, and retirement benefits. It also includes provisions for pay parity for Federal structural firefighters and establishes a Wildland Fire Management Casualty Assistance Program.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely result in improved recruitment and retention of federal wildland firefighters due to enhanced compensation and benefits. It will also lead to better mental and physical health support for these critical personnel. The Act also seeks to ensure fair compensation relative to structural firefighters.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced pay and benefits for federal wildland firefighters, potentially improving their quality of life.
- Improved mental health support and access to healthcare for firefighters and their families.
- Establishment of a casualty assistance program to support firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty and their families.
- Recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder and psychological stress-related injuries for workers' compensation.
- Potential for better recruitment and retention of qualified wildland firefighters, leading to more effective wildfire management.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased government spending on firefighter salaries, benefits, and programs.
- Potential for administrative complexity in implementing the various provisions of the bill.
- Possible disparities or inequities arising from the distinction between wildland and structural firefighters, despite the aim for parity.
- The cost of implementing the mental health programs and the casualty assistance program may be substantial.
- The bill's reliance on administrative discretion by the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior could lead to inconsistent application.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by aiming to improve the lives and well-being of federal employees. Congress's power to provide for the common defense (Article I, Section 8) can be interpreted to include ensuring adequate resources and personnel for managing wildfires, which pose a threat to national security and public safety. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).