News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
web site at http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

For Immediate Release: April 23, 1997 Contact: Senator Loren Leman at 907/465-2095

Legislature Votes to Clarify Alaska Wage & Hour Act

Helps Maintain Alaska’s Volunteer EMTs and Fire Fighters

Juneau -- The Alaska State Senate gave final approval Wednesday to legislation exempting volunteer emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and fire fighters from the Alaska Wage and Hour Act. This statute often classifies these volunteers incorrectly as employees, causing a bureaucratic tangle for the volunteer organizations.

"Senate Bill 137 will help remove the big hand of government from our volunteer organizations that need more encouragement and incentives from the law, not confusion and bureaucratic roadblocks," said bill sponsor Senator Loren Leman (R-Anchorage).

Senate Bill 137 was introduced at the request of the Interior Region Emergency Medical Services Council and is supported by volunteer firefighters and EMTs across the state.

Senator Leman noted that labor law and regulation have become so convoluted that reimbursing EMT and fire fighting volunteers for out-of-pocket expenses has placed them over the wage and hour line as "employees". When volunteers become classified as employees, the volunteer organizations find they are subject to the same rules and regulations as licensed businesses. This means the volunteer organizations cannot legally reimburse volunteer expenses without additional paperwork and withholdings.

"Alaska is fortunate to have an army of volunteers serving as EMTs and fire fighters," Leman said. "This change will help us to continue to receive the benefit of volunteer services."

SB 137 was unanimously supported in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

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