Boozman Introduces Volunteer Firefighter Legislation

Press Release

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today announced legislation offering tax breaks to volunteer firefighters. H.R. 5693 and H.R. 5694 amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow savings for volunteer firefighters working to help keep communities safe.

H.R. 5693 -Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Act amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow volunteer firefighters with eight or more years of service a $1,500 tax credit and for those with three or more years a $1,000 tax credit.

"Retention of volunteer firefighters is important to keeping people in rural communities safe, Boozman said. "This is a step toward maintaining stability in the people who volunteer their time to keep Arkansans safe and offer our thanks."

H.R. 5694 -Volunteer Firefighter/EMS Gas Price Relief Act amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow volunteers who provide firefighting or emergency medical services a tax deduction for up to $250 of their travel expenses.

"With the increasing cost of gasoline driving to emergencies can get expensive," Boozman said. "I want to make sure our volunteer firefighters aren't forced to choose whether or not to respond to a call for help because of the expense to get there."

Both bills have been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

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