July 30, 2026
Ms. Pettersen (for herself and Mr. Lawler) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce
To amend title 5, United States Code, to modify certain requirements for employees in fire protection activities for worker’s compensation under chapter 81 of such title, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Wildfire Responder Protection Act
.
Sec. 2. Modification to requirements for employees in fire protection activities
Section 8143b(a)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)—
(A)
by inserting for all or a substantial part of the year
after employee employed
; and
(B)
by inserting fuels specialist, burn boss, prescribed fire crew member,
after ambulance personnel,
;
(2)
in subparagraph (A), by inserting or planned ignition
after fire suppression
;
(3)
in subparagraph (B), by striking fire suppression;
inserting fire suppression or planned ignition; and
;
(4)
in subparagraph (C)—
(A)
by inserting fuels reduction,
after prevention,
; and
(B)
by striking ; and
at the end and inserting a period; and
(5)
by striking subparagraph (D).