AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR MEMBERS OF VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE SERVICES.

HB 6973 allows towns, cities, or boroughs to negotiate with volunteer firefighters and ambulance service members how much they pay toward group health insurance premiums, instead of requiring volunteers to cover 100% of the cost. It applies to active members of volunteer fire/ambulance organizations in municipalities that already offer employee group health plans. Volunteers must still elect coverage, meet active-status requirements, and pay a negotiated share of the premium (not 100%). The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, and does not require municipalities to offer this option.