Novak’s bill supporting volunteer firefighters passes out of House

Today, the Indiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1048, authored by State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City), sending the bipartisan legislation to the Senate for further consideration.

HB 1048 increases the yearly minimum allowance for volunteer fire department members from $100 to $250, helping offset the cost of essential clothing and vehicle-related expenses. The bill reflects continued bipartisan support for Indiana’s volunteer firefighters.

Novak released the following statement on the bill's passage out of the House:

“Volunteer firefighters step up for our communities without hesitation, often at their own personal and financial expense. This bill is about recognizing that commitment and making sure they have meaningful support to do their jobs safely and effectively.

“I’ve heard directly from volunteer firefighters across Indiana about the challenges of affording clothing and maintaining reliable vehicles. Increasing this allowance is a practical step that helps ease those burdens and supports the roughly 831 volunteer fire departments that Hoosiers rely on every day.

“This issue is personal to me. I spent years alongside firefighters and saw firsthand the sacrifices volunteer departments make to keep their communities safe. I know the long hours, the strain on families, and the out-of-pocket costs that too often come with answering the call. Supporting our volunteer firefighters isn’t just good policy, it’s a responsibility we owe to the people who are always there when Hoosiers need them most.

“I’m proud to see this bill advance with strong bipartisan backing, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues as it moves to the Senate.”