Bill would start comp soon after responders incapacitated

A bill introduced Thursday in the Illinois Senate would amend the state’s current Workers Compensation Act to begin compensation almost immediately for seriously injured volunteer, paid-on-call or part-time firefighters, emergency medical technicians or paramedics.

S.B. 1219, introduced by Illinois state Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Moline, would amend the current law to allow for coverage of total temporary incapacity to commence the day after the accident for volunteer, paid-on-call or part-time first responders if their incapacity lasts 14 days or more. If passed, the legislation would take effect immediately.

The bill has been referred to assignments.