ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Majority Research Staff

House: COM DP 11-0-0-0 | Third Read 54-4-2-0-0

Senate: FIN DP 5-0-2-0 | Third Read 28-1-1-0-0

Chapter: 47

HB 2138: firefighters; employment status

Sponsor: Representative Way, LD 15

Signed by the Governor

Overview

Redefines firefighter as applicable to the workers' compensation statutes.

History

The Industrial Commission of Arizona administers and enforces state laws relating to the protection of life, health, safety and welfare of Arizona's employees, including workers' compensation. Workers' compensation insurance provides coverage of medical costs, rehabilitation and lost wages for an employee who has suffered an injury or illness in the course of performing job related duties (Title 23, Chapter 6, A.R.S.).

A peace officer or firefighter in Arizona who is injured or killed while traveling to or from the workplace is eligible for workers' compensation benefits, provided that the individual was not engaging in criminal activity. Statute asserts that an employer is not liable for any civil damages if the peace officer or firefighter's conduct caused the harm during travel (A.R.S. § 23-1021.01).

Provisions

1. Redefines firefighter to mean a professional firefighter who is a state firefighter or a member of a city or town fire department, a fire district fire department or a fire authority. (Sec. 1)

2. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

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6. Initials PB/AI HB 2138

7. 1/15/2026 Page 0 Signed by the Governor

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