To amend section 5545 of title 5, United States Code, to provide hazard pay for carrying out prescribed burns, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5091 aims to amend Title 5 of the United States Code to provide hazard pay for federal employees involved in prescribed burns and smokejumping activities. The bill recognizes the risks and arduous conditions faced by these firefighters. It directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to issue regulations to implement these changes within 90 days of enactment.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely result in increased compensation for firefighters involved in prescribed burns and smokejumping. This could improve morale and retention among these specialized federal employees. The OPM will be responsible for defining the specific regulations and pay differentials.
Potential Benefits
- Increased compensation for firefighters involved in prescribed burns and smokejumping.
- Improved morale and retention of skilled firefighters.
- Recognition of the hazardous nature of prescribed burns and smokejumping.
- Potential for enhanced fire preparedness and land management.
- Fairer compensation reflecting the risks undertaken by these employees.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in federal spending due to hazard pay.
- Possible administrative burden for OPM in implementing the regulations.
- Risk of disputes over the definition of 'prescribed burn' and eligibility for hazard pay.
- Possible pressure from other federal employees to receive similar hazard pay.
- Potential for unintended consequences or loopholes in the regulations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to provide for the well-being of federal employees engaged in hazardous duties. Specifically, it falls under Congress's power to regulate and compensate federal employees, as outlined in Article I, Section 8. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).