Rep. Lanoue Applauds Finance Committee Passage of Volunteer Stipends Bill

Bill Advances to the State Senate for Further Action

HARTFORD– State Representative Brian Lanoue (R-45) announced on Monday that the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee passed a key piece of his legislative agenda, S.B. 373, An Act Allowing a Personal Income Tax Deduction for Stipends Paid to Volunteer Firefighters, Volunteer Fire Police Officers, and Volunteer Ambulance Members. The bill was previously approved by the Public Safety and Security Committee on March 17th, and now awaits further action in the Senate. This is the sixth legislative session that Rep. Lanoue has introduced this proposed legislation in the General Assembly.

S.B. 373 would exempt up to $2,000 in stipends received by volunteer firefighters, fire police officers, and volunteer ambulance members from the state income tax. The measure is intended to better support, recruit, and retain volunteer first responders who provide critical services in communities across Connecticut.

“I am thankful to the members of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee for passing this important bill out of committee today,” said Rep. Lanoue. “I especially want to thank the chairs, State Senator John Fonfara and State Representative Maria Horn, and the ranking members, State Senator Ryan Fazio, and State Representative Joe Polletta, for working with us to move this bill to the Senate. As we all know, enrollment in our volunteer fire service is declining, and my hope is that this bill will be an important step forward in helping to buck that trend.”

“This bill is a good step to help combat the ever-decreasing enrollment particularly in our volunteer fire departments across Connecticut,” said Rep. Polletta. “I am happy to see this bill pass through our committee.”

The 2026 Connecticut General Assembly legislative session ends at midnight on May 6.

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