DOVER, Del.- A new bipartisan bill could help Delaware’s volunteer fire companies while giving high school students a new way to earn credit.
House Bill 171 proposes changes to the Delaware Volunteerism Act.
The legislation would allow students in grades 9 through 12 to volunteer with local fire departments as part of their community service requirement for graduation.
Under the existing initiative, students who work for at least 45 hours per semester for two semesters receive one credit, which may count as an elective for graduation requirements. The activity must be approved and conducted under the supervision of a school principal.
HB 171 would specifically allow students to volunteer with a local fire department for their community service. The legislation would also require schools to notify students of the opportunity before class selection.
“This proposal is a true win-win,” said Rep. Danny Short (R-Seaford), a lead sponsor. “It offers students a new opportunity for community service while providing volunteer fire companies with a needed recruitment pipeline.”
Short said Delaware’s volunteer fire companies have seen declining participation for more than a decade and are in need of younger members to stay viable.
The bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Debra Heffernan (D-Bellefonte) and others, is currently awaiting action in the House Education Committee.