H.R. 5091 would provide hazard pay to federal firefighters who perform prescribed burns and smokejumpers who conduct parachute operations. The bill treats prescribed burn work—intentionally setting controlled fires for land management purposes—the same as wildfire suppression for hazard pay purposes, recognizing that both activities expose workers to similar risks and physical demands. Smokejumpers would also receive hazard pay equal to forest firefighting rates for their aerial operations. The Office of Personnel Management must issue implementing regulations within 90 days of the bill's enactment, with the pay adjustments taking effect shortly thereafter. While the bill does not specify a cost estimate, it would increase compensation for these federal employees to better reflect the dangers inherent in their work.
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