US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB5091

Introduced
9/2/25  

Caption

To amend section 5545 of title 5, United States Code, to provide hazard pay for carrying out prescribed burns, and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, HB5091 would ensure that firefighters engaged in prescribed burning receive financial recognition for their work, which is deemed equally hazardous as wildfire suppression. The legislation would implement a pay differential that acknowledges the physical demands of igniting and controlling prescribed burns. This is particularly significant as prescribed burns are essential tools for ecological management, aimed at reducing hazardous fuels, maintaining ecosystem health, and preventing larger and costlier wildfires.

Summary

House Bill 5091 aims to amend section 5545 of title 5, United States Code, to provide hazard pay for federal employees who engage in prescribed fire management activities. The bill recognizes that controlling and suppressing prescribed burns is critical for fire preparedness and land management. It states that firefighters involved in such activities, as well as smokejumpers—who perform aerial firefighting—should receive compensation that reflects the risks and physical hardships of their duties. This compensation aligns with existing pay differentials for personnel involved in wildfire suppression.

Contention

While the bill is intended to enhance the safety and financial security of those in hazardous roles, it could face scrutiny regarding budget implications for federal agencies tasked with firefighting and land management. There may be discussions around the sufficiency of the proposed pay differential in compensating for the actual risks associated. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the suitability of provisions in the bill to ensure that the hazard pay does not inadvertently diminish the morale or funding of standard firefighting operations. Overall, HB5091 may spark broader conversations about resource allocation and the prioritization of wildfire management within federal funding structures.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB8309

To amend title 28, United States Code, to prohibit Presidents and Vice Presidents from receiving damages payments from the United States, and for other purposes.

US SB4100

A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify whistleblower protections for duty speech disclosures, and for other purposes.

US HB3182

To amend title 5, United States Code, to prohibit Members of Congress and their spouses from trading stock, and for other purposes.

US HB1580

To amend section 3001 of title 39, United States Code, to require solicitations sent in the mail to be clearly identified as solicitations, and for other purposes.

US HB6948

To amend title 49, United States Code, to require each new electric and hybrid vehicle to be equipped with technology that allows the timely extinguishment of an electric vehicle battery fire, and for other purposes.

US HB7162

To amend title 40, United States Code, to permit commercial filmmaking and photography on the United States Capitol grounds, and for other purposes.

US HB8232

To amend title 49, United States Code, to repeal certain employee protective arrangements, and for other purposes.

US HB7933

To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the authority to provide a wig and treat traction alopecia under the TRICARE program, and for other purposes.

US HB6673

To amend title 49, United States Code, to clarify airport revenue use of local general sales taxes, and for other purposes.

US HB4578

To amend title 40, United States Code, to include Ontario County in the region covered by the Northern Border Regional Commission, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.