HB 3380
Increases the tax credit allowed to rural volunteer emergency medical services providers from $250 per tax year to $1,000 per tax year.
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
92%
Oppose
8%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill increases the tax credit available to volunteer emergency medical services providers operating in rural areas of Oregon. Currently, providers receive a $250 tax credit, but this bill raises that amount to $1,000 per tax year. The bill also requires the Office of Rural Health to report annually on the number of taxpayers eligible for this credit to relevant legislative committees.
Key provisions
- Increases the tax credit for rural volunteer EMS providers from $250 to $1,000.
- Requires the Office of Rural Health to certify eligibility for the tax credit.
- Defines ‘rural area’ as being at least 25 miles from a city with a population of 30,000 or more.
- Requires the Office of Rural Health to submit an annual report on eligible taxpayers.
- Extends the tax credit until January 1, 2030.
- Applies to tax credit certifications issued from January 1, 2006, to January 1, 2030.
- Tax credits apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Who is affected
- Rural volunteer emergency medical services providers
- Taxpayers in Oregon
- The Office of Rural Health
- Legislative Assembly committees related to health care and emergency medical services
- The Department of Revenue
Notable changes
- Expands the existing tax credit for rural EMS providers.
- Establishes a sunset date for the tax credit (January 1, 2030).
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Gregory Smith
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
The testifiers generally express strong support for HB 3380, citing a need for incentives to motivate more volunteers in rural areas to join the firefighting and emergency medical services. They emphasize the importance of addressing volunteer recruitment and retention challenges, particularly in small towns where resources are scarce. The proposed legislation is seen as a crucial step towards alleviating the current shortage of paramedics and EMTs in Oregon, with many testifiers highlighting its potential to improve healthcare accessibility and quality for rural Oregonians. By increasing the tax credit for rural volunteer emergency medical services providers, the bill aims to recognize and support the essential work of these individuals in rural communities, ultimately promoting a more sustainable and effective volunteer workforce.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the proposed tax credit increase for rural emergency medical service providers argue that it would be an ineffective solution to staffing issues, as it may not adequately address the root causes of these problems. Instead, they advocate for a more targeted and nuanced funding approach that can better tailor support to the specific needs of rural EMS providers. By prioritizing a more tailored strategy, opponents believe that resources can be allocated more efficiently and effectively, ultimately benefiting the communities they serve.