Bill · S. 3963· Senate(119-S-3963)
Rural Emergency Response Support Act
- Introduced
- 3/3/2026
- Last activity
- 3/3/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- John Curtis
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Rural Emergency Response Support Act," proposes an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. It specifically seeks to provide overtime compensation exceptions for certain employers. These exceptions would apply to employers of emergency medical technicians and paramedics in rural areas. The scope includes public agencies that are political subdivisions of a State with fewer than 100,000 residents. It also includes private entities serving those specific political subdivisions under contract.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+2
By allowing overtime exceptions, public agencies in smaller subdivisions may reduce their labor costs.
Would business owners be better off under this?+2
Provides cost relief for private entities contracted by rural political subdivisions.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+2
May improve availability of emergency medical services in rural areas by reducing employer costs.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Would union members be better off under this?-3
The overtime exemption directly impacts the wage protections typically championed by labor unions.
Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise?-2
The exemption from overtime pay may weaken labor protections for EMTs and paramedics.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-2
Potential reduction in wages for EMTs and paramedics due to overtime exemptions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Overtime compensation exceptions for specific employers: This provision would allow public agencies in political subdivisions with fewer than 100,000 residents, as well as private entities contracted by them, to employ emergency medical technicians or paramedics without violating the Fair Labor Standards Act regarding overtime. (Section 2)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+2Improves Fiscal Responsibility+1Improves Small Business Support+1Improves Union Protections-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Union Workers-3Good For Low Income Households-2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+1
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+1Increases Federal Power-1
- 3/3/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mike LeeRepublican · Utah