Bum Nam Yang: "Legal Basis Established for Supporting Volunteer Fire Brigades with Office Space"

Revised Bill on Volunteer Fire Brigades Led by Yang Passes Committee
Retirement Age Extension to Be Reconsidered After Gathering Local Opinions

Bum Nam Yang, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker.

The revised bill on the Installation and Operation of Volunteer Fire Brigades, proposed by Bum Nam Yang, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker representing Gwangju Seo-gu-eul, was amended and passed by the Public Administration and Security Committee on July 10. The revision is significant in that it clarifies the legal basis for on-site support for volunteer fire brigades, including the provision of office space.

Initially, Representative Yang proposed a bill that would allow the retirement age for volunteer firefighters to be extended by up to five years according to local ordinances. However, in order to incorporate various opinions from the field, including local governments, the retirement age extension provision was put on hold. Instead, the bill prioritized the urgent issue of providing on-site support.

The revised bill establishes an explicit legal basis allowing city and provincial governors to provide necessary support, such as office space, to ensure the smooth operation of volunteer fire brigades. The provision to extend the retirement age, reflecting the realities of aging in rural and fishing communities and regional circumstances, will be further discussed and legislated after collecting opinions from local governments and other stakeholders.

On July 11, Representative Yang stated, "Volunteer fire brigades are reliable partners in protecting community safety and are symbols of voluntary dedication. It is a small but meaningful step forward that this revision will allow them to secure at least a minimum activity space." He added, "Regarding the retirement age extension, we will continue legislative discussions centered on field opinions, fully considering regional circumstances and fairness."

Meanwhile, the amendment to the Local Allocation Tax Act, which has been in effect since this year, is based on a bill Representative Yang proposed last year. Last year, he took the lead in ensuring stable financial resources for fire services by legislating that at least 75% of the Fire Safety Grant Tax must be allocated to fire departments.