Relating to: service award program. (FE)

SB 688 amends Wisconsin's service award program to require 20 years of service (up from 15) and age 53 (down from 60) for full payment eligibility for volunteer firefighters, emergency medical responders, and emergency medical services practitioners. Those with 10-20 years of service who reach age 53 but are under 60 would receive a reduced payment, calculated by the department but less than the full award. The bill specifies that payments cover all municipal and state contributions plus earnings, minus investment expenses, and allows for lump-sum or rule-defined payment structures. The department must create implementing rules for these changes.