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Committee hears bill to let qualified 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds begin EMT, firefighter and CNA training
Summary
Lawmakers heard testimony on HB 17 22, which would require state agencies to ease age barriers for minors who complete approved training programs for emergency medical services, fire service testing and certified nursing assistant roles; the bill also directs a Fire Marshal review and a report to the Legislature by October.
The Labor & Workplace Standards Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 17 22 on Feb. 12, 2025, which would let certain 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds begin state‑approved emergency medical technician training, participate earlier in fire service training subject to a Fire Marshal review, and remove a duplicative variance requirement for minors who complete certified nursing assistant training.
Supporters told the committee the bill targets procedural barriers that keep students in career and technical education (CTE) programs from finishing credentialing on a timely schedule. "This bill will reduce barriers for these high performing students to further their career path and take the next step," said Paul Bridal, director of Tri Tech Skills Center.
The bill requires the Department of Health to allow 16‑year‑olds to start EMT training in state‑approved skill centers or vocational programs if the program continues until the student turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes first. Representative Connors, sponsor of the bill, said the measure arose from a work group that included labor, hospitals, CTE programs and the Fire Marshal's office. She described three targeted fixes: earlier EMT training starts for students who enter programs at 16, a Fire Marshal assessment of age‑related barriers in fire protection training, and statutory clarity to avoid duplicate variance requests for minors who earn a CNA license before turning 18.
Fire service testing was highlighted as a source of delay. "Some of these kids turn 18 after they're done with high school and they've completed these two years of courses, and they've not been allowed to complete their testing," Connors said, noting the State Fire Marshal had formed a work group and committed to report progress and recommendations to the Legislature by October. The bill would explicitly require that report.
CTE program staff and students described long training sequences and the workforce value of earlier credentialing. "Despite maintaining an A average and completing all the necessary training, I'm unable to earn my emergency medical responder certification simply because of my age," said Ethan Wodehouse, a Tri Tech student testifying in support.
Agency staff described the current regulatory landscape: health care licensing under Title 18 RCW, the Fire Marshal's authority over regional fire protection service training, and Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) rules that now limit minors from working in occupations solely for the risk of exposure to bodily fluids unless the minor holds a Department of Health license that includes bloodborne pathogen competency.
No vote was taken; the item was heard as a public hearing and proponents urged further consideration and technical amendments. The committee record shows multiple CTE directors, instructors and students urging passage to reduce delays in certification and entry to the workforce.
The bill does not change compulsory schooling requirements; supporters said it preserves safety and supervision while removing procedural obstacles to timely testing and employment.
