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Committee hears bill to fund active hearing protection for first responders; House file 2525 laid over
Summary
Representative Duran and labor representatives described a pilot program to supply active hearing‑protection devices to peace officers, firefighters and EMS. Testifiers said the devices protect situational awareness while reducing long‑term hearing loss. The committee laid the bill over.
Representative Duran brought House File 2525 to the committee to fund a pilot program providing active hearing‑protection devices to first responders.
Proponents described occupational hearing loss as a common and underaddressed health problem in policing and fire service. The bill would establish a public‑safety hearing protection program in the Department of Public Safety to provide commercial, multiuse active hearing‑protection equipment designed to reduce harmful noise while allowing communication. "Active hearing protection devices provide a crucial solution by filtering harmful noise while allowing officers to maintain situational awareness and has enhancing mission readiness, safety, and survivability," a bill proponent told the committee.
Deputy director David Titus of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, a former patrol and SWAT officer, testified and described field scenarios such as loud breaching noise and training exposures that can lead to permanent damage and disability claims. Supporters emphasized potential long‑term cost savings from reduced hearing‑loss claims.
Committee action: House File 2525 was laid over for further consideration.
Next steps: The committee did not take final action; supporters said they would continue to work to define standards for allowable devices and pilot parameters.
