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Panel clears bill to recognize military emergency vehicles when responding off base
Summary
HB351, which clarifies that Department of Military Affairs emergency vehicles are recognized as emergency vehicles when responding off installation, was reported favorably 7–0; sponsor said the measure codifies existing mutual-aid practice and carries no state cost.
Delegate Fagan told the subcommittee that House Bill 351 would ensure Department of Military Affairs (DMVA) emergency vehicles are recognized as emergency vehicles when they respond off base in mutual-aid situations. “This bill resolves this issue,” he said, adding it is a zero-cost measure that aligns the code with current operations.
Fagan said the Department of Military Affairs reported 21 vehicles that respond in mutual aid. He emphasized the bill does not change safety standards or due-regard requirements: "All existing due regard requirements remain fully intact," he said. The chair clarified the bill is not about adding lights to vehicles but about aligning statute with practice.
No one spoke in opposition, and the subcommittee reported HB351 favorably on a voice/roll call vote, 7–0. The bill will proceed to the full Transportation Committee for further consideration.
If enacted, HB351 would make explicit in state law that DMVA emergency vehicles have recognized emergency status when assisting in community responses off military installations; the bill text, as presented, does not change equipment or training requirements.
