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Committee approves HB 338 to expand first-responder health access using existing funds
Summary
The committee favorably recommended HB 338 (First Responder Health Amendments), a bill that creates a buy-in program allowing local agencies to join the DPS network for a modest fee and reallocates previously appropriated funds rather than establishing a new ongoing appropriation.
Sponsor presented HB 338 as a continuity measure to strengthen small, local programs that support first responders. The proposal would create an opt-in, subscription-style program with a modest buy-in (sponsor described it as "$25 buy-in") to extend access to the Department of Public Safety network and reallocate leftover funds previously appropriated for that purpose.
The sponsor said the bill does not appropriate new ongoing funding and that the fiscal note is uncertain but expects costs to be covered by existing balances (the sponsor referenced $800,000 as the available resource). Committee members asked clarifying questions; no public testimony opposed the bill.
Representative White moved to favorably recommend HB 338 and the committee approved the motion by unanimous voice vote. The bill will advance to the House floor with a favorable recommendation.
Next steps: HB 338 was reported favorably out of committee and will be scheduled for floor consideration.
