House passes public‑safety package with added victim services, non‑fatal shooting grants and firefighter line‑of‑duty updates

The House passed House File 10‑82, a public‑safety omnibus that includes funding and program changes designed to strengthen victim services, improve law‑enforcement responses to shootings and expand benefits for first responders.

The bill author, Rep. Mueller, said it addresses a persistent funding shortfall for victim services, noting programs that provide shelter, sexual‑assault advocacy and child‑abuse support face depleted federal and fee revenues. The measure includes a $12 million supplemental for victims’ services and creates a Domestic Violence task force to examine and recommend improvements to cross‑agency responses.

Lawmakers also authorized grants to help law enforcement close more non‑fatal shooting investigations — programs that local police officials credited with raising clearance rates in pilot projects. The bill also revises line‑of‑duty death benefits to include paid on‑call and part‑time firefighters and expands coverage for certain job‑related illnesses, including occupational cancers. Speaker supporters said the change aligns with new federal recognition of firefighter cancer risks.

Other provisions update credentialing and identification processes for first responders after large‑scale events and add criminal‑law changes including enhanced protection for hospital security and new doxing protections for public officials and first responders.

The bill passed with bipartisan support; members praised the victim‑service funds and called for continued work on implementation and local capacity.