Bill > HR540

This bill seeks to recognize the critical and complex work of public safety telecommunicators (911 operators) by requiring the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review and potentially revise the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. Currently, these professionals are not adequately classified, and the bill argues that they should be recognized as protective service workers due to the high-stress, life-saving nature of their work. The bill highlights that public safety telecommunicators do much more than simply relay information, including preventing potential violence, providing critical guidance during emergencies like active shooter situations, and helping first responders stay safe. The legislation mandates that during the next SOC system revision, the OMB Director should consider creating a separate occupational code for public safety telecommunicators. If the Director chooses not to establish this separate code, they must submit a detailed report to Congress explaining their reasoning within 60 days of making a final decision. The bill also acknowledges the significant emotional and psychological toll of the job, noting that these professionals are often exposed to traumatic events that can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/540/all-info