Bill > HF2525

This bill establishes a hearing protection program for public safety officers in Minnesota, specifically targeting peace officers, firefighters, and qualified emergency medical service providers. The bill defines key terms such as "hearing protection product" as a commercial off-the-shelf, in-the-canal device with a noise reduction rating of at least 25 decibels and a maximum output of 80 decibels. Public safety officers and their agency heads can request these hearing protection products from the commissioner of public safety at no cost, with products distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The bill includes a liability protection clause that shields state agencies, government employees, and other entities from legal action if a hearing protection product is defective or causes injury. To fund the program, the bill appropriates $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to purchase hearing protection products directly from a manufacturer. The goal of this legislation appears to be protecting the hearing health of public safety officers who are frequently exposed to loud noise in the course of their professional duties.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2525&ssn=0&y=2025