Bill Summary
The "Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act of 2025" aims to enhance the safety of first responders dealing with potentially lethal substances, particularly fentanyl. This legislation amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow the allocation of grant funds for two main purposes:
1. **Training and Resources**: It provides for training programs and resources that educate first responders on effectively using containment devices designed to prevent secondary exposure to harmful substances.
2. **Purchasing Containment Devices**: It authorizes the purchase of these containment devices to ensure that first responders are equipped to handle situations involving hazardous materials safely.
Overall, the bill seeks to safeguard the health and safety of first responders by equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to mitigate the risks associated with toxic substances.
Possible Impacts
The "Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act of 2025" has several implications for different stakeholders. Here are three examples of how this legislation could affect people:
1. **Enhanced Safety for First Responders**: By providing training and resources on the use of containment devices, first responders (such as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics) will have a greater understanding of how to safely handle situations involving fentanyl and other hazardous substances. This could lead to a significant reduction in the risk of accidental exposure to these potentially lethal substances, thereby improving their overall safety and well-being while on duty.
2. **Improved Public Health Outcomes**: The legislation indirectly benefits the general public by ensuring that first responders are better equipped to manage emergencies involving fentanyl and similar drugs. When first responders have the appropriate tools and training, they can respond more effectively to overdoses or hazardous material incidents. This can lead to quicker, more effective medical interventions, potentially saving lives and reducing the overall impact of drug-related emergencies on communities.
3. **Increased Funding and Resources for Emergency Services**: The act authorizes the allocation of grant amounts specifically for purchasing containment devices and providing necessary training. This increase in funding can enhance the operational capabilities of local fire and police departments, particularly in areas heavily affected by the opioid crisis. As a result, departments may be able to upgrade their equipment and training programs, leading to a more prepared and capable emergency workforce, ultimately benefiting both responders and the communities they serve.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 621 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 621
To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to
authorize the use of grant amounts for providing training and resources
for first responders on the use of containment devices to prevent
secondary exposure to fentanyl and other potentially lethal substances,
and purchasing such containment devices for use by first responders.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 22, 2025
Mr. Joyce of Ohio (for himself, Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania, Mr.
Fitzpatrick, Ms. Schrier, Ms. Tenney, and Mr. Neguse) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to
authorize the use of grant amounts for providing training and resources
for first responders on the use of containment devices to prevent
secondary exposure to fentanyl and other potentially lethal substances,
and purchasing such containment devices for use by first responders.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting First Responders from
Secondary Exposure Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. PROVIDING TRAINING AND RESOURCES FOR FIRST RESPONDERS ON THE
USE OF CONTAINMENT DEVICES TO PREVENT SECONDARY EXPOSURE
TO FENTANYL AND OTHER POTENTIALLY LETHAL SUBSTANCES, AND
PURCHASING SUCH CONTAINMENT DEVICES FOR USE BY FIRST
RESPONDERS.
Section 3021(a) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act
of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10701(a)) is amended by inserting after paragraph
(3) the following, and redesignating succeeding paragraphs accordingly:
``(4) Providing training and resources for first responders
on the use of containment devices to prevent secondary exposure
to fentanyl and other potentially lethal substances, and
purchasing such containment devices for use by first
responders.''.
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