HI HB183

Establishes an emergency response vehicle noise task force within the Department of Health to examine the use and effectiveness of lights and sirens on emergency response vehicles.

Task force shall evaluate the impact of sirens at night on communities surrounding emergency response vehicle facilities in urban and rural areas.

Task force shall evaluate the relative effectiveness of using lights alone compared to using lights and sirens at night in enhancing safety for first responders, patients, and the public.

Task force shall consist of 19 members including the Director of Health (chair), public representatives, county police and fire department representatives, emergency medical services personnel, and representatives from the blind and deaf communities.

Task force must submit written reports with findings and recommendations to the legislature and county councils no later than 20 days before each regular legislative session beginning in 2018, with meetings required at least biannually starting in 2017.