H.B. 518 Summary

• Establishes an emergency response vehicle noise task force within the Department of Health to examine the use and effectiveness of sirens and lights by emergency response vehicles, effective July 1, 2021.

• Task force shall evaluate the impact of sirens at night on surrounding communities in urban and rural areas, compare the effectiveness of lights alone versus lights and sirens at night for safety, and recommend rules for appropriate use of lights and sirens.

• Task force consists of 19 members including the Director of Health (chairperson), neighborhood board members, representatives from police and fire departments of each county, emergency medical services personnel, trauma centers, the state EMS advisory committee, and representatives from blind and deaf communities.

• Members serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for necessary expenses; task force must meet at least biannually beginning in 2021 and submit written findings and recommendations to the legislature and county councils 40 days prior to each regular legislative session beginning in 2022.