A new proposal that would protect individuals serving as volunteer or paid on-call emergency responders from workplace discrimination was introduced by State Representative Jaime Greene (R-Richmond) on Tuesday. Greene’s House Bill 4433 would create the Emergency Responder Employment Protection Act, prohibiting employers from disciplining or firing employees who responded to an emergency while on their way to work.

“Our emergency responders are some of the most incredibly selfless individuals in our community,” Greene said. “In no world should they have to worry about losing their job or being punished at work simply for putting their own safety on the line to bravely serve those in danger. We want our emergency responders to be the kind of people who would drop everything at a moment’s notice to save us or our loved ones from a fire, car crash, or any other kind of emergency. My legislation will ensure unsympathetic work environments don’t discourage their heroism.”

In addition to protecting first responders from unfair retaliation, Greene’s legislation also includes safeguards to ensure absences do not create workplace safety concerns and allows for civil recourse in the event of violations. Greene praised one of her district’s local first responders, New Haven Firefighter Kevyn Swandon, for helping put together this new policy proposal.

“Kevyn has advocated for this much-needed legislation for years,” Greene said. “He has been a steadfast supporter of commonsense protections for our first responders. While this legislation would provide these protections for all qualified individuals responding to emergencies throughout the state, it will especially benefit fire departments like the one Kevyn serves in. Less populated, rural areas in Michigan, such as the ones the New Haven Fire Department covers, are far more dependent on volunteer emergency response teams. These volunteers have other full-time jobs and need to be able to feel the freedom to go save people, even while on their way into work. I am hopeful my colleagues see how important these protections are and help me in empowering the brave men and women like Kevyn who keep our communities safe.”

House Bill 4433 was referred to the House Committee on Economic Competitiveness.