The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has announced how the H.B. 929 has been signed into action, a piece of bipartisan legislation to improve firefighter mental health, remove PFAS from protective gear and more, into law.
After addressing the 81st annual Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) Convention in Palm Beach Gardens, the legislation was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis.
The legislation has been praised by the IAFF, who called it the most significant advancement of firefighter health and safety policy in the state in generations.
With the Governor’s signature, the new law is set to go into effect on July 1.
FPF President Wayne “Bernie” Bernoska shared: “This comprehensive legislation modernizes our state’s firefighter OSHA statute by improving suicide data collection, establishing best practices for mental health, requiring safer turnout gear in excess of NFPA standards and guiding departments toward more sustainable work schedules.
DeSantis thanked Florida’s professional firefighters for their work protecting their communities, acknowledging the sacrifices they make each day to carry out their mission.
During the signing ceremony, Governor Ron DeSantis said: ““Firefighters put their lives on the line to save others.
“Their heroic work takes a physical and mental toll. H.B. 929 recognizes the risks and strengthens Florida’s commitment to the well-being of our firefighters and I was proud to sign it alongside some of state’s hometown heroes today.”
H.B. 929 was co-led by Republican Reps. Danny Alvarez Sr. and Erika Booth in the Florida House, while Senator Nick DiCeglie (R) shepherded the bill through the state’s upper chamber.
Bernoska added: “We are proud to have championed this measure on behalf of our members and are grateful for the broad support it has received in the legislative process and for the Governor making this important law a reality for Florida’s firefighters.”
H.B. 929 passed the House of Representatives 115-0 and the Florida Senate by a vote of 37-0 – demonstrating the strong backing firefighters have from lawmakers across the state.
12th District Vice President Walter Dix shared: “Securing unanimous support for these critical reforms is a testament to the outstanding work President Bernoska and his members are doing in Tallahassee and across the state.
“H.B. 929 is one of the most comprehensive, pro-firefighter pieces of legislation we’ve seen in some time”.
“Florida firefighters now know the state has their back as they fight to combat occupational cancer, ongoing mental health challenges, and burnout in the fire service.”
General President Edward Kelly praised the FPF for their work on behalf of the thousands of IAFF members in Florida.
Kelly shared: “The Florida Professional Fire Fighter’s work on H.B. 929 shows what can be accomplished when firefighters work with their elected officials to enact real, common-sense reforms.”
“We know that when firefighters are safer, the communities we took an oath to protect are safer, too. This new legislation will make a difference in the lives of every Floridian and the firefighters they count on.”
The IAFF has shared how Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has signed H.B. 929 into action, a piece of bipartisan legislation to improve firefighter mental health, remove PFAS from protective gear and more.
