State Rep. Jaime Greene this week introduced a plan to protect employment opportunities for emergency responders who serve Michigan communities on a part-time or volunteer basis.

Greene’s legislation would create the Emergency Responders Employment Protection Act to ensure we are protecting those who protect us.

“No one should have to choose between saving lives and keeping their job,” said Greene, R-Richmond. “Our emergency responders sacrifice so much for our safety, and it’s time we stand up for them by providing the protections they deserve.”

With recruitment and retention of emergency responders at critically low levels across Michigan and neighboring states, many active responders find themselves stretched thin, taking on more responsibilities while also facing the threat of disciplinary action or even termination from their other jobs.

Greene’s plan would address these concerns by prohibiting employers from discriminating against or disciplining employees who respond to emergencies under specific conditions.

House Bill 5905 ensures that an employer cannot take adverse action against certain employees if they are absent from work due to responding to an emergency under either of the following conditions:

• The emergency began before the employee’s shift started.
• The emergency occurs during the employee’s shift, is within the responder’s jurisdiction, and is not more than 15 miles from their work location.

Greene’s bill also allows employers the flexibility to designate the time away as paid or unpaid leave, ensuring that businesses can manage their operations while still supporting the critical work of emergency responders.

“Our emergency responders deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their jobs are safe while they’re out there saving lives,” Greene said. “This legislation is a vital step toward ensuring our emergency response teams remain strong and effective, so they can continue doing what they do best — saving lives.”

House Bill 5905 was referred to the House Labor Committee for consideration.

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