An Act Concerning The Communication Needs Of Persons Who Are Deaf, Hard Of Hearing, Or Deaf-blind In Emergency Situations.
If enacted, HB 06951 would necessitate the integration of visual lighting signals, video messaging, and auditory alarms as means to convey emergency information. Furthermore, the bill highlights the importance of establishing a reliable method through which affected individuals can notify emergency responders of their location while seeking shelter during crises. These measures aim to provide individuals with the necessary tools to ensure their safety in emergencies and to facilitate a more inclusive response from public safety officials.
House Bill 06951 aims to enhance communication for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind during emergency situations. The proposed legislation seeks to amend state statutes to mandate law enforcement agencies to implement text message alerts for these individuals in educational settings. This initiative is a response to the critical need for effective communication methods during emergencies, thereby promoting safety and accessibility for persons with hearing impairments.
A significant component of this bill is the requirement for emergency responders to receive basic training in American Sign Language (ASL). This training would empower responders to communicate essential directives such as 'hide', 'quiet', 'get down', and 'run' effectively to individuals with hearing impairments. The bill addresses potential concerns regarding the preparedness of emergency services to interact with deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind individuals, ensuring that these communities are not left vulnerable in critical situations.