Bill · H.R. 10492· House(119-HR-10492)
Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act
- Introduced
- 9/17/2026
- Last activity
- 9/17/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Maxine Dexter
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act, creates a comprehensive initiative to improve the health and wellbeing of federal wildland firefighters. It establishes an interagency task force, a health advisory panel, and a wellbeing program to tackle occupational hazards, toxic exposures, and mental health needs. The legislation directs federal agencies to conduct occupational safety and health research, establish new safety standards, and test respiratory protection equipment. It also requires the Department of Labor to set up a special claims handling unit for workers' compensation and ensures that firefighters receive paid duty time for hygiene and gear decontamination. Finally, the Government Accountability Office is directed to conduct regular studies to evaluate the progress of the wellbeing program.
Yes· 3 of 12
Does this put more money into medical research?+6
The legislation provides funding and authorizes new offices within NIOSH for occupational safety and health research related to firefighting.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+5
Many veterans transition into wildland firefighting roles and will directly benefit from enhanced health and safety protections.
Would union members be better off under this?+5
Union representatives are included on the advisory panel, and the bill strengthens workplace protections for firefighting personnel.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Paid Decontamination and Hygiene Time (Section 8): Covered employees are provided regular duty time during wildfire operations, without loss of pay or benefits, to shower, perform personal hygiene, and clean contaminated gear and vehicles. This helps reduce firefighters' exposure to carcinogens and toxic substances.
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Health Screenings and Medical Monitoring (Section 4): The wellbeing program requires baseline medical exams upon hiring, annual tracking exams, and regular access to early-detection screenings for cancer and chronic cardiopulmonary disease. This ensures that health issues are caught early for individuals.
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Specialized Workers' Compensation Claims Handling (Section 7): The Secretary of Labor is directed to establish a special claims handling unit to process and adjudicate workers' compensation claims submitted by fire protection employees. Staff in this unit must receive specialized training on firefighting operational conditions and occupational exposures, which can help ensure claims are processed in a timely manner.
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Respiratory Protection Pilot Program (Section 5): The legislation establishes a pilot program to evaluate, test, and gather feedback on respiratory protection technologies for wildland firefighters. This provision aims to identify usable and effective equipment to reduce inhalation exposure to wildfire smoke and airborne hazards.
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Improved Access to Mental Health Support (Section 4): The wellbeing program expands prevention, education, and support services to address trauma and cumulative stress, build coping skills, and improve mental preparedness for wildland firefighters and support personnel.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions that outline potential negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Union Workers+5Good For Veterans+5Good For Middle Aged+4Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For Low Income Households+3
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+6Improves Healthcare Access+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+4
- 9/17/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
James GallagherRepublican · California
Jared HuffmanDemocrat · California