The following fire service legislation is pending in the 107th Congress, according to the Congressional Fire Services Institute.
House of Representatives
� Access to Thermal Imaging Cameras Act (H.R. 827). Introduced by Rep. Felix J. Grucci Jr. (R-NY) on March 1, 2001. This bill would establish a $100 million grant program to aid in the purchase of thermal imaging cameras. Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
� Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act (H.R. 471). Introduced on February 6, 2001, by Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ). This bill provides for disclosure of fire safety standards with respect to campus buildings. Referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce.
� Child Care Construction and Renovation Act (H.R 286). Introduced by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-MO) on January 30, 2001. Among other things, this bill would provide mortgage insurance for childcare facilities that purchase and install fire safety equipment. Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
� Children’s Sleepwear Safety Act (H.R. 329). Introduced by Rep. Robert Andrews (D-NJ) on February 7, 2001. This bill would require that children’s sleepwear be manufactured in accordance with stricter flammability standards. Referred to the House Commerce Committee.
� Home Ownership Must Expand for Teachers and Public Safety Officers Act (H.R. 421). Introduced by Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA) on February 6, 2001.
This bill would make single-family properties owned by HUD available at a discount to teachers and public safety officers. Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
� Home Ownership Opportunities for Uniformed Services and Educators Act (H.R. 674). Introduced by Rep. John J. LaFalce (D-NY) on February 14, 2001. This bill would provide for 1 percent downpayments for FHA mortgage loans for teachers and public safety officers. Referred to the Committee on Financial Services.
� Mandatory Separation Age for Federal Firefighters (H.R. 93). Introduced by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA) on January 3, 2001. This bill would amend Title 5, United States Code to extend the retirement age from 55 to 57 for firefighters under the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System, making the mandatory separation age for federal firefighters the same as that for Federal law enforcement officers. Passed the House on January 30, 2001. Referred to the Senate.
It was introduced in the Senate (S. 271) by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) on February 7, 2001. Referred to the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs.
� Preparedness Against Terrorism Act (H.R. 525). Introduced by Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-MD) on February 8, 2001. This bill would establish a Presidential Council on Domestic Terrorism. Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
� Survivor Benefits Tax Fairness Act (H.R. 710). Introduced by Rep. John Sununu (R-NH) on February 14, 2001. It would provide for consistent treatment of survivor benefits for public safety officers killed in the line of duty. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Senate
� Sustaining Access to Vital Emergency Medical Services Act (S. 587). Introduced by Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) on March 21, 2001. Would establish a $50 million grant program to aid emergency medical personnel for equipment, apparatus, hiring and recruitment, and retention. Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
Copies of these bills are available on http://thomas.loc.gov, or contact the House Legislative Research Center at (202) 226-5200, fax (202) 226-4362 or the Senate Document Room at (202) 224-7860, fax (202) 228-2815.
