HB 408 aims to protect Emergency Response Workers
ByHB 408, sponsored by Rep. JP Pomnichowski (D-Bozeman) was heard on Friday, February 13, by the House Business and Labor committee. HB 408, titled “Presumption of Covered Diseases for Safety Officers Under Work Comp” aims to streamline workers compensation claims, and disability retirements when firefighters, emergency medical technicians and peace officers are medically affected by exposure to toxic substances in the line of duty.
Currently, 40 states recognize the links between certain diseases and exposure to toxic agents during emergency response work. As a result, emergency response workers in these states rely upon a strong safety net that protects them and their families from the inherent risks of their valued civic responsibilities.
Emergency medical workers spoke strongly in favor of HB 408, focusing on personal stories of coworkers whose health has been negatively affected during the line of duty.
During Executive Action on February 16, the Business and Labor Committee tabled HB 408.
"I think that it’s going to all work out, with the changes that we have agreed to. It’s not as much (spending for some programs) as I would’ve hoped, but apparently it’s more than other people wanted. As usual, we are trying to find the middle.” 
"[On term limits:] You empower the executive, you empower the lobbyists and that's not good for the system because then we lose what the citizen Legislature brings.” 