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Bill

A 247

Establishes a specialized electric vehicle emergency response training program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by William Colton and 3 co-sponsors

Bill A 247 establishes a training program for emergency responders to safely handle electric vehicle incidents, enhancing public safety as EV adoption rises.

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Bill Summary · A 247

Summary of Bill A 247: Specialized Electric Vehicle Emergency Response Training Program

Bill Overview

Bill Number: A 247
Title: Establishes a specialized electric vehicle emergency response training program
Status: Tabled
Introduced: January 08, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 247 is to establish a specialized training program aimed at equipping emergency responders with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively handle incidents involving electric vehicles (EVs). As the adoption of electric vehicles continues to rise, the bill seeks to address the unique challenges and safety concerns that arise during emergencies involving these vehicles.

Key Provisions

  • Training Program Development: The bill mandates the creation of a comprehensive training curriculum focused on the specific hazards associated with electric vehicles, including battery fires, electrical shock risks, and safe extraction techniques.
  • Certification for Responders: Emergency responders, including firefighters and paramedics, would be required to complete this training to receive certification, ensuring they are prepared to respond to EV-related emergencies.
  • Collaboration with Experts: The program would involve collaboration with automotive experts, fire safety professionals, and electric vehicle manufacturers to ensure the training is up-to-date and relevant.
  • Funding and Resources: While specific funding allocations are not detailed in the bill, it is implied that resources will be allocated to support the training initiatives.

Affected Parties

  • Emergency Responders: Firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel will be directly impacted as they will need to undergo the training to enhance their response capabilities.
  • Electric Vehicle Owners: The bill indirectly affects EV owners by promoting safer emergency response practices, potentially leading to better outcomes in the event of an incident.
  • Local Governments: Municipalities may need to allocate resources for training programs and ensure their emergency response teams are compliant with the new requirements.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 08, 2025: Bill A 247 was introduced and referred to the Governmental Operations Committee.
  • May 29, 2025: The bill passed the Assembly and was delivered to the Senate.
  • June 10, 2025: The Senate passed the bill, which was then returned to the Assembly.
  • October 09, 2025: The bill was delivered to the Governor but was subsequently vetoed.
  • October 10, 2025: The bill was tabled, halting further action.

Related Bills

  • S 6723: A related bill from a prior session that may address similar issues.
  • A 6517: Another prior-session bill that could be connected to the topic of emergency response.
  • S 5848: A companion bill that likely shares similar objectives regarding electric vehicle safety.

Conclusion

Bill A 247 represents a proactive approach to enhancing public safety in the context of increasing electric vehicle usage. By establishing a specialized training program for emergency responders, the bill aims to ensure that first responders are adequately prepared to handle the unique challenges posed by electric vehicles. However, the bill's current status as tabled indicates that further legislative action is needed for it to be enacted.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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