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HR 5188

To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish blast safety officer positions in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force.

119th Congress Introduced by Ro Khanna

HR 5188 mandates blast safety officers in all military branches to enhance safety during explosive exercises, reducing risks for service members and improving health protocols.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 5188

Summary of HR 5188: Establishment of Blast Safety Officer Positions

Bill Number: HR 5188
Title: To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish blast safety officer positions in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force.
Status: Introduced in House
Introduced Date: September 08, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HR 5188 is to enhance the safety of military personnel during live-fire and explosive exercises by establishing dedicated blast safety officer positions across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. This initiative aims to monitor and mitigate the risks associated with blast and overpressure exposure, ensuring the health and safety of service members engaged in such high-risk activities.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several critical provisions regarding the responsibilities and requirements for blast safety officers:

  1. Establishment Timeline: The Secretary of Defense is mandated to establish these positions by September 30, 2026.

  2. Duties of Blast Safety Officers:

    • Monitoring and Mitigation: Officers will monitor blast exposure during exercises and have the authority to halt activities if exposure exceeds safe limits.
    • Pre-Exercise Briefings: They will inform service members about health risks and safety protocols before exercises.
    • Oversight of Equipment: Officers will oversee the use of personal protective equipment and wearable sensors during exercises.
    • Incident Investigation: They will investigate incidents of blast overpressure, report findings, and coordinate with healthcare providers to address health risks.
    • Exposure Logging: Maintaining logs of blast exposure to support future safety measures.
    • Coordination: Collaborating with range safety officers and other personnel to ensure comprehensive safety measures are in place.

  3. Assignment and Training: Each military department will assign a blast safety officer to every special mission unit, and these officers will be required to undergo training and maintain certification in blast safety.

Impact

The implementation of HR 5188 is expected to significantly improve the safety protocols surrounding live-fire and explosive exercises. By establishing dedicated personnel focused on blast safety, the bill aims to reduce the risk of injury and long-term health issues related to blast exposure among military personnel.

Affected Parties

  • Military Personnel: All members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force who participate in live-fire or explosive exercises will benefit from enhanced safety measures.
  • Military Departments: The bill will require adjustments in staffing and training protocols within each branch of the Armed Forces.

Legislative Actions

  • September 08, 2025: The bill was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services and introduced in the House.

Related Bills

  • HR 3838: This bill is noted as a companion to HR 5188, suggesting a parallel legislative effort addressing similar issues.

This summary provides a clear overview of HR 5188, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impact on military safety practices.

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

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