STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2023) – The House Local Government Committee today advanced State Rep. Tim O'Brien's (R-Evansville) proposal that would protect the privacy of Hoosier firefighters.
O'Brien's legislation would define paid and volunteer firefighters as "covered persons" under Indiana law, which would prevent their names and addresses from being disclosed to the general public.
"The men and women in the firefighting community should be able to do their job and protect the public without fear of reprisal from criminals and wrongdoers," O'Brien said. "This simple fix to Indiana law will go a long way in giving firefighters and their families the peace of mind they deserve."
Law enforcement officials, judges and victims of domestic abuse are all considered covered persons under state law.
O'Brien's legislation is inspired after Jonathan Wright, a firefighter with the Evansville Fire Department, was attacked while on a medic run in 2021. O'Brien said that Wright feared a follow-up attack and attempted to have his home address withheld from public records, but had his request denied due to current statute. Wright testified in support of the legislation during the committee.
House Bill 1578 now heads to the House floor for further consideration. To follow the legislation and watch session and committees live, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) represents House District 78,
which includes portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) presents to the House Local Government Committee his bill to withhold firefighters' home addresses from public record sites Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at the Statehouse. The committee unanimously approved O'Brien's legislation, sending it the House floor for further consideration.
