STATEHOUSE (Feb. 15, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced State Rep. Tim O'Brien's (R-Evansville) legislation that would protect the privacy of Hoosier firefighters by preventing their personal information from appearing on public websites.
Currently, law enforcement, judges and victims of domestic abuse are shielded from having their names and addresses made public thanks to state law. O'Brien authored House Bill 1578 to extend that same protection to paid and volunteer firefighters.
"Firefighters can unfortunately come into contact with criminals while they work to keep their communities safe," O'Brien said. "Heroes like Jonathan should have the same protections offered to them as other public safety officials, and this bill will accomplish that. I look forward to continuing to work on this issue on behalf of firefighters and their families across the state."
According to O'Brien, the bill was inspired after Jonathan Wright, a firefighter with the Evansville Fire Department who was attacked while on a medic run in 2021. Wright said he feared a follow-up attack and attempted to have his home address withheld from public records, but his request was denied. Wright testified in support of O'Brien's legislation during the bill's hearing in the House Local Government Committee meeting at the Statehouse.
The Indiana Fire Chiefs Association and the Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana testified in support of the bill.
House Bill 1578 now heads to the Senate 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.
