H.B. 416 First Responder Health Modifications: transcript

Thank you, Mr. Chair, members of the committee, um, honored to be able to come and speak to second substitute house Bill four 16.

I do have handouts. Do you mind if I turn hands that around? No, Thank you. May as well have 'em while you're talking. Yeah, That'd be great. Go ahead. Um, and she has one for the next bill as well. Do you mind if she just gives them both right now? Awesome. So as many of you remember, um, last year, we passed some really landmark legislation that increased, uh, cancer screening options and added, um, some, some new presumptions, uh, for cancer. Um, pres presumptive cancers that emerge from a firefighter service for workers' compensation. Many people don't know that firefighters risk a much higher, uh, or have a much higher risk of certain cancers due to their long-term exposure to smoke and chemicals and other hazardous materials. Um, however, as we've, we've gone through that and more firefighters are getting screened and more cancers are being found. Um, we've heard, uh, some, some, uh, complaints and, and feedback that there's a gap between when that cancer's detected and when the workers' compensation claims are are had. Um, that's not necessarily a problem with workers' comp. It just to get all the paperwork filed to get, uh, all the ducks in a row, it can take some time. And there are some significant expenses, uh, that firefighters could face, uh, in the meantime. And, uh, those, those higher costs as their cancers progress, um, can cause a lot of, uh, stress within their life and with their families. And so, what House Bill four 16 does is it establishes a Cancer Benefit trust fund. Uh, it creates a board of trustees within the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy that manage that trust fund. And the trust fund is intended to, um, provide coverage for that gap. It will also, um, look at ways to reduce the workers' compensation claims and, uh, help provide early financial support to firefighters that are diagnosed with these presumptive cancers. Um, this bill, as you'll see, uh, has the board study these things, and we'll come back in a future year and, and find out exactly the right amounts that they'll need to cover that gap. But this sets up the trust fund. It guarantees a funding mechanism. Um, it sets up what, what the board of that trust fund looks like, and, uh, makes clear what, what the board will study in getting together the, uh, the trust fund expenditures. So with that, I have, uh, chief Smith here who can talk and add a little bit more color to the bill and, and help, uh, describe how this will help our firefighters in Utah.

Thank you. Uh, Mr. Chair, members of the committee, my name is Clint Smith. I'm the Fire Chief for Draper City Fire Department and all, and also here representing the Utah State Fire Chiefs Association. Uh, we sincerely appreciate the efforts of, uh, Representative Teuscher on this, uh, this important bill for us. As mentioned, this is a, uh, really a companion bill to what was done with HB 65 from last year since, uh, the passage of HB 65, we've actually been able to implement that, uh, screening process. And currently we are having a find rate of cancers within our firefighters of between 10 and 12%. Um, and all of those that have been found thus far have been in, in firefighters that have no symptoms of that cancer at all. So we are, we are meeting the first objective of, of HB 65 from last year, and that is to find cancers early. The second part of that is to treat them early so that they have much better outcomes and at a much reduced cost from those that are found once they become symptomatic in our firefighters. This bill then is the representative has described we'll set up the trust fund, which will help bridge that gap between the time that we find that cancer, which we are currently doing, the start of that treatment, and the time that it takes for a workers' comp, uh, claim to be processed and adjudicated so that they can start receiving the benefit on that side. Um, this comes obviously, the, there is nothing more stressful for a firefighter than to hear those, uh, words that you have cancer, and know that it's directly attributed to the job that they do. This will help provide some, uh, safety nets for them to begin that treatment process without putting, uh, their, really, their financial wellbeing and that of their families in, in peril while they process that workers' comp claim. And, uh, we strongly urge your support of this, this bill today. Thank you.

It does. Uh, questions from the committee?

Terrific. Thank you. Steven Hanson. I'm the CEO of the Utah Local Government's Trust in Utah. Here we are the only, uh, workers' compensation carrier in the state that is a government agency, and we ensure 650 government entities, the vast majority Ophir departments in the state that are made up of, of course, and found in cities, towns, counties, as well as the districts. And we just want to express appreciation for the great work that's been put forth on this bill. We agree and support this wholeheartedly. Um, the Utah local government's trust is in a position to help move this forward in terms of helping to accomplish the goals and objective of the trust fund by helping if the, uh, committee so decided to choose us to help administer payments. And, and we have a way actually to do that within 72 hours. So the good firefighters, men and women in the state get that money that they need to help bridge this gap. Uh, quickly, I will also say that this benefit, just to make clear, is in addition to any payments that would be under the workers' compensation benefit.

Um, uh, Jack Tid, row, president of the Professional Firefighters of Utah. I would just like to add on, and I'm speaking in support, obviously, um, in addition to, uh, what Clint Smith indicated. Um, I also wanted to add, this has been a 22 year project and, um, we started in 2004 and, um, then we hit some benchmarks 2015 with, uh, a presumptive cancer bill. And then three years ago we had, um, Senate Bill 1 5 9, which mandated all of us, the legislature and the fire service that we would spend two years building a, uh, prototype what we thought we needed beyond that, which became last year's HB 65, um, we expanded the presumption, uh, list of cancers and added the cancer screening, um, component to it as, as well as, um, established our screening clinic at the Rocky Mountain Occupational Health Center. Um, this is the third leg of the project as over these years we've noticed the different legs we're in need. Well, this is the third and hopefully final leg we do need. So we'd appreciate your support and I'm open to any questions also.

Thank you, Mr. Chair Committee. My name is Jeremy Craft. I'm the fire chief in Lehi, March of 23. I was diagnosed with two different types of occupational cancer. I just want to humanize this a little bit for you. I'm very fortunate in that I had a nice savings account, uh, when I was diagnosed with cancer and that I could get treatment started right away, because when you're diagnosed, you want nothing more than to get that treatment underway. Um, I don't believe that some of our younger firefighters that were finding cancer in will be so fortunate. So this, this bill, what it really does is it gets 'em started right away. They get to make those decisions on how to get treatment as, uh, as their, um, workman's comp claim works through there. So I would urge your support. I thank you. I think the good representative for helping us on this bill. And, uh, please vote. Yes.

Thank you Mr. Chair. I, I apologize and you may have covered this. I just want to clarify something. Um, d with the, with the trust fund that's set up, does it, how does that work with the workers' comp? Does, is it working? I mean, do you get paid twice or is it, how does that work? How does that coordinate? Yeah, and I apologize if you said

No. I, I, I didn't really get into the details of that. And quite honestly, we're, we're still trying to figure out exactly how we're going to cover that. So if you'll see on starting in line 1 49 of the bill, um, it directs the board once it's been set up then to study exactly how this should work. And we've looked at various states and, and how they do this. Um, and I think there's, there's some disagreement, you know, of, of where the, the coverage should come in. Is it going to reimburse the workers' comp claims? Is it in addition to the workers' comp claims? And so that's what they're going to study and come back with a recommendation for the legislature.

Okay. Thanks. I, you know, I applaud what you're doing. Just want try to figure that one out. Thanks.

I would make a motion that we favorably recommend House Bill four 16 second substitute.

Um, I was gonna make the same motion. Oh, okay. Um, but I was just gonna say that, um, I strongly support this. Um, I grew up in Connecticut. I was there for nine 11. I knew many people who lost loved ones from cancer that came long after nine 11. Um, and I think we need to do everything we can to support this.

Yeah. Thank, thank you. Thank you for the comments that we've had. Uh, I just want to say, as we think about these, uh, amazing public service, uh, members that, that run into fires and dangers and are often the first responders, when anything happens, uh, this is really the least that we can do, um, when they put their lives on the line. And as a result of that, uh, now are having to deal with the effects of these cancers, um, what we don't want them to have to think about is how much money do we have in my bank account? How am I gonna make my mortgage payment for my family? Um, all of these questions that may come up in that gap period before these payments from workers' comp, uh, kick in. And that's what this is trying to solve. Um, I will say as the, you know, as we've worked with, with the firefighters and, and Jack in the past, I think this is, uh, it's been this 22 year journey, but we're not, we're not at the end of that yet. I mentioned that we're probably gonna have to come back next year with some more guidance on how the trends, the trust funds are distributed. But even beyond that, uh, I think there's more that we can do to provide support to our firefighters. And that includes looking at mental health treatment and, um, other things that could come, uh, as, as this trust fund continues to grow. And so I'm committed to, to working on that and ensuring that, uh, we're taking care of these, these true heroes that we have in our community.

No, I appreciate what's going on here. I think we all do. And, uh, and it's such a sensitive topic and it needs, needs to happen. So I appreciate the work you've done on it. I appreciate the work that the firefighting community has done on this. This has been something that's been going on for some time. We appreciate them a lot and, uh, and I know that we'll, we'll get it right before we get it, get it all done. So, thanks.

Uh, it's HB four 16 for substitute firefighter, uh, cancer amendments. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, my intern, Molly has a flyer for the committee. Do you mind if she passes that out? That'd be great. Thank you. Alright, well, I am joined here by the distinguished, um, chief Clint Smith, uh, who is, uh, with the Draper Fire Department. And I'll turn some time over to him in, in a few moments, and he'll also be able to answer, uh, any of the questions the committee has. I know this is a tough committee, uh, that might have some really grilling questions. So be ready. Uh, chief Smith. But as you'll recall, um, last year through HB 65, the legislature established a world-class cancer screening program for firefighters improving early detection and treatment of line of duty cancers. Uh, this bill also expanded the list of cancers that have a presumption of being workplace related and eligible for workers' compensation claims. Uh, one challenge that some firefighters have encountered now in practice is that there is a gap, um, between when the workers' comp claims, uh, can, can step in and begin paying out the benefits, uh, that these firefighters, uh, deserve. And when they first, uh, get that notice that, um, that they have one of these cancers that's eligible for workers' compensation claims, um, that delay in receiving benefits causes some firefighters to delay treatment with negative impacts in their health and potentially higher costs is the cancer progresses. So what you see here in, uh, in house Bill four 16, and I'll say I am speaking to the second sub and would love, uh, for the committee to adopt that when the time is right. But this builds on last year's bill by establishing a trust fund that would provide immediate benefits to firefighters diagnosed with cancer so they can get immediate treatment and other support while waiting for their workers' comp claims to process as part of the bill, it establishes the, uh, a board within the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy to oversee the fund. And what the bill does this year is it tasks the board with making recommendations to EAC about benefit levels, investments, funding, how the trust fund, uh, would relate to Workers' Compensation fund awards. There are a number of questions that we're, we're trying to cover so that we ensure that the firefighters get the coverage that they need, but also that we're using those funds prudently, uh, in the way that they're being distributed. Uh, it allocates fire insurance, premium tax funding to start building up the trust fund. That money, uh, currently, uh, rolls into the URS Tier one Firefighters retirement fund. Um, but the money that's actually coming into that account is overfunded. It's about a little over 110%, so that that extra bit that comes into the fund would then flow into this cancer trust fund. And, um, this would allow for that fund to continue to stay fully funded. But then, as I said, any excess would spill over, uh, to, to fund the, the trust fund, um, members of the committee. This is a really important issue. It's something that we owe a duty to these brave men and women that, uh, go out and put their lives on the line and are dealing with serious impacts because of their duty to us. And so, uh, I'd urge your support, uh, this is a way that we can take care of our firefighters without needing any general fund money in a year where we know we have a tight budget year. And so with that, let me turn some time over to Chief Smith, who can add a little more color and perspective.

Thank you. Uh, Mr. Chair, members of the committee appreciate the opportunity to address you on this important issue today, and, uh, really appreciate the work that, uh, Representative Teuscher has done on our behalf. As was mentioned, uh, you know, we did some work and we're very successful in the 2025 legislative session of passing HB 65, which increased, uh, several additional cancer to the presumptive list, uh, for our, our members, and also implemented the, the cancer testing, uh, and screening process. This bill before you today is really the, the second piece and the necessary, uh, companion bill to what we did last year, and as was already, uh, described and identified is there is a pretty significant gap once we have a firefighter that is diagnosed with cancer, um, and being able to actually process a claim with their workers' compensation carrier, um, in order to get that claim, that claim approved, and have those funds, uh, start to flow. And we obviously do not want to delay the treatment. The whole goal in our cancer screening initiative and in this bill is to improve the, the long term health of our firefighters. Unfortunately, we do know that cancer, occupational cancer is now one of the leading causes of death for firefighters across the country. And so we are trying to turn the tide, we're doing what we can at the local level to, uh, increase our, uh, our care and how we treat our members and the things that we can do to help prevent them from getting those cancers. Uh, but firefighting has been listed as a, the profession itself is now listed as a, as a class one carcinogen. Um, so it tells you that it's a, it's an unhealthy profession to be in. And we know that cancer now, again, is one of the leading causes of firefighter deaths. Our goal in this testing is to find counselors early. 'cause we, we know that we can treat them at a much, uh, reduced cost than when we find them later in life. And that, uh, when we find them early and treat them, that we have much better outcomes for our members. The funding, as has already been mentioned, that's been requested, is already dedicated to our firefighters, uh, through the tier one, uh, retirement system. And we are not asking for additional general fund money. We're asking to use this excess to be able to fund this, uh, cancer trust fund and start to put it aside so that we have money that can immediately flow to our members so that they do not have to delay that treatment. Our first responders put their lives on the line, you know, for our communities every single day. Um, and as a result, uh, they are dying now from occupational counselors at a, at a faster rate, um, than cardiac, which has been the number one killer of firefighters for years. We, we feel it's our duty now to step up and protect our, our members, uh, to do everything we can to continue to take necessary steps to provide for their long-term health so that they can enjoy a long, healthy retirement, long after, uh, they, they quit responding on those calls. And, uh, for that, certainly urge your support of this, this bill. I'm available for any questions if you have them. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

You bet. My name is Clint Smith. Thank You.

Could, could you just take a minute and clarify the, the fiscal note this $10 million is, is that, that's not a one time, that's the percentage of the tax that would happen every year.

Yeah, that's, that's a really good question. So it's gonna vary from year to year, depending on the payouts that go into the tier one account. So this is just the overflow. So once it's completely funded at a hundred percent, anything that's left over then flows into this account up to the $10 million.

Okay. So it may not be That's just the max It could be Exactly. Got it.

Thank you Mr. Chairman Committee. My name is Jeremy Kraft. I'm the fire chief in Lehi. In March of 23, I was diagnosed with, uh, two different types of cancer, prostate and renal cancer. Um, the reason I'm up here is to humanize this a little bit, I guess, um, my cancer, I was able to get right into a doctor and, uh, get my prostate cancer taken care of, but it was extremely aggressive. It had gotten into my limb system, but according to my physicians, six more months would've made a complete difference. It would've been all over in my abdomen. And then I can only guess at what my quality of life would've been like, you know, had that happened. Now, I'm fortunate in that I had a savings account so I could pay my deductibles and my out-of-pocket max and get this taken care of. But many of our firefighters don't have that. And what this bill does is allows the bridges that gap until they can get the care if they don't have the money so they can get this cancer taken care of right away. We don't know why, but many of the cancers that we're getting are super aggressive. And, um, once again, time is quality of life and possibly even life. So I would urge you to support this. Thank you,

Mr. Chair, members of the committee. My name is Brad Wardle. I'm the director of the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy, uh, which is where the screening program for our cancer screening, uh, last year was. House has been housed at, um, as you read the bill, you'll find that, uh, the trust, um, the board of trustees, if you will, will be also managed by the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy. I just wanna speak in favor of this. It makes sense to me, and I think through all of my colleagues that, um, the cancer, uh, initiative started with the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy and the Utah State Fire Chiefs, and, and it makes sense to stay there. So speak in favor of this bill. Thank you.

Um, k committee. My name is Nu Tonga. I am an ordinary citizen representing my family. So, uh, during elections, whenever I am vetting candidates, I always ask them a question, which is, um, how will they separate their emotions from principles, um, whether le, whether they're legislating or creating ordinances, because I find that there's a lot of, um, legislation in this case where the proper role of government has been, uh, bent, um, to take care of a specific, uh, group in the community. Now, I am grateful for our firefighters. Um, I, uh, I'm grateful for, um, their service and their sacrifice. But when I read this bill, I'm thinking, if you are creating a trust fund for firefighters for the case of their health, then you then who's to say that we're not gonna create trust funds for every other essential worker that, that approaches our government and says, I also work in, um, terrible conditions. I'm exposed to, uh, toxic elements. Um, I think that when we, uh, put out policies like this, we don't realize that we're going to have to answer to every group that approaches us. And then, and then what do we do? Where do we, uh, where do we get the funds from, and is it perpetual? Um, and so I know that these funds are already in place. They're just accessing them. I can't do anything about that. But I just wanted to make this comment for a future notice, because as legislators, you are stewards of our money. And the comment often comes up about compassion. The government needs to show compassion. The government doesn't have the capacity to be compassionate, compassionate, you're a machine. So please distinguish the difference between the general welfare and the, and the private welfare, especially when you're legislating and creating policy. Thank you.

Thank you. Um, thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, Jack Tid. Row, president of the Professional Firefighters of Utah. And, um, as one of my, I'm speaking in support of this bill, obviously. Um, this is 21 years in the making, and I've, um, had the pleasure of working so many peop with so many people in this room, um, to get us to this point. And this is the, uh, third leg of the project, as I believe, um, director Wardle stated. And, um, I really can't add anything else. Um, but I'm open to questions if, um, there are any. I don't see any lights, so appreciate you coming and, and providing your testimony. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move, uh, we adopt the second substitute.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we move out with a favorable recommendation, the bill with the second sub.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I appreciate the, the comments that we had. I, I do want to just take one second to respond to the one, uh, comment that was concerned about the proper role of government. Um, I, I can understand that concern if we were talking about, uh, someone who works in the private sector, but I think there's an important distinction here between those public workers that work for the state or often work for political subdivisions of the state. And that the role that the government has to protect those workers, the government is employing those workers to go out and fight these fires to protect each one of us. And I would say not only is it our responsibility, but is it our duty to come in and make sure that they're, they're well compensated and they are protected for putting their lives in, in, you know, on the line to protect each one of us. And so, not only do I think this falls within the proper role of government generally, but, but this is one of the key proper roles of government to protect our public workers. And I just wanna make sure that's very clear.

I, I do. Mr. Chair. Thank you. Okay. If I had the money, I would be the one that would be giving it to them personally, but since this is not my money to give, I will be a no.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Uh, you get two for one, uh, today. Um, but I'll tell you this is, uh, of all the bills that we're going to debate, uh, this session. This is one of the most important bills. Um, last year, uh, as many of you know, Utah took the lead in putting together one of the most robust fire screening, uh, firefighter screen cancer screening programs in the country. Now, firefighters have a much higher risk of certain cancers due to their long-term, uh, exposure to smoke and chemicals and other hazardous materials. And, uh, we already have a law that recognizes presumptive cancers that emerge from a firefighter service that, uh, that, uh, are eligible for workers' compensation. However, what we found, especially as we're moving forward with this new cancer screening program, um, maybe, uh, without surprise we're finding more and more firefighters that currently have cancer and when they go to apply for these workers' compensation benefits, uh, that process can be somewhat cumbersome in getting all of the documentation together, uh, to show that you qualify for. And during that time, they have needs, they have medical bills that just aren't getting paid and they haven't been able to to move forward in the process. And so in working really closely with the firefighters, um, we've developed this bill, house bill four 16 that establishes a cancer Benefit Trust fund. Um, that fund is meant to pay for expenses that firefighters have during that gap period between when they realize that they have cancer and before the workers' compensation benefits kick in. Um, what this bill does is it org it creates a board of trustees of this trust fund within the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy to manage the the trust fund. And, um, one of the things that we've tasked this, uh, board to do is to ensure that, uh, as as they use this trust fund, that it will go to reduce, uh, insurance premiums for firefighter coverage and provide early financial support to the firefighters diagnosed with cancers. Now we're not exactly sure how big this trust fund needs to be, so that's another thing that they're going to be researching over this next year to determine the size of this, um, this trust fund to ensure that it goes to the benefit of those who are out protecting us every day. Um, I'll say Mr. Speaker, that this is not a unique idea. There are a number of other states that have this Cancer Benefit Trust fund in place, but it only makes sense in Utah where we have these public servants that are out putting their lives on the line every day and, uh, exposing themselves to these, uh, in, in Carens, uh, that affect their health and safety. That we can do everything we can to ensure that they are taken care of and safe in the event that they get cancer. And so, Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to answer any questions and would urge the body support.

Thank you Mr. President. Uh, firefighters have a much higher risk of certain cancers due to long-term exposure to smoke, chemicals and other hazards. Uh, last year we passed HB 65. This bill expanded the list of presumptive cancers than emerged from a firefighter service. Um, however, workman's comp claims can take time causing significant stress and potential, uh, delayed treatment for firefighters. The HB four 16 establishes the Firefighter Cancer Benefit Trust Fund creates a board of trustees within the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy to manage the trust. The trust will provide faster financial support to firefighters during an already stressful time after a cancer cancer diagnosis. The Cancer Benefit Trust Fund is intended to provide early financial support for firefighters diagnosed with presumptive cancer while work workers' comp claims are being filed and work to reduce the workers' comp premiums for firefighter coverage. The trust fund receives the excess revenue from insurance, premium tax revenue after it is 110% funded. Legislative appropriations, private donations and grants and other lawful sources. Uh, this bill stands behind our firefighters ensures they receive protection and support they deserve after de dedicating their lives to protect our communities. It's a tangible way to give back to those who risk, uh, risk everything to keep us safe. With that, I'll be open to questions.

Thank you. I, uh, rise in support of this bill. It's a really, an important bill. I think it, uh, recognizes the great efforts of our wonderful firefighters and, uh, and I urge everybody's support and I appreciate the sponsors have worked so hard to make this happen.

Uh, thank you Mr. President. I was just going to rise in support of this bill as well. Being from Connecticut, um, living with a lot of people who were, um, there for nine 11, um, I've seen firsthand how important having this firefighter Trust fund could be for many, many families. So thank you.

and a motion I'll waive summation To move the second substitute house. Bill four 16 pass.

We, uh, we failed to put a sub in that directed some funding.

Coordinate benefits between the trust and the workers' comp system, including whether or how to dominate or to limit double recovery. Yeah. Hold on just one second. It strikes those lines. I think the amendments in Representative Tuscher's name.

Thank you Mr. President. Uh, the first part of this bill is Firefighter Cancer. A Amen Amendments. We heard this bill file and then asked to be recalled because we missed a, a substitute. Uh, in the meantime, um, in full transparency and honesty, uh, was found that HB 3 38 first responder Health Amendments is probably not going to, uh, get time to pass. And, uh, was asked that it be subbed into, um, this bill. So we heard and passed firefighter, uh, cancer amendments. Uh, I'm going to, uh, again remind you that this bill seeks that Now with the first responder, health Amendments seeks to expand access to mental health services to more first responders, especially in small volunteer agencies across the state. The bill acknowledges that trauma of the job persists after the shift ends and extends mental health support to family members and retired personnel. By establishing a dedicated restricted account, the legislature ensures that small and rural agencies can provide immediate intervention following critical incidents. It was passed favorably from the house Law Enforcement, criminal Justice Committee and, uh, passed unanimously out of the house. But then again, I want just to make sure Mr. President, that it's, uh, fully transparent that uh, the second part of this bill was house bill 3 38 and is now subbed into the firefighter or cancer amendments. With that, I'd be open to any questions.

Thank you Mr. President. I had the 3 38 bill and we're glad that it's merged in there. We need the mental health for our firefighters and first responders and we need the help. This past week was catastrophic here and we just don't need that to happen again. So I'm glad that we're doing this

Thank you Mr. President. I would move the fifth substitute house Bill four 16 pass.

Thank you, uh, Mr. Speaker, this, this bill may, excuse me, move to Concur with the Senate amendments. Thank

Uh, yes. Uh, this is a bill that should look familiar to everyone. This, this passed the House and the Senate. Unfortunately, the Senate had forgotten to incorporate a substitute, um, that dealt with the, with the structure of the funding. And so we recalled this bill is now been passed by the Senate. One, um, fortuitous thing that happened, maybe a blessing in disguise is that as this came up and we looked at it, there was an opportunity to include some of the provisions in House Bill 3 38, which passed this body unanimously and, uh, provides mental health services to first responders, especially in rural areas. So, uh, we were able to incorporate that into the fifth sub. So this is the, the great things that you had with the Firefighter Cancer Trust Fund, in addition to the amazing things that are in the first responder, health Amendments Bill, that's HB 3 38 is an amazing bill for our public employees. And I'd urge, uh, concurrence on this, uh, substitute Thank You representative discussion to the motion to concur with the Senate amendments scene.