Senate Bill 283 proposes the establishment of a public protective services hearing protection program administered by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The program aims to provide law enforcement and fire protective agencies with hearing protection devices that meet specific criteria. These devices must be commercially available, reusable, designed to fit completely within the ear canal, have a minimum noise reduction rating of 25 decibels, and a maximum output of 80 decibels. The DOT will obtain these devices from manufacturers and distribute them to agencies upon request.

The bill outlines the responsibilities of the DOT in managing the program, including obtaining the hearing protection devices and fulfilling requests from law enforcement and fire protective agencies for the necessary quantity of devices. This initiative is intended to enhance the safety and hearing protection of personnel in public protective services.