Menin questions agencies on fatal incident and worker protections

Okay, thank you so much, Chair.

So a number of questions.

Thank you for your testimony today.

So questions for DCWP.

During the fatal incident involving Romange in June, the driver reportedly left the horse and carriage unattended to take a photograph of the family members, after which the horse became startled and bolted.

What is the agency's, both agencies'position on this incident?

The administrative code is very clear that drivers may not leave the horse unattended.

The health department, as I noted in my testimony, provides the training course for aspiring carriage horse drivers, and we do include

that key safety provision in that training.

The enforcement of that action is under review at the health department right now.

I would also add, Speaker, please, to echo, I believe, testimony that's been submitted by the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare.

Is that I think the incident overall, it goes back to the inherent challenges that exist when horses are working in these busy urban environments, and ultimately why I think the administration is supportive of a long-term solution to the horse-drawn carriage

industry, keeping in mind, of course, outcomes and pathways that are sustainable for the workers in this industry as well, which is of critical importance for the Department of Consumer Worker Protection as well.

Thank you.

Okay.

You mentioned in your testimony, the health department testimony, about worker protections in the bill, which is something I am focused on as well.

What are the specific worker protections, and I guess why is that testimony coming not from DCWP?

Thank you, Speaker.

I think for the, just for an operational side, I just have one testimony to represent the administration's position.

Of course, I'm here to comment on the worker touchpoint as well.

You know, certainly I think to provide some concrete feedback, workforce development is not necessarily something that DCBP engages in now.

There are many other agencies that do that work.

Notwithstanding, we would like to be actively involved in this conversation as well as it relates to outcomes for the workers and ensuring that we have sustainable pathways forward for them.

Is there specific language that the administration is recommending?

I don't have language available at this time, but I think as we move through the legislative process, we will be providing language.