Rep. Balser has made public safety and public health a top priority for many years.   As a Newton Alderman, she chaired the Public Safety & Transportation Committee.  As a State Representative, she became a champion for  fire safety in response to the  tragedy in 2000 when a building on Boylston Street in Newton burned and 5 people died.  Her legislation that strengthened the state’s requirements for automatic sprinkler systems in non-residential buildings was signed into law in 2008. In recent years, she has advocated for expanding sprinkler requirements in homes.

Recognizing the continuing risks related to nuclear power, Rep. Balser has filed legislation that would ensure that MEMA and DPH provide relevant information and take necessary preparatory steps in the event of an emergency at a nuclear power plant, taking into account the lessons learned from the Fukushima disaster.

Additionally, Rep Balser has filed legislation to expand the training of restaurant personnel to respond to choking, and one that would establish a commission to consider the health impacts of sugar and salt in food served in restaurants and public spaces.