The proposed bill, titled the "Canine Heroes for First Responders Act," establishes a canine support grant program aimed at enhancing the mental health and wellness of law enforcement officers and first responders through the use of support dogs. The bill creates a new section, 943.701, in the Florida Statutes, which outlines the legislative findings that highlight the mental health challenges faced by first responders and the benefits of support dogs in alleviating stress. The Department of Law Enforcement and the State Fire Marshal are tasked with jointly administering the grant program, which will provide funding for the procurement, training, and maintenance of support dogs.

The bill specifies various requirements for the grants, including eligibility criteria for agencies, handler qualifications, and support dog standards. Agencies applying for grants must implement policies for the use of support dogs, designate a program coordinator, and submit annual reports detailing the program's outcomes. Additionally, the bill mandates that support dogs meet specific health and behavioral criteria, and handlers must undergo certified training and background checks. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.