Senate Bill No. 44, introduced by Senator Seabaugh, amends the existing law regarding tactical medical professionals, specifically focusing on the firearms and ammunition they are permitted to carry. The bill changes the requirement for law enforcement agencies from having to "issue" firearms and ammunition to instead needing to "approve" any firearms or ammunition that tactical medical professionals carry. This adjustment allows for greater flexibility, as the law enforcement agency will not be obligated to provide the equipment but must still give their approval for what is carried.

The bill retains the definition of a tactical medical professional as a licensed paramedic or physician employed or contracted by a law enforcement agency to support tactical units during high-risk incidents. It also maintains the provision that these professionals may carry firearms in a manner similar to law enforcement officers under certain circumstances. The changes outlined in the bill will take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB44 Original: 40:6(E)