H.B. No. 4995 is a legislative bill that allows tactical medical professionals to carry handguns while on duty in support of law enforcement tactical units. The bill amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to include tactical medical professionals alongside first responders and volunteer emergency services personnel, providing them with certain legal protections. Specifically, it states that a governmental unit is not liable for civil actions arising from the discharge of a handgun by these professionals, provided they are licensed to carry under the relevant government code. Additionally, the bill establishes a definition for "tactical medical professional" and outlines the responsibilities and training requirements for these individuals, including the need for a certification of completion from a training course.

The bill also introduces defenses to prosecution under specific sections of the Penal Code for tactical medical professionals who hold an unexpired certificate of completion and are engaged in their duties while carrying a handgun. It mandates the establishment of training standards for tactical medical professionals and requires the Department of Public Safety to implement these rules by December 1, 2025. The changes made by this Act will apply only to actions and offenses occurring on or after September 1, 2025, ensuring that prior incidents are governed by the law in effect before this date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 112.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 411.1884, Penal Code 30.06, Penal Code 30.07, Penal Code 46.15 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 411, Penal Code 46, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 112, Penal Code 30)
House Committee Report: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 112.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 411.1884, Penal Code 30.06, Penal Code 30.07, Penal Code 46.15 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 411, Penal Code 46, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 112, Penal Code 30)
Engrossed: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 112.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 411.1884, Penal Code 30.06, Penal Code 30.07, Penal Code 46.15 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 411, Penal Code 46, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 112, Penal Code 30)
Senate Committee Report: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 112.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 411.1884, Penal Code 30.06, Penal Code 30.07, Penal Code 46.15 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 411, Penal Code 46, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 112, Penal Code 30)