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SF 31

A bill for an act allowing emergency medical care providers to diagnose and treat severe injuries suffered by police service dogs while on duty.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Charlie McClintock

SF 31 allows emergency medical providers to treat injured police service dogs on duty, ensuring timely care and protecting their health and safety in emergencies.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 296.
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Bill Summary · SF 31

Summary of SF 31 - Emergency Medical Care for Police Service Dogs

Bill Number: SF 31
Renumbered as: SF 296
Introduced: January 14, 2025
Status: Committee report approving bill
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Animals, Emergency Medical Care, Law Enforcement, Veterinary Medicine

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SF 31 is to authorize emergency medical care providers to diagnose and treat severe injuries sustained by police service dogs while they are on duty. This legislation aims to ensure that these animals, which play a critical role in law enforcement, receive timely medical attention in emergency situations.

Key Provisions

  • Emergency Medical Care Providers: The bill allows individuals certified as emergency medical care providers by the Department of Health and Human Services to provide immediate medical services to police service dogs.

  • Conditions for Treatment:

    • The police service dog must be injured while on duty.
    • The injury must be classified as severe.
    • The medical services provided must be necessary to stabilize the dog’s condition for further treatment by a licensed veterinarian.

  • Liability Protections:

    • Emergency medical care providers are not required to treat police service dogs if they are engaged in diagnosing or treating a human at the scene of an emergency.
    • Providers will not be held civilly liable for their actions if they act reasonably and in good faith while treating the police service dog.

  • Veterinary Oversight: While emergency medical care providers can administer initial treatment, a licensed veterinarian must ultimately diagnose and provide ongoing care.

Affected Parties

  • Police Service Dogs: The bill directly benefits police service dogs by ensuring they receive prompt medical attention during emergencies.

  • Emergency Medical Care Providers: This legislation expands the scope of practice for certified emergency medical care providers, allowing them to assist in situations involving police service dogs.

  • Law Enforcement Agencies: Police departments and agencies employing service dogs will have enhanced protocols for addressing the health and safety of these animals.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 14, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
  • January 16, 2025: Subcommittee meeting held to discuss the bill.
  • January 22, 2025: Subcommittee recommends passage of the bill.
  • February 12, 2025: Committee report approving the bill; it is renumbered as SF 296.

Conclusion

SF 31 represents a significant step in recognizing the vital role of police service dogs in law enforcement and ensuring their health and safety through timely medical intervention. By allowing emergency medical care providers to act in these situations, the bill aims to improve the overall welfare of service animals that contribute to public safety.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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