WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 633

An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in emergency medical services system, further providing for injured police animals.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Camera Bartolotta and 11 co-sponsors

SB 633 expands Pennsylvania EMS protocols to explicitly address emergency treatment and transport of police animals injured in law enforcement duties.

Referred to Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 633

Legislative bill overview

SB 633 amends Pennsylvania's health and safety law to expand emergency medical services (EMS) provisions specifically for injured police animals. The bill clarifies or enhances how EMS systems should respond to and treat police animals that are injured in the line of duty.

Why is this important

Police animals—primarily K-9 units—suffer injuries while performing law enforcement duties and may require rapid emergency care similar to human officers. This legislation ensures EMS protocols explicitly address treatment and transport of these working animals, potentially improving survival rates and recovery outcomes for animals that sustain injuries during police operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and resource allocation: Clarifying EMS obligations to police animals raises questions about who bears treatment costs and whether resources should be diverted from human emergency care
  • Scope and eligibility: Uncertainty about which animals qualify (K-9 units only, or other police animals like mounted units), and whether protocols apply to all agencies or only certain jurisdictions
  • Implementation standards: The bill may create unfunded mandates requiring EMS agencies to develop new protocols, training, and procedures without corresponding state funding

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

Sign in to ask a question.