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H 2738

An Act relative to providing advanced life support to police dogs injured in the line of duty

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 7 co-sponsors

H 2738 - An Act relative to providing advanced life support to police dogs injured in the line of duty OverviewBill Number: H 2738 Title: An Act relative to providing advanced lif

Accompanied a study order, see H5355 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2738

H 2738 - An Act relative to providing advanced life support to police dogs injured in the line of duty

Overview

Bill Number: H 2738
Title: An Act relative to providing advanced life support to police dogs injured in the line of duty
Status: Hearing scheduled for 09/25/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to ensure that police dogs injured in the line of duty receive the advanced life support and emergency medical care they need to survive and recover. The legislation is motivated by concerns that current protocols do not adequately address the unique medical needs of these working animals, who play a vital role in law enforcement operations.

Key Provisions

  • Requires all emergency medical service (EMS) providers to be trained in the provision of advanced life support for police dogs
  • Mandates that EMS vehicles carry specialized equipment and supplies for treating injured police dogs
  • Establishes a statewide Police Dog Emergency Care Program to coordinate training, equipment, and protocols
  • Authorizes the use of state funds to reimburse EMS agencies for the costs of equipping vehicles and training personnel
  • Directs the state veterinary board to develop standards of care for injured police dogs

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would directly impact:
- Police departments and law enforcement agencies that utilize police dogs for tasks like search and rescue, narcotics detection, and suspect apprehension
- Emergency medical service providers, who would be required to obtain specialized training and equipment
- State and local governments, which would need to allocate funding for the new Police Dog Emergency Care Program

The key anticipated impact is an improved survival rate and recovery prognosis for police dogs injured in the line of duty, ensuring these valuable public safety assets can continue serving their communities.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

H 2738 is currently scheduled for a public hearing on September 25, 2025 before the state legislature's Committee on Public Safety. If passed by the committee, the bill would then proceed to a vote by the full state House of Representatives. Given the bipartisan support for better protecting police dogs, the legislation is expected to advance through the legislative process, though the timeline for final passage remains uncertain.

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

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