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Bill

HB 265

EMERGENCY MED TECH: Provides with respect to prohibitions regarding the employment of ambulance drivers convicted of certain offenses

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shaun Mena

Louisiana bill establishing criminal history prohibitions for ambulance driver employment to strengthen emergency medical service personnel standards.

Called from the calendar.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 265

Legislative bill overview

HB 265 establishes employment prohibitions for ambulance drivers in Louisiana who have been convicted of certain offenses. The bill sets standards for background screening and disqualification criteria for individuals seeking or maintaining positions as ambulance drivers in emergency medical services.

Why is this important

Ambulance drivers are trusted with transporting vulnerable patients and accessing homes and medical facilities, making background screening relevant to public safety. This bill addresses whether Louisiana should enforce specific criminal history requirements for this workforce, which could affect both patient safety standards and employment opportunities for individuals with prior convictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of excluded offenses: Disagreement over which specific conviction types should permanently bar someone from ambulance work (violent crimes, drug offenses, property crimes, etc.)
  • Rehabilitation vs. permanent exclusion: Debate between those prioritizing permanent bars for safety versus those supporting second-chance provisions with time limits or case-by-case review
  • Workforce impact: Concern that overly broad restrictions could exacerbate ambulance driver shortages in rural or underserved Louisiana areas already facing staffing challenges

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

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