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Bill

Bill

A 7345

Grants peace officer status to certain security officers employed by Highland Hospital

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Harry Bronson and 2 co-sponsors

Bill A 7345 grants peace officer status to Highland Hospital security officers, enhancing their authority to carry firearms, make arrests, and improve safety for all on-site.

REFERRED TO RULES
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Bill Summary · A 7345

Summary of Bill A 7345

Bill Number: A 7345
Title: Grants peace officer status to certain security officers employed by Highland Hospital
Status: Referred to Rules
Introduced: March 25, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 7345 aims to enhance the authority and responsibilities of specific security officers employed by Highland Hospital by granting them peace officer status. This designation would empower these security personnel to perform law enforcement duties within the hospital premises, thereby improving safety and security for patients, staff, and visitors.

Key Provisions

  • Peace Officer Status: The bill specifically grants peace officer status to designated security officers at Highland Hospital. This status allows them to:

    • Carry firearms while on duty.
    • Make arrests for certain offenses occurring on hospital property.
    • Enforce laws and hospital regulations more effectively.
  • Training Requirements: The bill may outline specific training and certification requirements that these security officers must complete to qualify for peace officer status, ensuring they are adequately prepared for their expanded responsibilities.

  • Scope of Authority: The authority granted under this bill is limited to the premises of Highland Hospital, ensuring that the powers of these officers are confined to the hospital environment.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Security Officers: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the security officers at Highland Hospital who will gain enhanced authority and responsibilities.

  • Hospital Staff and Patients: The bill aims to improve overall safety and security within the hospital, benefiting staff, patients, and visitors by potentially reducing crime and enhancing emergency response capabilities.

  • Local Law Enforcement: The relationship between hospital security and local law enforcement agencies may be affected, as these security officers will have the ability to act in a law enforcement capacity.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 25, 2025: Bill A 7345 was introduced and referred to the Codes Committee.
  • May 30, 2025: The bill was amended and recommitted to the Codes Committee, resulting in the printing of version 7345A.
  • June 5, 2025: The bill was reported and referred to the Rules Committee.
  • June 6, 2025: The bill was reported out of the Rules Committee, ordered to third reading, and subsequently passed by the Assembly. It was then delivered to the Senate and referred to the Rules Committee.

Related Bills

  • S 7327: This is the companion bill in the Senate, which is expected to address similar provisions regarding the peace officer status for security officers at Highland Hospital.

This summary provides an overview of Bill A 7345, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on various stakeholders. The bill is currently progressing through the legislative process and awaits further consideration in the Senate.

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

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