RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Luke Evslin and 8 co-sponsors

House Bill 366 allows EMS personnel to provide medical care and transport for injured police dogs, ensuring their welfare and protecting EMS from liability.

The committee(s) on JHA recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.

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Summary of House Bill 366: The Lakyn Canine Act

Bill Number: HB 366
Title: Police dogs; emergency medical services personnel authorized to provide medical care and transport to those injured in line of duty; immunity from liability therefor provided
Status: Enacted
Introduced: February 27, 2025
Effective Date: October 1, 2025
Sponsor: Representative Rick Rehm

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 366, known as the Lakyn Canine Act, aims to enhance the welfare of police dogs by allowing emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to provide immediate medical care and transport for police dogs injured in the line of duty. The bill also offers legal protection to EMS personnel from liability when they act in good faith to assist these animals.

Key Provisions

Authorization of Medical Care:

EMS personnel are authorized to provide emergency medical care to police dogs that are injured while performing their duties. This care can be administered at the scene of the injury or during transport to a veterinary facility.

Transport to Veterinary Facilities:

EMS personnel can transport injured police dogs to veterinary clinics or hospitals if no human patients require immediate medical attention.

Immunity from Liability:

EMS personnel who provide care in good faith are granted immunity from criminal or civil liability for any injuries or harm that may occur to the police dog during treatment. This immunity also extends to situations where EMS personnel refuse to treat or transport an injured police dog.

Definitions:

The bill defines "police dog" as any dog trained or in training for use by law enforcement or military personnel, including federal, state, and local peace officers.

Impact

Who is Affected:

The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are police dogs and the law enforcement agencies that utilize them. Additionally, EMS personnel will have clearer guidelines and protections when responding to incidents involving injured police dogs.

No Direct Financial Impact:

According to fiscal notes, the enactment of HB 366 is not expected to have a direct impact on state or local funding.

Legislative Process

Timeline of Actions:

February 27, 2025: Introduced and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry.
April 1, 2025: Passed the House with unanimous support (103-0).
April 3, 2025: Read for the first time in the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.
May 6, 2025: Enrolled and delivered to the Governor.
May 14, 2025: Enacted into law.

Conclusion

House Bill 366 represents a significant step in ensuring the health and safety of police dogs, acknowledging their vital role in law enforcement. By providing EMS personnel with the authority and legal protections to care for these animals, the legislation aims to improve their chances of recovery and continued service. The act will take effect on October 1, 2025, marking a new chapter in the care of police dogs in Alabama.