Bill > HB0357

This bill establishes the "Rescue Squad Recognition Act," which creates a comprehensive framework for defining, regulating, and recognizing rescue squads in Tennessee. The bill defines a rescue squad as a municipal, county, or nonprofit organization that performs emergency response services across at least four of eleven specified technical rescue disciplines, with specific requirements including 85% of team members meeting national professional standards and 75% of personnel being volunteers. To operate legally, rescue squads must obtain a three-year certificate of recognition from the state fire marshal's office by submitting an application with a fee of up to $50, and must receive approval from the local elected governing body. The state fire marshal will establish standards and qualifications for rescue squads, and can refuse to issue or renew, or suspend, a squad's recognition for violations of state laws or failure to meet requirements. Rescue squads must report emergency responses to designated reporting systems within 30 days, and existing chartered rescue squads as of July 1, 2025, may apply for an exemption if they do not initially meet the new definition. Violations of the act are classified as a Class C misdemeanor with a $50 fine, and the law will fully take effect on July 1, 2025, with administrative preparations beginning immediately upon becoming law.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0357&ga=114