Bill > S1682

This bill updates Florida's legal definitions related to first responders and emergency services, primarily in sections 365.171 and 401.465 of the Florida Statutes. The bill introduces a comprehensive definition of "first responder" that includes six specific categories of emergency and public safety personnel: 911 public safety telecommunicators, correctional officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics, federal law enforcement officers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers. These first responders can be full-time paid employees, part-time paid employees, or unpaid volunteers. The bill also modifies the definitions of "public agency" and "public safety agency" to incorporate the new first responder terminology, ensuring that these terms more accurately reflect the broad range of emergency service professionals. Additionally, the bill makes a technical correction to a cross-reference in the statute about 911 public safety telecommunicator certification. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing time for agencies and organizations to adapt to the updated definitions. The primary purpose of the bill appears to be clarifying and expanding the legal recognition of various types of first responders in Florida's statutes.

Budget and Finance

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1682