Bill > HB4995

This bill establishes a legal framework for tactical medical professionals to carry handguns while on duty supporting law enforcement tactical units. The bill defines a tactical medical professional as a physician or emergency medical services personnel employed or appointed by a law enforcement agency to provide medical support during high-risk incidents. To carry a handgun, these professionals must complete a specialized training course administered by a qualified handgun instructor, which includes classroom and field instruction with physical proficiency demonstrations. The Department of Public Safety will issue a one-year certificate of completion for this training, which the medical professional must pay for themselves. The bill provides legal protections by amending several sections of Texas law to ensure that tactical medical professionals can carry handguns in certain situations without facing criminal prosecution, such as when they are engaged in their official duties and hold a valid training certificate. The bill sets implementation dates in 2025 and 2026, with the training courses becoming available starting January 1, 2026, and the overall act taking effect on September 1, 2025. Notably, the bill also clarifies that governmental units are not liable for civil actions arising from handgun discharges by these tactical medical professionals.