Bill > HB1303

This bill requires emergency vehicles that transport K-9 officers to be equipped with heat detection devices designed to protect dogs from dangerous temperatures. These devices must have two key functions: first, they must alert the vehicle operator by activating the horn, sirens, and lights when the cabin temperature becomes unsafe for the K-9 officer; second, they must automatically roll down two windows when the temperature reaches an unsafe level. The bill defines a K-9 officer as a dog used by various law enforcement and public safety agencies, including state police, municipal police departments, fire departments, search and rescue units, and corrections facilities, whether the dog is on or off duty. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will be responsible for creating regulations that specify the technical requirements for these heat detection devices, including the type of device, installation methods, and temperature limits. The devices are defined as apparatuses that measure interior vehicle temperature and activate cooling mechanisms to protect the animal. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving agencies time to implement the new requirements and outfit their emergency vehicles with the necessary heat detection technology.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1303