summary
Introduced
01/06/2026
01/06/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Public Safety Career Pathways Act. Requires a participating public or nonpublic high school or school district to provide access to at least one Pipeline Program in a public safety field. Allows an individual 18 years of age or older to participate in a Fire and Emergency Medical Services Pathway. Provides that a law enforcement agency may establish a Cadet Program for individuals 18 to 20 years of age interested in pursuing sworn law enforcement employment. Provides that a Pipeline Program may also include training or supervised experience leading to certain other careers. Requires the State Board of Education to develop a model memorandum of understanding for institutions and local public safety partners. Requires a local public safety partner participating in a Pipeline Program to maintain all insurance required under State law. Provides that participation in a Pipeline Program does not create civil liability for a local public safety partner beyond its statutory duties, as long as the local public safety partner acts in good faith and complies with safety requirements. Provides that compensation for a Pipeline Program participant is optional and may be determined by the local public safety partner. Allows the State Board to provide tuition assistance to eligible participants in certified fire services, emergency medical services, or law enforcement preparatory programs. Requires a local public safety partner to comply with all safety requirements applicable to minors and trainees. Sets forth provisions concerning employee status, background checks, reporting, and rulemaking. Repeals the Act 5 years after the effective date. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the Public Safety Career Pathways Act, aims to expand student access to structured programs that prepare them for careers in public safety fields like law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical services, without imposing new mandates on schools. Participating high schools or school districts must offer at least one "Pipeline Program," which is a structured sequence of instruction, training, or supervised experience leading to a public safety career. The bill allows individuals 18 and older to participate in Fire and Emergency Medical Services Pathways, which involve training recognized by the Office of the State Fire Marshal or leading to emergency medical technician certification. It also permits law enforcement agencies to create "Cadet Programs" for individuals aged 18 to 20 interested in becoming sworn officers, though cadets cannot exercise police powers, carry firearms, make arrests, or perform custodial searches. Pipeline Programs can also lead to careers in areas like 9-1-1 telecommunications, corrections, and emergency management. The State Board of Education will develop a model agreement for schools and local public safety partners, which can include entities like fire protection districts, EMS providers, and correctional agencies. Local partners must maintain required insurance and are protected from civil liability if they act in good faith and follow safety rules. Compensation for participants is optional. The State Board may also offer tuition assistance for certain preparatory programs. The bill requires local partners to comply with safety rules for minors and trainees and mandates background checks for mentors and supervisors. The Act will be repealed five years after its effective date.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 01/14/2026)
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