Relating to the persons authorized to take a blood specimen from a vehicle operator to test for alcohol concentration or other intoxicating substances.
Impact
The revisions in HB1406 expand the list of individuals authorized to take blood specimens to include licensed or certified emergency medical technicians. This inclusion allows for more flexible responses to situations where a blood test is necessary due to suspected intoxication. Additionally, the bill mandates that such specimens be taken in a sanitary location and according to protocols established by medical directors, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and proper procedure during these critical interventions.
Summary
House Bill 1406 addresses the regulations surrounding the collection of blood specimens from vehicle operators suspected of operating under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances. The bill amends existing provisions within the Transportation Code, specifically Section 724.017, to clarify the personnel authorized to take blood specimens at the request of law enforcement officers. The changes aim to modernize and streamline the process of collecting these specimens in a way that ensures both legal compliance and the integrity of the testing process.
Contention
While the bill is primarily seen as a technical adjustment to existing law, its implications touch upon broader themes of public health and law enforcement practices. Supporters argue that enabling emergency medical technicians to collect blood samples will expedite the process and improve road safety by reducing the time drivers spend untested following an incident. However, potential concerns arise regarding the level of training and oversight required for emergency personnel to undertake such responsibilities, ensuring they do not compromise patient care or legal protocols in the process.
Relating to the authority of a magistrate to issue a search warrant to collect a blood specimen from a person arrested for certain intoxication offenses.
Relating to the authority of a justice of the peace to issue a search warrant to collect a blood specimen from a person arrested for certain intoxication criminal offenses.
Relating to the requirement that a peace officer take possession of a person's driver's license following the person's failure to pass or refusal to consent to a test for intoxication.
Relating to the suspension of the driver's license of a person arrested for an offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.
Relating to the capture and use of an individual's biometric identifiers, specimen, or genetic information by a governmental body or peace officer or by a person for commercial purposes; authorizing civil penalties.
Relating to protection of persons from participation in a health care service for reasons of conscience; providing a civil remedy; authorizing disciplinary action.
Relating to the persons authorized to draw a blood specimen from a vehicle operator to test for alcohol concentration or other intoxicating substances.
Relating to the persons authorized to take a blood specimen from a vehicle operator to test for alcohol concentration or other intoxicating substances.
A bill for an act relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person suspected of operating while intoxicated.(See HF 935.)
A bill for an act relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person suspected of operating while intoxicated. (Formerly HF 550, HSB 149.)
A bill for an act relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person suspected of operating while intoxicated.(Formerly HSB 149; See HF 2136.)
A bill for an act relating to medical personnel authorized to withdraw a specimen of blood from a person suspected of operating while intoxicated.(See HF 550, HF 2136.)