Texas House Bill HB1476

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/11
• Introduced: 2/17/11
• Voted on by House: 5/15/11
• Refer: 3/2/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/20/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/25/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/16/11
• Report Pass: 5/20/11
• Enrolled: 5/27/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the grounds for revocation of an emergency medical services personnel certification.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB1476 could potentially lead to a stricter vetting process for emergency medical service personnel. The bill states that a certificate holder's certification must be revoked if they are convicted of certain offenses or placed on community supervision relating to critical criminal charges. This could enhance the quality and integrity of emergency medical services provided to the public, as personnel with serious criminal backgrounds may be prevented from operating.

Summary

House Bill 1476 aims to amend the Health and Safety Code concerning the grounds for revocation of a certification for emergency medical services personnel. The bill specifies conditions under which a certification can be revoked, particularly focusing on criminal convictions. One of the key aspects of the bill is its emphasis on keeping the public safe by ensuring that those certified to provide emergency medical services are held to strict standards regarding their criminal history.

Contention

While the bill appears to have a clear public safety aim, the specifics regarding which offenses would trigger revocation are a point of contention. Some stakeholders might argue that harsh penalties could inadvertently affect individuals who have made mistakes in the past but have since rehabilitated. Balancing public safety with fairness towards personnel who may deserve a second chance is a concern that may arise during discussions surrounding the bill.