Texas House Bill HB3096

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a pilot program for carrying automated external defibrillators in certain Department of Public Safety vehicles.

Impact

The bill requires that each DPS vehicle in the designated regions carry an AED and mandates thorough documentation of each instance where the device is utilized. This information will include the specific location and circumstances of usage, which are crucial for evaluating the program's effectiveness. Furthermore, by stipulating a submission of a report by December 1, 2028, which will detail the results and findings of the pilot program, the bill fosters an ongoing assessment of its practical implications and the overall impact on public safety.

Summary

House Bill 3096 establishes a pilot program that mandates the inclusion of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in certain Department of Public Safety (DPS) vehicles specifically utilized for highway patrol in the West Texas and Northwest Texas regions. The primary aim of the bill is to enhance the emergency response capabilities of the law enforcement agencies by ensuring that AEDs are readily accessible in vehicles dispatched to emergencies, potentially saving lives in critical situations involving cardiac arrest.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on improving public health outcomes, there could be implications regarding the budgeting and logistics involved in maintaining the AEDs and associated training for DPS personnel. Critics may argue that the state should ensure adequate funding and support for such initiatives, as the success of the pilot program hinges not only on equipment availability but also on the proper training of officials on its use. Thus, ensuring effective deployment alongside necessary training protocols could become a point of contention in discussions surrounding the bill.