Wisconsin Legislative Council
AMENDMENT MEMO
One Ea st Ma in Stre e t, Suite 401 • Ma dison, W I 53703 • (608) 266-1304 • le g.council@le gis.wisconsin.gov • http://www.le gis.wisconsin.gov/lc
Memo published: February 15, 2024 Contact: Amber Otis, Senior Staff Attorney
2023 Senate Bill 829 Senate Amendment 1
BACKGROUND
State law allows certain licensed emergency medical service professionals to obtain a “tactical
emergency medical services” (TEMS) endorsement from the Department of Health Services (DHS). A
professional with a TEMS endorsement generally operates as part of a tactical team, defined as a
paramilitary special operations tactical unit typically found in law enforcement or the military that
responds to threats to public safety.
2023 SENATE BILL 829
2023 Senate Bill 829 creates exemptions from restrictions on the possession of a firearm in various
places for TEMS professionals who have been certified by the Law Enforcement Standards Board
(LESB), as provided under the bill, and are acting in the line of duty.
The bill defines a TEMS professional as a licensed emergency medical services professional who has
been endorsed by DHS as a person who provides medical services when operating as part of a tactical
team. To become certified, a TEMS professional must satisfactorily complete minimum training
standards established by the LESB and be certified by LESB as being qualified to be a TEMS
professional.
Additionally, for a TEMS professional to continue to be certified, he or she must maintain employment
as a TEMS professional and meet the LESB’s annual recertification training standards, including
completing a handgun qualification course from curricula based on model standards established by
LESB under current law.
SENATE AMENDMENT 1
Senate Amendment 1 generally requires that a TEMS professional have the approval of the sheriff or
chief of police for the jurisdiction in which the person is authorized to carry out his or her duties.
Specifically, Senate Amendment 1 adds to the definition of TEMS professional a condition that the
person is operating with the prior approval of the sheriff or chief of police for the jurisdiction in which
the person is authorized to carry out his or her duties. Likewise, under the amendment, no person may
be certified as a TEMS professional without the prior written approval of the sheriff or chief of police for
the jurisdiction in which the person is authorized to carry out his or her duties, and no person may
continue to be certified as a TEMS professional unless the person maintains that approval.
BILL HISTORY
Senator Wanggaard offered Senate Amendment 1 on February 8, 2024. On February 13, 2024, the
Senate adopted the amendment and passed the bill, as amended, on voice votes.
For a full history of the bill, visit the Legislature’s bill history page.
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