SB488 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Roger Bedford, Jr.

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Emergency Management Agency, required to issue photo identification cards to first responders, i.e., firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical personnel, who assist in disaster relief

Summary

The bill would require Alabama's Emergency Management Agency to issue standard photo ID cards to active and retired firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical personnel who request them to assist with on-site disaster relief.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the EMA must provide standard photo ID cards to eligible active or retired first responders who request them for on-site disaster relief. The cards would include the holder's name, agency, and active/retired status and would be valid for two years. Certification for firefighters and EMTs would come from the Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission, while certification for police would come from the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission. The EMA would pay the cost of issuing the cards.

Who It Affects

• Active and retired firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical personnel employed by or retired from state or local government who request identification cards for disaster relief work.
• Emergency Management Agency, which would issue the cards and cover their costs.
• Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission, as the certifying authority for firefighters and EMTs.
• Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission, as the certifying authority for law enforcement officers.

Key Provisions

• The EMA must issue standard photo identification cards to eligible responders who request them for on-site relief in a disaster-stricken area.
• Cards must include name, agency, and active or retired status.
• Firefighters and emergency medical technicians are certified by the Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission; law enforcement officers are certified by the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.
• Identifications are valid for two years.
• The EMA pays the cost of producing the cards.
• The act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Emergency Management Agency