SB7 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Civil procedure, extending immunity to certain firefighter paramedics or firefighter emergency medical technicians, Sec. 6-5-338 am'd.

Summary

SB7 would extend tort immunity to Alabama firefighter paramedics and firefighter EMTs (tactical medics) when they are on-duty providing medical and support services to tactical law enforcement units.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds 'tactical medic' to the group of public officers who have immunity from tort liability for discretionary actions within the line and scope of law enforcement duties. It defines a tactical medic as a licensed firefighter paramedic or firefighter EMT employed by the state or a local government, on-duty in direct support of a tactical unit to provide medical services, contingency planning, and operational weapon support. Immunity applies to these public officers and their governmental employers for acts within their law enforcement duties, while private individuals or private employers are not granted immunity; off-duty private employers still must carry liability insurance. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

Who It Affects

• Firefighter paramedics and firefighter emergency medical technicians licensed by Alabama and employed by the state or a county/municipality, who operate on-duty in direct support of tactical law enforcement units: would gain tort immunity for discretionary actions within the line and scope of their law enforcement duties.
• State and local government agencies and the departments that employ peace officers or tactical medics: their on-duty actions in support of tactical operations would be shielded by immunity when performing duties.
• Private individuals or private non-governmental entities: continue to not receive immunity; private off-duty employers of peace officers must maintain liability insurance (at least $100,000) for acts by off-duty officers.

Key Provisions

• Section 6-5-338(a) is amended to include 'tactical medic' as a category with immunity from tort liability for discretionary conduct within the line and scope of law enforcement duties.
• Section 6-5-338(d) defines 'tactical medic' as a firefighter paramedic or firefighter EMT licensed in Alabama, employed by the state or a county/municipality, on-duty in direct support of a tactical law enforcement unit to provide medical services, contingency planning, and operational weapon support.
• The bill maintains that immunity applies to public officers and governmental units authorized to appoint peace officers; no immunity is extended to private individuals or private employers for off-duty activities.
• Section 2 sets the act to become effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Civil Procedure