SB324 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Linda Coleman-MadisonKirk Hatcher

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Firefighting agencies, paramedics employed by a firefighting agency of a Class 1 municipality are exempt from certain physical fitness requirements, Sec. 36-32-7 am'd.

Summary

Extends the firefighter trainee physical fitness exemption for paramedics from Class 1 municipalities to paramedics in all Class municipalities.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 36-32-7 to exempt paramedics employed by a firefighting agency from meeting the minimum physical requirements to be a firefighter trainee. The exemption would apply to paramedics in any Class municipality, not just Class 1. Paramedics would still need to meet other requirements, such as physician certification and general employment qualifications and training rules. Other staff categories listed in current law (e.g., fire prevention inspectors, fire protection engineers, public fire and life safety educators, public safety dispatchers, clerical staff) remain exempt from the minimum physical requirements as trainees.

Who It Affects

• Paramedics employed by a firefighting agency in Class 1 municipalities — would continue to be exempt from the minimum physical requirements to serve as firefighter trainees.
• Paramedics employed by a firefighting agency in any Class municipality (including Class 2 and higher) — would gain the exemption, broadening the rule beyond Class 1.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 36-32-7(a) to exempt paramedics employed by a firefighting agency from the minimum physical requirements to be a firefighter trainee.
• Extends the exemption to paramedics across all Class municipalities, not only Class 1.
• Maintains that paramedics must still meet other health and employment requirements and training provisions as applicable to firefighters.
• Notes that other listed positions (fire prevention inspector, fire protection engineer, public fire and life safety educator, public safety dispatcher, clerical staff) remain exempt from the minimum physical requirements as trainees.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Firefighting Agency