HB 247 allows applicants for initial licensure to request that a criminal history records check be conducted by a state or local law enforcement agency or by a private vendor approved by the department  This bill was amended in the Rules Committee to provide authority to the Firefighters Standards and Training Council to refuse to grant a certificate or to discipline a certified firefighter upon the determination that the applicant or firefighter has been convicted of a felony offense.  This bill also requires a criminal background check on potential guardians prior to appointment by the probate court to serve as a guardian by court order.  This bill was signed by the Governor on April 16, 2012.

This bill creates a special crime of assault upon a health care worker while the worker is treating or transporting a person in the line of duty.  It applies to EMTs, paramedics, first responders and ambulance attendants.

HB 714 would require health clubs to have at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) on site by December 31, 2012. Health clubs would be required to notify the local emergency medical services system of the existence and location of the AED before it is placed in use.

This bill adds EMS workers and paramedics to the list of people who are required to report any cases of reasonably suspected child abuse.