Senate designates animal control officers as first responders, expands support eligibility

The Senate approved SB 102 to recognize animal control officers as first responders, a change sponsors said will make those officers eligible for funding, grants and mental‑health resources typically available to other first responder professions.

Senator Plumb said the designation formalizes what many jurisdictions already practice and will "offer up the opportunity for the mental health supports that they need. They see the awful things too that other first responders see." She noted wide support from local animal services, law enforcement associations and state agencies.

Senator Owens asked whether the change imposes new certification requirements such as EMT licenses; Plumb answered it does not create additional EMT mandates and that animal control officers would remain within their existing training lanes. The Senate recorded 21 yea, 7 nay and 1 absent on the roll call and read the bill a third time.

The sponsor indicated the change could improve access to grant programs and bolster recognition of animal control personnel across municipalities.