Senate passes bill allowing EMS to treat injured working canines
March 26, 2026 | 2026 Legislature TN, Tennessee
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The Tennessee Senate on Thursday passed SB 2069, a bill that authorizes emergency medical services personnel to provide on-scene care and medical transport for trained public-safety working canines injured in the line of duty.
Supporters said the measure removes legal uncertainty that previously limited EMS response to injured K-9s. "Tennessee's working canines are public safety partners," Chairman Watson said, arguing the bill aligns state policy with more than 10 other states and ensures troopers and handlers can see immediate care for injured animals without exposing EMS to unintended veterinary-practice claims.
The bill's judiciary committee amendment specifies the scope of permitted care, exempts EMS from discipline by state boards when acting within the bill's limited authorization and clarifies that the measure does not expand veterinary licensure. Chairman Gardenhire said Amendment 1 authorizes EMS to stabilize and transport a canine but preserves the board of veterinary examiners' authority when care exceeds emergency stabilization.
Backers emphasized the bill applies only to dogs that are trained or in training and under the control of official law-enforcement, military, railroad police or similar personnel. "They are not pets," Watson said, citing roles such as detecting explosives, locating missing children and protecting officers.
The Senate adopted the committee amendment without objection and passed the bill on third and final consideration by voice and roll call: Ayes 30, Nays 0. Senator Watson later invited troopers and their canines to the well to recognize the passage.
The legislation takes effect according to its statutory schedule; no implementing regulations were discussed on the floor. There was no recorded floor opposition or proposed amendment to change the effective scope of care beyond the committee language.
Votes at a glance: SB 2069 — Passed on third and final consideration (Ayes 30, Nays 0).
What’s next: The bill, having passed the Senate, will be enrolled for transmission to the House or the governor as required by legislative procedure.
Supporters said the measure removes legal uncertainty that previously limited EMS response to injured K-9s. "Tennessee's working canines are public safety partners," Chairman Watson said, arguing the bill aligns state policy with more than 10 other states and ensures troopers and handlers can see immediate care for injured animals without exposing EMS to unintended veterinary-practice claims.
The bill's judiciary committee amendment specifies the scope of permitted care, exempts EMS from discipline by state boards when acting within the bill's limited authorization and clarifies that the measure does not expand veterinary licensure. Chairman Gardenhire said Amendment 1 authorizes EMS to stabilize and transport a canine but preserves the board of veterinary examiners' authority when care exceeds emergency stabilization.
Backers emphasized the bill applies only to dogs that are trained or in training and under the control of official law-enforcement, military, railroad police or similar personnel. "They are not pets," Watson said, citing roles such as detecting explosives, locating missing children and protecting officers.
The Senate adopted the committee amendment without objection and passed the bill on third and final consideration by voice and roll call: Ayes 30, Nays 0. Senator Watson later invited troopers and their canines to the well to recognize the passage.
The legislation takes effect according to its statutory schedule; no implementing regulations were discussed on the floor. There was no recorded floor opposition or proposed amendment to change the effective scope of care beyond the committee language.
Votes at a glance: SB 2069 — Passed on third and final consideration (Ayes 30, Nays 0).
What’s next: The bill, having passed the Senate, will be enrolled for transmission to the House or the governor as required by legislative procedure.
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