All Roll Calls
Yes: 123 • No: 16
ArizonaSB 1235Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular SessionSenateWALLET
EMS reciprocity; compact.
Sponsored By: John Kavanagh (Republican)
Signed by Governor
compactdefinitionsemergency medical servicesemergency medical services licensure interstate compactems (h)ems reciprocitypublic health and safety - title 36rulemakingstate government - title 41 (h)
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 3 mixed.
EMS workers can practice across state lines
Arizona recognizes qualifying EMS licenses from other compact states. Workers must be at least 18, hold a current unrestricted license, and practice under a medical director. Their work follows the remote state’s rules and the home state’s scope of practice. During an emergency response covered by the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, that compact’s rules take priority; compatible agreements with nonmember states can continue.
Faster EMS licensing for military families
Member states must speed up EMS license applications for veterans, active service members, National Guard or reserve members leaving active duty, and their spouses. Applicants need a current, unrestricted National Registry certification at or above the license level they seek. That certification meets the state’s minimum training and exam requirements.
Shared rules for EMS compact states
The law creates a commission to run the EMS compact and issue rules that have the force of law in member states. States must enforce the compact, and courts must recognize it in relevant cases. The compact takes effect when enacted in the tenth member state; states joining later follow the rules in place when the compact becomes law there.
Legal protection for EMS commission staff
Commission members, officers, employees, and representatives are protected from civil suits for covered acts within their duties. The protection does not cover intentional, wilful, or wanton misconduct. The commission must defend and cover qualifying claims, settlements, or judgments, subject to that exception.
New operating costs for EMS compact
The commission can collect yearly assessments from member states or fees from other parties to cover operating costs. State assessments must be enough to cover the commission’s approved annual budget. The law does not set the amount of any assessment or fee.
EMS license records shared across states
The commission must keep a shared system of EMS license, investigation, and disciplinary records. States must submit information required by commission rules, and the database administrator must promptly alert states about adverse actions or significant investigations. A state can keep information it submits from public view, and the database must remove information when that state’s law requires expungement.
New screening rules for Arizona EMS licenses
Arizona must meet licensing and reporting standards for its EMS licenses to qualify for interstate practice. Initial EMT and paramedic applicants must take the National Registry exam. No later than five years after compact activation, Arizona must require fingerprint or other biometric criminal background checks for initial applicants. Qualifying federal employees can use the stated suitability-check exception.
States face rules for EMS compact disputes
The commission must offer training and technical help when a state defaults, and it must set rules for mediation and binding dispute resolution. It can sue a defaulting state, and member states can end that state’s membership after other compliance steps fail. A state can withdraw by repealing the compact, but withdrawal takes effect six months later; existing obligations remain due through termination.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
John Kavanagh
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 6/9/2026
Final Reading: Passed
Yes: 26 • No: 3
Senate vote • 6/9/2026
Concurrence: Passed
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 4/14/2026
Third Reading: Passed
Yes: 45 • No: 10
House vote • 3/30/2026
Rules: C&P
Yes: 8 • No: 0
House vote • 3/23/2026
Health & Human Services: DPA
Yes: 10 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/3/2026
Third Reading: Passed
Yes: 27 • No: 3
Senate vote • 2/18/2026
Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency: DP
Yes: 7 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor
6/19/2026GovernorFinal Reading: Passed
6/9/2026SenateConcurrence: Passed
6/9/2026SenateThird Reading: Passed
4/14/2026HouseCommittee of the Whole: do pass amended
4/9/2026HouseRules: C&P
3/30/2026HouseHouse Second Reading
3/23/2026HouseHealth & Human Services: DPA
3/23/2026HouseHouse First Reading
3/19/2026HouseThird Reading: Passed
3/3/2026SenateRules: PFC
2/23/2026SenateRegulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency: DP
2/18/2026SenateSenate Second Reading
1/22/2026SenateSenate First Reading
1/21/2026Senate
Bill Text
Chaptered Version
House Engrossed Version (04/14/2026)
Introduced Version
Senate Engrossed Version (03/03/2026)