All Roll Calls
Yes: 132 • No: 1
TennesseeSB 2069114th General Assembly (2025-2026)SenateWALLET
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 2; Title 44, Chapter 17; Title 63, Chapter 12 and Title 68, Chapter 140, relative to emergency services for specially trained animals.
Sponsored By: Bo Watson (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Medical Occupations
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
EMS care for injured working dogs
The veterinary board, with the EMS board, sets rules for a veterinary medicine service director and approves EMS training. A licensed veterinarian who meets those rules may serve as the director for an ambulance service. After finishing the approved training and with the director’s advice and authorization, EMS may give emergency care to a canine first responder at the scene or during transport. EMS may transport the dog to a vet clinic or hospital only when no person needs medical attention or transport. EMS who follow this law do not need a separate Tennessee veterinary license for this care. EMS are protected from civil and criminal liability when they act in good faith to give care, and also if they refuse to care for or transport the dog.
Who counts as a canine first responder
A canine first responder is a dog with specialized training, or in training, for police, military, patrol, detection, or search-and-rescue work. The dog must be used by and under the control of a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, railroad police commissioned under §65-6-133, or a member of the U.S. armed forces or Tennessee National Guard while on duty. EMS and handlers use this definition to decide when these dogs can get emergency care and transport.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Bo Watson
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Paul Bailey
Republican • Senate
Janice Bowling
Republican • Senate
Heidi Campbell
Democrat • Senate
Rusty Crowe
Republican • Senate
Todd Gardenhire
Republican • Senate
Ed Jackson
Republican • Senate
Mark Pody
Republican • Senate
Shane Reeves
Republican • Senate
Paul Rose
Republican • Senate
Ken Yager
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/2/2026
FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/2/2026
Yes: 94 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/26/2026
FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 3/26/2026
Yes: 31 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/17/2026
SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Yes: 7 • No: 1
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor.
4/16/2026SenateTransmitted to Governor for action.
4/7/2026SenateSigned by Senate Speaker
4/6/2026SenateSigned by H. Speaker
4/6/2026HouseSubst. for comp. HB.
4/2/2026HouseAm. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0724)
4/2/2026HousePassed H., Ayes 94, Nays 0, PNV 0
4/2/2026HouseEnrolled and ready for signatures
4/2/2026SenateRcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
3/30/2026HouseSenate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0757)
3/26/2026SenatePassed Senate as amended, Ayes 31, Nays 0
3/26/2026SenateSponsor(s) Added.
3/26/2026SenateEngrossed; ready for transmission to House
3/26/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Regular Calendar for 3/26/2026
3/24/2026SenateRecommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 7, Nays 1 PNV 0
3/17/2026SenateAction deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 3/17/2026
3/16/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/17/2026
3/16/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/16/2026
3/11/2026SenateSponsor(s) Added.
2/17/2026SenatePassed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
2/5/2026SenateIntroduced, Passed on First Consideration
2/2/2026SenateFiled for introduction
1/22/2026Senate
Bill Text
Fiscal Note
HA0724
Introduced
SA0757
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