HB 427 Perkins, Chad
HB 427 -- TELECOMMUNICATOR FIRST RESPONDERS
SPONSOR: Perkins
This bill replaces the term “emergency telecommunicator” with “telecommunicator first responder”; adds a telecommunicator first responder to the definition of “first responder”, and creates a “Missouri state highway patrol telecommunicator” definition.
This bill adds "telecommunicator first responder" to the definition of "first responder" for provisions of law that:
1) Prohibit political subdivisions from prohibiting first responders from engaging in political activity while off duty and not in uniform; and
2) Authorize schools to enter into agreements with local voluntary organizations of first responders to provide hands-on practice and skills testing regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The bill also replaces the term "emergency telecommunicator" with "telecommunicator first responder" in the provision of law that authorizes political subdivisions to include such persons in their retirement system.
The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is authorized to offer vaccination programs for first responders and Missouri highway patrol telecummunicators.
For purposes of the laws regulating the Missouri 911 Emergency Service Board, the board is required to promote and educate the public about the critical role of telecommunicator first responders in protecting the public.