Local Law Enforcement Vehicles - Requirements - Automated External Defibrillators
HB0032 requires every local law enforcement vehicle in Maryland to carry an automated external defibrillator (AED). The bill defines an AED by reference to federal Food and Drug Administration standards and describes the device as one that can detect certain life-threatening heart rhythms and determine whether defibrillation is needed. It also requires the device to be able to charge automatically and either require operator action to deliver the shock or deliver it automatically.
The bill further directs each local law enforcement agency to maintain the functionality of the AEDs carried in its vehicles. The measure is set to take effect on October 1, 2026. In practical terms, the bill would add a new operational requirement for local police and other local law enforcement fleets, creating an equipment and maintenance obligation tied to emergency response readiness.
HB0032 would add a new section to the Public Safety Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, creating a statewide requirement for local law enforcement vehicles to be equipped with AEDs and for agencies to keep those devices functional. This would affect local law enforcement agencies and potentially require budgetary, procurement, training, and maintenance adjustments to ensure compliance. The bill does not create a new criminal penalty or change arrest powers; instead, it imposes an equipment standard on local public safety operations.
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a public-safety and emergency-response enhancement, with an emphasis on improving the ability of officers to respond to cardiac emergencies. There are no recorded votes or committee transcript excerpts provided, so there is no documented opposition or support in the supplied materials. The fact that the bill was assigned to Judiciary and received a hearing suggests it was being considered in the normal legislative process without any visible controversy in the available record.
The main potential points of contention are likely to be cost, implementation, and maintenance responsibilities for local law enforcement agencies, since the bill mandates both carrying and keeping AEDs functional. Agencies or local governments could raise concerns about purchasing devices, replacing batteries or pads, training personnel, and ensuring compliance across all vehicles. Another possible issue is whether the requirement should apply uniformly to all local law enforcement vehicles regardless of agency size or budget, but no specific objections are documented in the provided materials.